Arizona republican., 1903-05-10
HOW TO TREAT A REPORTER
Why Shouldn't the Public Be schooled
 as to the News Seekers Rights.

One of the leading reporters in this | city was introduced to a Wall street broker, q man of no considerable conse- quence, but much puffed up with his | success as an eighths- quarter go- getween. The introducer had neglected to mention that he was a reporter, and l-the conversation was general. Later on he identity of the gentleman was eX- posed whereupon the broker threw up his hands exclaiming: Good God! A reporter! I'm ruined. Why didn't you say so before you introduced him?' The situation was slightly strained. The re- porter said quietly Don't let that wo-- ry you. In the first place. l am not here for news, ideas or suggestions. In the second. what you know is not worth publishing. In the third, nobody out side of this office ever heard of you; therefore, what you might say would be of no newspaper interest. In the fourth. I carry more Wall street se- crets in my memory than you ever dreamed of-secrets of big men and great men and great institutions. You are perfectly safe. Good morning"
 Tn less than two months that broker
 
 the reporter, begging him to mention an affair in which he personally was deeply interested He is one of nu- merous class affecting to be holier than reporters as a stepping stone to high office. They will take him into their confidence, steer him safely between the devil and the deep sea, help him to earn his salary by loading him up with news. and incidentally prosper ther own cause. A combination of re- porters could ruin any man in this country. Owners of papers. editors-in- chief, managing editors and city edi- tors cannot possibly get in so close touch with the average man as can the reporters, the office representatives, whom they send out to hunt for facts in the market place. the palace. the hovel the prison, the church, the wide wide world
 I should like to propose high school for the education of all men on the sub ject of How to Treat a Reporter" It would end all friction. Let the public first understand that the reporter is bound to have the news at all risks. If he cannot get it at first hand he will IT is. not going back to his editor with j. hangdog look and say he has failed. Never! He will fake frst-and taka chances of being caught or vindicated. On reputable papers. if caught Taking, he loses his job. No reporter in his right senses wants to fake. He wants the truth every time. Then why hide 1t? Why insult him? Why keep him out on the still hunt all night when by treating him in a common sensible manner you could set him right in a second and have early copy for the composing room?
 Many persons look down on reporters as if they were inferior creatures. They forget that ninety nine times in one hundred the newsgatherers are of high CT caste than those from whom they seek information. Reporters are not looking for anything good about peopAc, for the public would never stop to read it. They want all the bad about men and women they can dig out, and it is the bad things about bad people that make the newspaper interesting. Through long mingling with the evil ciassese reporters become contamin- ated. and it must not be wondered at if there should be an occasional fall from grace. I do lot know any reporters who are angels, and I do know some who are devils with painted wings. but take them all in all they are the best set of fellows in the world. working like mad for their employers, spending liberally. living merrily and ever eager to do a favor and forget it.-New YorK Press.