Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1904-03-31
THE SHADOW OF HEARST.

both parties, notably the Democratic
whom it most concerns.
Following the deposition of Bryan
! from leadership came the hope among
the old-line Democrats that reorgani-
cation Of the party might be perfected
that would free it from the elements o.
Socialism and Populism that had taker
possession and restore it to the ole
plane of sobriety and conservatism
where it might command a following
from the business interests that have
latterly looked at it askance. This
hope has been evidenced in the renew
ed activity of such men as Cleveland,
Hill and Olney. 1t has led TO the sug-
gestion OF such men as German and
Parker as presidential nominees.
And because of the RELOCATION of Bry-
an and his theories it has promised
success.
But this pleasant prospect now bids
fair TO fade from view, obscured by
the grim shadow of a movement so
dire that in its stead even Organism
would be welcomed back to power.
It is the spectre of Hearst. When the
first mention of Hearst's name in con-
nection with the Democratic presiden-
tial nomination was made it provoked
but passing smile OF incredulity. A
little later, when Hearst clubs were or
gained in many parts Of the country
and it was announced that Hearst and
Bryan were in close affinity, it still
failed to impress the politicians. II is,
in tact, but lately that with the capture
OF Rhode Island with the delegations
from Illinois, Minnesota and South
Dakota assured and with signs OF
general break in all quarters toward
the New York journalist; the profess
SIGNALS are taking alarm, and fearing
that all their efforts may now be too
late TO prevent the naming of w X.
Hearst by the party of jefferson, Jack
son and Cleveland.
Ii may be worth while to analyze
the situation and try to point out the
elements that have brought Hearst in
to prominence. Individually, person
ally, there is absolutely nothing in this
man to Justify his ambition. That he
is an exception to the rule of indolent
sons Of rich men is altogether TO his
credit. That he has used his inherited
wealth in acquiring and successfully /
publishing a chain OF four or five great /
metropolitan newspapers reaching
across the continent stamps him as a
man of energy and conspicuous ability
in his line. But he might do all this
and be all this and great deal more
without showing the possession of
qualities that the American people
have come to regard as essential in
their president
Hearst is creature of his own
newspaper publicity-largely OF the
yellow type. He has pandered
through his papers to the lowest and
most vulgar tastes of that large ele-
ment that lives on malice and preiu- !
dice. He has blown his own horn {
long and loud, to the disgust OF the |
discriminating public. He has abused
ike pickpockets better men than him /
,elf who have achieved fame and sta J
ion. He has denounced officials from q
he president down as rascals, without
'eason. More than anyone else he !
has brought about a spirit Of suspicion b
If everybody in authority by his IN !
nerited censure. He has played to J
he galleries ia the hope ofmaking !
himself notorious. He has led of in b
movements that promised him popu- q
arity and never espoused cause for y
Is own sake. I
That Hearst has succeeded so amaz- q
ngly in his newspaper ventures is not
D his own personal credit, and even c
sss to the credit of the class that has ;,
lade such success possible. Yellow y
had its birth with him-the is
ind Of journalism that caters to the o
,west OF tastes; the journalism that y
puts its own great deeds with blare of
the journalism that prints h
ews which is not news. but manu- a
lctured lies. "
Hearst's political strength has devel- 4
ped from the same class that has sup 5,
orted his newspapers. This class "
ates the powers that be, whatever j.
hey are; is Jealous of all success and a
rosperity not its own; believes, or "
retends to believe, that it is the vic "
Inn Of existent conditions; and has g
lith that Hearst, who has for years ="
numbered against these conditions.
ill, il elected president, "bust 9