The Saint Paul globe., 1905-04-30
A Success of Estimation

When a new play is given TO empty
oenches oe115t ana n,fy highly praised by the most
estme. This is the noblest kind of
success, but it cannot last indefinitely be-
cause bills must be paid. The argument
Tor a national subsidized theater is that
II would enable the best plays to be given
for the education of the public regard
less OF the box office receipts. The same
argument would hold good for a press
subsidized by the state. r H. .-
The st. Paul Globe has enjoyed an ad-
mlrable success of estimation for two or
three years. 1t has earned and received
high praise from competent critics. But
such a success can last no more for a
newspaper than for aetheater. The rich
est man tires of paying out money for no
other return than empty praise. Only the
state can afford to maintain Institutions
for public education alone. 1t was ineyita-
bic that the experiment should come to an
end. The only solid foundation for news
paper success is revenue adequate to pay
bliIs and reasonable profit.
The failure of the Globe to earn an
adequate revenue is-no mystery. It Is no
discredit either to the ownership or the
town. 1t Is hardly fair to abuse St Paul
for not substituting it an advertising
oasls. If business men bought advertis-
ing for sympathy. they would soon need
to be subsidized themselves. Neither de-
partment stores nor newspapers can be
run on sentiment. Both must spend
money where it will bring SUCCESS. Both
must consult public needs and demands
rather than an ideal standard Neither
IL,
either success of estimation alone means
brief, though brilliant career
The traditions of the Globe made 1t a
Democratic paper. 1t could be nothing
else. The invincible ideals of its owners
ship made it the voice crying in the wilder
ness of the sane and educated minority
OF the Democratic party. 1t upheld these
ideals with splendid courage and fixed res
olution. This is magnificent, but 1t is not
war. Defeat was inevitable
Just that which makes the Globe ad-
q erNTlf 1..twx IA
the huge bulk of honest ignorance, pas
sion and prejudice of its party. The
Globe would not cross this gulf to join
the Bryan Democracy in 1896 and 1900
The Bryan Democracy would not cross it
In 1904. As more Minnesota Democrats
voted for Roosevelt than for Parker, so
Democratic papers than the Globe. What
is more, the hearty popular business sup
port that alone keeps a commercial en-
terprise alive could not or would not cross
the gulf. Public confidence is necessary
to business success
The Globe will be missed in the public
ana intellectual life of the state. ST. Paul
Journalism will be pretty dull without IL
1t has stood for political sanity, economic
knowledge and q degree of culture IL was
a well of measurably undefiled English,
as newspaper English goes. 1t had re-
sources of intellect and education at its
disposal and used them freely whenever
party and business considerations did not
prohlolt; 1t shone with the light of rea-
son and experience through popular fogs
Of fanatical class prejudice and Grass So
cial empiricism.
1t was better than its party. better
than its public. better than its town We
can only regret that Ii was too good to
live.-Minneapolis Tribune.
To newspaper man the announcement
in the ST. Paul Globe of its contemplated
suspension is pathetic. When q man does
his level best and is forced to give up the
fight by reason of the failure to appreciate
his his efforts, human sympathy cries
The st. Paul Globe has been a feature
OF the capital city and of the state of
minnesota 1t has always been distinc-
tive; and OF recent years there has been
evidence that 1t was at its best Certain
iy no expense was spared in making ii a
GOOD newspaper. and its support OF the
democratic party, national, state and To-
cal, for several years has been loyal and
influential. That the Democrats of Min
neSota should permit such publication
20 suspend at this time seems incompre-
nensible. If the Globe could not live off
It's advertising patronage, it should have
been supported by its subscribers. The
Democrats of Minnesota are not mendi-
cants nor pensioners on the bounty of the
advertisers. On the other hand they could
lnnuence advertising by patronizing their
own party paperS-but perhaps this IS foo
much to expect. Most newspapers ara
only remembered when faVors are To he
asked. As no doubt it has been with the
Globe. ~
The announcement made is frank and
manly. If the people will not support a
good paper the only honorable course left
Is that which the management of the
Globe has chosen to take.
In the language of the Roman cladia-
tor: We who are about to die salute
you. u.'-MinneapoliS Times