The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-06-26
pexeIopment of the Editorial.

Kansas City Star
The essay on "The Boston Newspapers in the June
Boolnan throws light ON an obscure point in newspaper
erowhe development of the editorial into its present
form ANY one who has followed the current magazine liter
allure on the subject OF journalism must have been struck
with the emphasis laid the recent development OF news
in the newspaper economy The implication is that the
newspaper founded editorial sheet and that the
addition Of news dispatches was of recent date.
But after having gained this impression If one turns to
files Of newspapers early the last century he will be
aed find editorial comment in the form in which ap
There temsndeed the hrst issue OF
the New York Evening Post printed in 1901 has one head
ed photographic Dispatch there advertisements and
there letters of various descriptions but there are no
editorials II these letters which McMaster cites so fire.
oueny in his History OF the People OF the United States
to show public opinion different measures Most OF them
signed with Latin names-Tuly and Publus and JUS
ta and Pro Bono Publco Under names sreh as these
Hamilton Madison Burr and others engaged in their famous
controversies Evidently the modern editorial is develop
ent from these In the earlier newspapers however
most Of them written by outsiders The editor rarely
contributed such discussion His efforts to have been
confined largely the gathering of for the newspaper
originated a news letter
Thus the New York Evening Post was founded as the
organ OF Hamilton and his friends They wanted journal
which would print their views the great questions OF the
day When comment was desired they furnished it. When
nothing was doing the editor filled his sheet with routine
news TO which added letters From Gentleman at the
Falls Of the Ohio From Traveller Recently Returned
From Southern Journey and similar communications.
The writer in the Bookman claims for Boston the honor
OF originating the present editorial form. The Boston Daily
Advertiser and Repertory the first successful Boston daily
founded in 1873 and the next year passed into the
hands Nathan Hale nephew of the of the Revolution
Hale began substitute leading articles written in the Of
fee for those formerly furnished by the stawart Romans
"Fabius" "Honestus" "Nov-Angus, "Laco and "Massa-
cuettenss The fashion by the Advertiser wide
copied and length became general In confederation Of
his statement Bookmau contributor quotes from speech
Edward Everetts, brother-inaw of Hales, made in
1863;
"It was said by the founder and editor of the Boston
Courier (Nr Buckingham that the Advertiser was the
journal which systematically introduced the editorial dis
cussion Of political topics that branch journalism hav
ing before been left correspondents the celebrated
OF whom are the authors of the Federais and Junius
Mr., Hale take such pride in his innovation that
when distinguished like Everett and Webster offered
articles for editorials he insisted printing them
communications. Only the staff allowed to write
the regular editorial The value OF Nathan Haes
idea apparent from the fact that it has survived the vi
csudes OF hree-1uarers of century and is employed
in every newspaper OF Importance in the country.