The Lafayette advertiser. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], La.) 1865-19??, 1904-12-07
Thelnflusnce OF NEWSPAPERS.

mArhInX on the sale OF the yrea
London newspaper, the Standard
declared that it was another evidenc,
Of . fact which had been growing int
notOriety of the decay of the power O
the London press.
The Standard was sold TO a Mr.. G.
A. Pearson. who is said to be q mem.
Der of the school of journalism to
which Sir Alfred HarnswOrth belongs,
In which the publication of news is
n chief object. The London Stand
ard was considered one Of the most
conservative papers in England. AL
though it was partisan in politics.
being usually a warm supporter of the
Tory Party, it IA always scrupu-
lously honest and as nearly impartial
Is a paper with positive opinions
actively maintained could be.
The Spectator, commenting on the
change OF ownership, which was GER
tain to bring a change in the char
acter and the known characteristics of
the Standard. declares that there is a
tendency to decay in the representa-
tive character in London journalism
which experienced observers have
marked for some years with ever
increasing regret. 1t points out that
the Times. which was once a very
great newspaper, has become almost
q Chamberlain organ. The Telegraph
and Morning Post are on the same
side. The Daily News represents
the extreme school of Nonconformist
~radicalisn. while the Daily Chronicle
Is now, since its reduction in price.
written for the IMAM in the street."
The Spectator, as a result of the
changes that have taken place, notices
a'perceptible decline in the influence
OF the press. 1t holds that while
education greatly increases the desire
to read newspapers, it greatly dimin.
ishes the readiness to take newspaper
opinion for gospel"
The Wall Street New York; .Jour.
nal, whose devotion to subjects of
finance does not prevent it from OBJ
serving and commenting on other
matters, declares that there is no CITY
IN the world where as little respect is
given 70 the opinions of the newspaper
press as in the American metropolis.
The Journal points out that in the
election of 1903 practically every
newspaper of consequence in. New
York city opposed the Tammany cam
dfdste for Mayor, but he was elected
by . huge majority. In the election
OF 1904 most of the papers in the city
opposed President Roosevelt, but he
cut down the Democratic majority in
very notable fashion. There was a
time in England, as the Spectator
points out, when John Delane, editor
OF the Times, was really the strong
man in England, with influence
which made his journal, on occasion,
. counterpoise to the Cabinet" but
no one has sincesheld that position in
England, and no newspaper in the
United States has occupied any such
position in later years, if ever at any
other time.
AS to the United States, the remark
made above II true enough as regards
he entire Republic, but not as to
localities. There have been papers
which exerted great influence in the {
towns and cities where they were I
published, but it would be impossible {
or any en~unciator Of political doc I
'rines to control by its opinion this {
grest nation Or one Of its political {
but there have been local and I
provincial papers of great influence. {
n influence Of . public journal q
must be based on two .thingsAfrst. {
he honesty of its opinions and con- b
entions, and, second, on the ability 6
viah which such Q journal is con- t
lucted. A paper devoted to the ex- ]
'ression and maintenance of honor $
'ble principles, and is fair and honest :
2 its treatment Of important questions, Il
'nd seeks 70 promote as far as pos r
ible the good Of the community and 9 :
eople for whom it essays to speak, :
conducoed With reasonable ability,
Ill gain and hold = large share Of +
ublic confidence and exert NO small
egree Of public influence.
But no party organ and M inter. N