The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-28
AS TO "PERsONALS.v
The Newspapers, as a Rule, Are Very
Merciful.
Richmond (va.) News-Leader.

Richmond Va.) News-Leader.
One of the legitimate purposes and func-
tons of newspaper in this day is to keep
people informed concerning each other and
to tell the public what it has right to
know of social events and persons who
are interesting because Of their promi-
came to town, for instance, 1t was but a
matter Of an evening and day to have
the fact circulated all through her circle
of personal friends and acquaintance. AS
communities become larger. however, this
plan is impracticable. 1t is entirely legiti-
mate and proper to send to the newspa-
is in the city and to give the address for
the information OF their friends. Certain
social functions, as, for instance, large
church weddings are in a measure public
property. Many people are invited to see
them and they are made spectacular and
picturesque. presumably at least for the
pleasure of the guests. There Is no reason
be described in the newspaper respectfully
and accurately. AS to other weddings,
propriety requires that they should be pub
nounce them simply by advertisements con-
tanning the name of the bride and groom
and official clergyman. but public taste and
interest, which we cannot say are Initiated
or depraved, demand some more particu-
lars. and we do not see why they should
be withheld.
all these matters. 1t is true that some of
the people who are loudest in denouncing
the newspapers on all occasions are among
the first to ask fayors Of them and that
those who deplore the invasion of privacy
and turn UP their noses at the personal and
social prominence given to their neighbors
are ready, usually, perhaps, after some lit
tie display of coyness, to go into the most
painful particulars and most minute de-
tails concerning their own affairs-except
when the connection happens to be in some
way unfortunate or shady, in which case
they are ferociously or abjectly or other
wise earnestly intent on suppression. Yet
these very same people are the first to
grumble and accuse the newspapers OF SUBJ
serviency to social and financial influence
when the details of a scandal or crime or
misfortune involving some other family
are suppressed or treated conservatively
All of this is part of human nature and
newspapers learn to deal with ii good
hdmoredly and as part OF the DAYS work
1t is all told in the familiar old fable of
the goring of the OK.
We are approaching a sensible and busi-
'nesslike basis in which newspapers and
utable newspaper wants to intrude itself
improperly on the sanctity of private life or
desires to hurt the feelings the character
of anybody. AS rule. the newspapers are
very merciful They have certain well-es-
tablished traditions and regulations as TO
what is and is not legitimate news. They
violate these much more frequently on the
side of mercy than otherwise. They try
to give the public the Information person.
al and other. which the public pays to get.
and which ii is entitled to have for its
money. If there was less affection and van
ity among the peorle in good society the re-
lations of those people with newspapers
would be entirely satisfactory. because any
honest dealing can readily come TO an un-
Outstanding with its local newspa pers as
to what shall and shall not be done con-
corning its affairs.