New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-17
THE PULITZER FOUNDATION.

The announcement of Mr.. Joseph Pulitzer
munificent purpose TO found and endow School
of Journalism in Columbia University is or
deep interest, not only TO the profession or
which he is a distinguished member, but to all
intelligent citizens who have studiously con-
sidered the place which newspapers occupy IN
modern life Indeed, it is of real Importance
to millions who may fail to perceive that 1t
affects their welfare may possibly remain
unaware of the existence Of such an institution
Even those who profess contempt for news
papers or cherish a feeling of resentment
toward them are constrained to admit that they
exercise an enormous influence, directly and
Indirectly. in the affairs of the world-an in
fuence which is probably destined to increase
rather than diminish with the progress of time.
1t is undeniably. therefore matter of uni
versal concern that the quality OF newspapers
should improve. that they should reflect a wider
knowledge. higher motives. a more intelligent
sympathy with the endeavors and needs of
mankind. II is Mr.. PutZers intention 10 pro-
vide an agency through which successive
groups of young men desiring 10 make journal
ism their life work may become specifically
quaIified-not. indeed, to produce great news
papers. but TO undertake the practical labor of
newspaper production. II is his hope that, be-
ginning with such advantages of training and
with the sense of responsibility which such
training may be expected to induce, they will
gradually raise the moral and intellectual
standard of their profession and make the press
more nearly what it ought 10 be
In view of the modern diversifcation OF the
university curriculum it is remarkable fact
that, as 1.-THE New-York World" said yesterday
in announcing its proprietors novel contribu-
ton to the educational forces of the country,
ie -
frank in which a young man desiring TO enter
newspaper work can attain a systematic
training covering the whole field of his
chosen profession 1t may be thought
still more remarkable that, without the facil-
tiles for the equipment of beginners which
have always been deemed indispensable
to other occupations not more exacting the
newspapers are as good as they are-that on
the whole they are served with so much intelli-
gence, skill and conscientious devotion to high
aims Referring to conditions in which Mr..
Pulitzer hopes to initiate a change, "The
World remarks:
1t is the fashion in the newspaper world TO
say that this is as it should be-to ridicule the
idea of training the recruits Of the press for
their work, and to insist that journalism, alone
of all arts, sciences, trades and professions in
the world, cannot be systematically taught but
must be picked up boy picks UP a knowl-
edge of swimming when he is thrown into deep
water.
Our impression is that the fashion thus pun
gently discredited has already shown some
signs of dying out: that the establishment of
courses in various educational institutions
which are more or less we'll adapted to the
preliminary requirements of newspaper work
ers testiies to an increasing belief that an ed,
ucational want is left to be supplied. 1t is
highly honorable to Mr.. Pulitzer that by
extending and concentrating such meagre in
strumentalities he seeks to relieve others start
ing on the path which he has followed with
signal success Of the obstacles with which it
seems to him TO be beset. 1t is earnestly to be
hoped that the School of Journalism which he
is founding will remain permanent and benef-
cent memorial of his sagacity and public spirit