The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1907-08-20
The Daily
Short Story
THE TEST OF THE PRESS

l
The ONCE boy gasped "gee," and
placed the card ON the desk Of the
managing editor.
The card read: Professor Intel
lectual Thorbred: B. A.; M. A.;
d. p; D. t.; D. NJ; d. L.: L. L. D.
The managing editor looked up.
He seldom looked up. Could an I'M
known curiosity still survive in
human form? les" was the men,
tai assent of the man of affairs, as
he eyed the intruder. Life still
holds a charm. Here is something
new"
Most pleased to see you. I OBJ
serve that you are engrossed in the
high art Of letters" exclaimed the
professor. with a dangle of the arm
and swing of the leg. Doubtless
my reputation has never reached
you," continued the visitor, as he
adjusted his nose glasses and
struck an attitude inviting admira-
ton. Il recently changed my
name in compliance with your pro-
bate court procedure. My former
name was too common. Appella-
ton should go hand in hand with
advanced attainment. l believe,
however, that one should do some
thing with his learning and not al
low knowledge to become an end
in itself.
II have come to you to offer my
services as managing editor. The
question Of salary is immaterial. In
looking over the needed reforms of
| the day, was convinced that the
| press held first claim. am
born newspaper man. Learning,
however, has led me upward and
onward. 1t Is only from a sense Of
| duty to my fellow man that l de-
sire to feed the minds of the peo-
pie"
your motive is good" replied
the managing editor, as he mental
ly rose to the occasion. 81 am right
| glad to see you. You will fill the
bill exactly. I shall leave my desk
entirey in your charge. 1t will give
me a chance to go outside and min
ge with the reporters on the other
papers. Your book learning is what
we need in this office. Our report
| ers do not hold degrees. Some of
them never graduated from high
school. They read human nature
like boow. however, and have the
power of observation cultivated to
| the limit. You are right, howeer,
| in thinking they are superficial. A
| scholar is deeloped by isolation
and the company of good books. 1t
| would give our paper standing.
would give our paper standing"
There is one preliminary pro-
cedure which l have failed to men,
ton. The members of our entire
| literary force are required to pass
simple examination. The time
required for this purpose is short.
The method employed is of some
interest. I am sure you would not
mind the test. l am not question
ing your ability. The fact is, we
are a little scientific"
81 shall esteem it an extreme
pleasure" replied the professor,
'to become conversant with those
| trifling initiatory processes which
| shall establish myself in your
worthy estimation as man of let
| ters."
"This way, please" said the edi-
tor with polite bow, as he pointed
to a side door.
They entered a long room adjoin-
| ing the main office.
"Of course, you understand that
the saving of time is a feature not
| to be overlooked in our line of
business continued the editor.
"You will step to the blackboard
at the end Of the room and take
| piece of chalk. When I speak, you
are to write what you hear on the
board as quickly as possible"
! The professor walked to the
blackboard and stood, chalk in
hand.
The editor then said
| "Psychometry is the science of
| the measurement of the duration OF
mental acts"
| After asking for a repetition of
the words and the correct spelling
of the first word, the professor
succeed in writing out the SEN
| tence.
you understand. professor" re-
marked the editor, ''that the stimu
lus of my utterance is transmitted
| from your ear to your brain. That
your brain then commands your
hand to move, and that it all re-
quires time. have noted the
| time"
| "J will nayt faSf v0,1r n0uar of