The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-12-09
ATCHISON GLOBES Rise
Editor Howe Writes of the Ups and
Downs of "a Years.

Atchfson, KAN Dec 9.-The follow
ing personal letter appears in the Globe
over the signature of E. w. Howe, the
editor. The article refers to his news
paper work in Atchison for the past "a
years:
eighth year as editor of the Atchfson
Globe. I began at %: passed my fif-
tteth birthday last May. I fear that
during these q years have offended
good many people. AS a rule, particu-
larry during the past Is years. this has
been unintentional. Every day, of late,
! kill paragraphs that 1 fear may
make other people feel uncomfortable.
I am not afraid to denounce that which
is palpably wrong, but am sensitive
about wOunding the feelings of worthy
people. When I do it, it is not intend
ed: 1t is because I do not know any
better. People have a hard time get
ting along, at best; I do not wish TO
add to their burdens. 1 believe in en-
couraging good people and good tnsti-
buttons.
men OF 80 thought I knew it all. but
I 90 not think so now. fear that years
ago. cut and slashed a good deal. but
it was due to lack of judgment, and
not to viciousneSS. Certainly do not
wish to harm any living cerature now.
and certainly 1 bear no resentments. If
I have wronged any one, sincerely re-
greet it.
One of the uncomfortable things in
the life of editor is that so many
people honestly have notions how his
newspaper should be conducted, and
criticise his methods. have only one
thing to say as to this and ask my
critics to think of it: A merchant, or
lawyer. or doctor. or other man, has no
practical knowledge of the newspaper
business, but he has theories. AS a
matter of fairness, what right has he to
III sr11er r rT0or orr
policy is right, while the policy of
practical newspaper man is wrong?
do not pretend to know more about
merchandising than a merchant who
has made a success of the business; nor
do know more about law than a law
yer. or more about medicine than
doctor. and have never pretended to- The
editor OF the Globe does not amount to /
much but he is at least the sole sur !
vivor of the many men who have at |
tempted daily newspapers here. Pro- |
honest man-and I hope the people of
Atchison can agree to this-is not a 4
good deal of this criticism unfair?
was made thoroughly uncomfortable /
the other day by hearing a prominent /
man quoted as saying that the Globe !
had never been fair with him The pa
per has never said an unkind word
about him, and has praised him hun
dred times. Incidents of this character
are the only thorn in my flesh, so far as
Atchison is concerned.
I greatly admire hundreds of peo
pie living in Atchison and vicinity,
but I hate no one. Men there are who
have disliked me many years, and l
do not like them, and would not
wrong them. We have different no
lions and cannot please each other.
thankful, and try to return the IA
Vor. But any employe of the Globe
will tell you that the paper has no
boycott list; some of my associates
IL y, I n M
get along, and they are at liberty to
praise them when there is occasion
AS I grow older, find more to adj
Inire in people, and less to condemn
Sometimes I fear I exploit my favor
ties too much, but honestly try not
TO. I regard the Globe as an Atchi-
son institution of which l happen TO
be in charge; I regard the patrons of
the paper as my employers, and strive
to please those who are most useful,
respectable, intelligent, honorable and
progressive.
One of the commonest complaints
against the editor of the Globe is that
that If should pretend to believe
that which do not believe 1 would
be open to the charge of dishonesty
and hypocrisy. But believe In every
good movement, wherever found; and
perhaps it is true that 1 have ex-
plotted my own opinion too much,
which shall do less of in the future.
II Is a subject IndI CdIIlOl very wen |
be discussed here, but may say with
propriety, I hope, that I am honest
in my convictions on this subject The
other day President Roosevelt enter
tanned a distinguished foreigner who
has written a book on THE Simple
Life" a book advocating industry,
fairness and decency. The files OF
the Globe will show that I have been
teaching this doctrine for more than
a quarter of a century. There is
scarcely a paper in the country that
T~I,- - ~1rN
advocacy of good conduct for its own
sake; because it is easier, and better
for the individual, as matter OF self
tshness, than intemperance, idleness,
dishonesty or trickery.
For twenty-seven years have walk
ed the streets of Atchison, and when L
am out of town, 1 become lonesome for
these visits to my regular stations.
Most editors, after serving twenty
seven years and passing the half-cen-
fury mark, confine their work to the
office, and lose their acquaintance, but
so long as work on The Globe, have
an idea I shall haunt Commercial
street. My speciality in local work on |
The Globe is to get news from the sur
rounding country; from people who
come to town from the surrounding
farms and villages. visit Glen Rohr's
harness shop two OF three times every
day; at this shop, and at the Grant
bakery I find MisSourians that may be
seen at no other place. Glenn Rohr not
only saves news fer me. but gets me
1t is an unusual day when
do not get a subscriber at his shop.
and I always get items there; when a
matter of ancient history comes up, he
is my authority. have dozens
of stations I visit every day; some of
them two or three times. At A. w.
Stevens drug store, I find Geary City
people that I find no where else. At
Bowen's drug store find Gil Keithline
Hold. Martin. Elias Graves, Governor
Click, and others, who know an item