The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-15
IMPROVING THE PRESS.
Suggestions of Well known Men 20
Newspaper CIab.

Newspaper tlub-
NEW YORK, Feb 14-Governor oden.
Cardinal Gibbons. Bishop Potter. WI Ting
fang Thomas A. Edison, and large num-
Der OF other prominent men have con-
tributed to symposium started by the
Correspondents Club, of New York
The question, How can the influence of
the press be increased" was sent to more
than hundred well-known persons. and
replies were received from nearly all of
them. These replies were read at the an
nual dinner of the club. held tonight at
the Black Cat Restaurant The clubs idea
was to get from distinguished readers, as
well as makers OF newspapers. their views
as to the best way OF making the press
better and more powerful
G. p. Brown. President Of the club
which is composed exclusively of the New
York correspondents of the leading out-of-
town newspapers, presided at the dinner
This being held on ST. Valentines Day. the
dinner cards we're valentines, in the shape
of hearts. to which we're attached small
bags OF salt, with the words underneath.
ITO my fresh young friend" Each mem
Der also received dinner souvenir. con-
sisting OF Book OF Roasts." containing
humorous biographies Of those present,
illustrated. Alfred E. Pearsall contributed
10 t1e enjoyment OIL the occasion with
songs and recitations.
The following are selections from the
contributions 20 the symposium:
Cardinal Gibbons: Il beg to say that
the influence of the press has considera-
bly, increased within the past fifty years.
During this period It has enlisted in its
service some of the ablest men in the
country. l think that the influence of the
press would be much increased by a strict
adherence to facts in recording events,
and by scrupulous accuracy In reporting
the expressions of public men.
After giving facts as they are the
press. of course, has the right to make its
own comments. Its great power should
always be exerted in steering the ship by
the chart mapped out by the fathers of
the Republic
WI Ting-fang, Chinese Minister: "As
an exhaustive expression upon this sub
1ect would require more time than / can
possibly spare, and as you intimate that
even a few words will be acceptable. I
will simply say that the influence of the
press can be increased by strict adh ersnce
to facts. Falsehood. Intentionally or
otherwise, may gain for time. but the
truth will eventually triumph. The temp
tation to exaggerate or distort the facts
or circulate sense tional reports is some
times too great to overcome. But II time
and trouble are taken to investigate SO
that what is published is in accordance
with the facts, the paper cannot fail to
gain the confidence of its readers and
thereby increase it's influence
Another point which the press should
give heed to is to respect the character
and reputation of individuals and avoid
publications Of a libelous nature By re-
speeting others you gain respect for your
self"
Andrew Carnegie: Certainly it can. The
paper which obtains a reputation for pub
fishing authentic news and only that
which IS fit to print. and which editorially
writes temporarily, although always de-
cidedly Will steadily increase its innu-
ence."
Thomas A. Edison: by publishing
fact now and then
Hon. Amos ]. Cummings: Subscribe for
The Commoner.
W. J. Bryan First, a newspaper will
exert greater influence other things be-
ing equal, If it is known TO represent on
public questions the deliberate convic- |
lions OF some person person of flesh and |
blood, not corporation. The New York |
Tribune, under Greeley, was a good illus |
tration of such paper
Second, the influence of newspaper,
other things being equal. will be greater |
IL 1t is known who owns the paper ana |
controls its policy, and that that person |
has not interests adverse to the interests |
of the readers. So many newspapers are |
owned by, or mortgaged to, spectators, |
capitalists, and monopolists, and are used |
for advocating or excusing legislation hav- |
ing for its object the comforting of special |
privileges upon few OF the people at
the expense of the rest Of the people, that |
the press has been robbed of much of its !
legitimate influence.
Third, the influence of the press will |
be increased by greater unity in the sup |
port of any good cause and in the con-
demnation of any bad practice. The char |
acter of paper is affected less by priority |
in the discovery of felony than by per-
sis.ence in the prosecution of the felon. |
In other words. a principle is more i'm
portant than a scoop.
Lieut.. Gen. Nelson A. Miles: "In re-
Spouse TO your invitation let me say in
brief that the newspapers of the hour
furnish the materials which the historian
crystallizes into story of the worlds |
events. The vital element of this story is |
truth. 1t should be held as vital as re- |
ligion itself. The responsibility for the |
increase of the influence of the press rests |
with you correspondents, who should sac |
rifce sensation to accuracy. and who /
should, in painting your word pictures, |
have a greater care fGr true proportion
and perspective
John Hay: Il do not consider myself |
competent to give advice on this subject