The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-30
he WANTS THE TRUTH.
Lafayette Young Addresses GLASS in
journalism at z, U.

Lawrence, Kas., Jan 30.-Lafayette
Young. editor of the DeS MoineS Cap
ital. addressed the class in Journalism
at the University of Kansas. Mr..
Young did not speak upon any set sub
ject but gave his hearers the benefit
of his many years of experience as
newspaper man in general talk. Mr..
Young said that there IS a good open
ing in the newspaper field for young
reporters. reporters who can be relied
upon to tell stories as they really are.
Such men," said Mr.. Young, ARE
scarcer than good editors"
Mr.. Young spoke strongly against
sensational stories In my paper" he
said, Il never publish a story which
may cause pain or anguish to anyone
just because it is a good story. 1 de-
to secure circulation for my paper and
never try to advertise it by such
StOrieS."
The entire speech was a demand for
from the influence of politicians or fac
tons. Il would rather be the owner
and editor of a thrifty little paper and
print what I wanted to print and kill
what l wanted to kill than to be rich,'
said the lecturer.
"A good many newspaper men who
have graduated from the school of hard
knocks" said Mr.. Young, ARE disposed
to make faces at a school of Journalism
l am not of that vogue. I so thoroughly
believe in education in all lines that I
scott at it in no sense. One who has
had to plod all his life can only be
enV1ous of those who have the oppor-
tunity to learn. I always feel sorry for
the young man who has a father who
finds 1t necessary to bride or otherwise
induce him to enter college. The ONLY
remedy for such a young man is a bed
Stat or barrel StaVe welded by a person
of sufficient strength. The world be-
longs to those who have the energy and
the nerve to do something The trou-
Die is so many young journalists want
to jump from the bottom to the toD
without enduring all the trials and
Vicissitudes and burning of midnight oil
that goes between. Your college educa-
ton ought to make your ability to work
that much superior to the one who has
not had it. If you have anyone in kan
sas who will tell you that oil and grease
smut on your arms and face are a dis
grace something is wrong with your
system of education.
TOO many college men who enter the
newspaper business think they should
be managing editor after 80 days ser
vice without going through all the hard
knocks that go before. The disposition
to avoid labor is too common a thing
among young Journalists. There never
has been a greater demand for young
men and women who will make good
reporters. Good salaries await young
men and women who can make a clear
cut report of an address or public
meeting in half a column, giving all
the salient points without giving the
unnecessary parts. The mistake that
| the modern reporter makes is that he
| is anxious to get on the first page in
big headlines and in order to do this
| he misrepreSents the facts. The public
| wants the truth. Put it down just as it
is. The busy man has not the time to
read breezy reports. Learn to know
the meaning of words; know enough
about the public questions of the day
| political, religious, social and other
wise, to comprehend what you are tc
take back to the office in your notes
| Give the news. The newspaper is tc
| Stop the guessing match"