Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1902-11-18


cupy, and afforded much satisfaction to
them and their friends who were pres
ent, as It refuted the ISLANDERS that had
appeared in the Tribune.
In business way Mr. Cummings had
lately made the Acquaintance of one OF
the staff writer's on the Tribune, and
had some hope Of gaining access to the
columns Of the paper for a reply. For
this purpose he called upon the member
Of the STAFF whom he knew, but was re
ferred to the Sunday editor" In whose
department the matter belonged.
An interview ensued during which
some statements and admissions were
made which are worthy Of record, En-
tcrng the office of the Sunday editor
Mr.. Cummings presented his card, brief
~ referred to the Objectionable article,
aud stated that he would like to have
an opportunity to reply to il,
90 you Mormons haven't got any
friends nobody wants TO read anything
favorable about you" was the blunt an
swer Of the Sunday editor, Mr., Cum
things urged that the article was not
only unjust hut ridiculous IN many of
Its statements, and that any reputable
American newspaper which had pub
llshcd such matter ought to have the
fairness TO give place to a reply I'VE
don't print what we like, or what we
believe ourselves. but what the people
want to read" answered the Sunday
editor. Later he added Personally |
don't take any stock in this sensational
sluif that Is printed about the Mormons
such MS these stories Of blood atone
menL don't believe anything Of the
kind, / am not preiudiced against the
Mormons on the contrary | give them
q great deal of credit. But you know
we must print what the people want to
read"
"wll you print reply?' polntedly
asked Mr.. Cummings 1T all depends
whether you make II interesting If you
care to write something that the public
viii like to read We might publish It,
But can't promise. You may write
something and submit IT," said the
Sunday editor would you prefer to
have It IN the form of an interview or
communication asked Mr.. Cum
mings Make ii In the form OF state
ment, and hive Mr., Woodruff sign H.
answered the Tribune man, He referred
to Elder A. H. Woodruff, president of
the Northern states mission. "But don't
write II In a way TO call out a reply
from the other side, We don't want
any controversy and parties on the
other side may come and demand space
to reply to you. We don't want any
thing of that kind We can't have any
controversy"
A reply to the article in question was
written. 1t was couched in respectful
language, was signed by President a.
II. Woodruff, and was. In the main,
historical review Of the matters in
yolyed. President Woodruff and Mr.
Cummings went together and handed II
to the Sunday editor, The latter re-
ceved them very brusqusly glanced
hastily over the manuscript said It was
too long, but that he might use part OF
lt--he'd see. He then abruptly left the
room. giving his callers no alternative
but to do likewise,
NO part Of the reply has ever APP
peared In the Tribune, nor was the
manuscript returned. That tells the
whole story, Fairness. justice, cut no
figure In sensational Journalism To
pander to a deprayed public taste seems
the prime purpose in that kind Of news
paper enterprise,