The labor world. [volume] (Duluth, Minn.) 1896-current, 1906-12-22

prise because we do clip from other
papers. I have seen it held that there
is no ownership or copyright in news.
In some respects this is. true, but even
If there is no ownership or copyright
when matter is used without credit
the question will still confront us, Is
it fair, just and honest? and there
can be but one answer to that.
Another we'll established ethical
principle is that the columns Of one
newspapers ought not to be opened to
Criticism of another, especially where
it is evident that the source Of it
springs from personal dislike, pique, or
malice. Perhaps all of us have had
experience with the man who engages
in controversy with us. There must
come a time for an end, and when
both sides are fully given that is all
that can be demanded. Rejected man
uscripts after this are often submitted
to a rival paper for publication, ac-
companied with denunciation Of the
other for a refusal to continue the dis
custom. Unless there has been a flag
rant unfairness or an effort made to
stihe public discussion that courtesy
which ought to exist among all news
papefs would dictate that refusal be
given to publish, especially when the
effort is made to abuse or injure the
paper in which the controversy origi-
mated.
It. is not we'll that the avenues Of
publicity be in the control Of one man
or particular set Of men, but when a
fair, honest newspaper rejects a man
uscript it must have had good reasons
for doing so, and for another to butt
in" and take it up is generally an
evidence Of envy or malice, neither Of
which ought to have any place in our
dealings with each other. While no
Interchangeable rule can be laid down as
to this matter, the general principle
holds good that one newspaper ought
not to interfere with the particular af-
fairs Of another, although they may re-
late in some degree to the public.
1t is highly unethical, finally to in
dulge in personalities in editorial con-
troversies. Injurious or derogatory re-
Elections can add nothing to our argu-
ment and indeed are an evidence of
weakness. AS rule, the public is lit
tie concerned as to the personality of
writer. All Of us have our faults
and failings, but it does not necessarily
follow that we have not high sense
of honor and right. To attempt to be-
little an argument by personal reflec-
ton is a most reprehensive practice
and displays often a paucity of INTEL
lect and generally mean, unenviable
disposition.
1t adds nothing to the good name
and reputation Of journalism, and
While 1t may make some impression on
the thoughtless. It does not deceive
those Of different mental caliber. It
tends to destroy respect for newspa-
papers and undermines their influence,
There is too much work for .all the
| newspapers to do in the advancement
and upbuilding Of the people and the
state for them to lessen their power.
by Indulgence in vituperation and
abuse Of each other. It creates bitter
ness and strife, destroys the solidarity
that ought to exist and that mutual
| confidence, regard and respect without
which our work is hampered and our
usefulness greatly retarded.
The ideal newspaper in every respect
has not yet been printed, but this
should not deter us from striving with
every effort to attain it as far as pos
! slble.