The gold leaf., 1909-07-15


mechanical accomplishment devoid
in it's conception and aims of the i'm
press of an unpurchased and unpur-
chasable intellect and heart. Even
those who most vigorously y champion
the idea and proclaim the decadence
OF individuality's part in journalism
are forced to confess that whenever
the two are brought in contrast the
personal commands a prestige the
irnpersonal journalism may never
hope to possess.
Greeley and Dana and Bennett and
other luminaries of the editorial pro-
fession may have been more widely
heralded in their age, their names
may be now morefamiliar than those
of many of today who adOrn the pro-
fessiOn, but l cannot agree that any
OF their respective publications or
personalities commanded more re-
spect or welded greater influence
than that which distinguishes a host
OF the craft now in service.
This influence, as matter Of fcour Sc,
is relative. There enters into it's ex-
tent the field, the capacity and lofti-
ness OF purpose, but there is no right
minded, living editor who does not
through and of himself make OF him
self force of some degree or other
in community, State or nation. He
typifies that in which he believes and
his very personality becomes the en-
bOdimenU of these convictions.
No process of logic or Juggling of
reason can disassOciate them.
THE CONSTRUCTIONIST.
The ideal journalism is, too, the
product of the constructionist. AS
our civilization becomes more COM
plex, and individual interests grow
more diversified there is a call that
will not down for the builder.
AS the glories wrought by mans
majestic strength pass before the
minds eve in panoramic view we
stand with quickening pulse, and yet
in reverential awe, that it was per-
mitted mortal man to scale such
heights; we marvel that he has gone
forth, the single-handed gladiator,
defied nature itself and come off vic
tor; we are stirred at his valor,
thrilled over his sacrifices and become
worshipers at the shrine of his service
to God and humanity.
But gratitude must not pass for
blind idolatry, and as society's multi
tudinous ramifications present them
selves there must be an adaptation
of devotion to the past, to the pres
ent hours demands Hear then, the
call for the builder, the construction
ist. Need he put aside a cherished |
fancy OF the ages, a sentiment with |
out power to harm? No, no. But let !
him build with the essentials and |
these contributory factors will adorn
the temple.
The essentials?
o. Freedom, as far as it is given |
man to be free, from bias, embracing
justice to an enemy as to a friend |
both in news and editorial columns. |
~ Publication of all the news |
that is entitled to be classed as legit-
innate news and fit to print, whether
it satisfies or displeases.
(3) A cheerful optimism.
STANDARDS. /
Eptiomized, these propositions SIM
ply spell builder who builds up
ward. The non-essentials are held in
abeyance
There is need only for that material
which makes for progression and it
matters nothing whether the publ
cation be of humble character and
humble financial standing, or an es-
tablished daily capable of running a
Juggernaut in the character of en-
blaZoned extras over the PROSTATE
forms of marked victims-if the pur-
pose of such paper is to inflict hurt
either from a desire to wreak ven-
geance Or establish clientele, it is play
ing fast and furiously against it's bet
ter self.
1t is doing more, and that which is
of more import-it is giving strength
of purpose to restrained passion aud
leashed prejudice; it is succoring a
spirit bent upon the destruction Of
the established order of things, good
and bad alike; It'll s speeding the day of
the abdication of calm and thought
full adjudication of mems differences.
The bravest of men welcomes pre-
cedent in his slightest hazard; the
basest seeks for and rejoices at it
when it bears the mark of respecta-
bility.
Has the latter an unworthy design?
Then surely he may without re-
proach or even suggestion of impro-
priety become a humble follower of
that. which passes for a respectable
press.
The standard has been made and
grasped at and its primary signifi-
canoe spells social discomfort at the
best; and social discomfort when the
child of blind and unreasoning pas
sion or demagogy spells anarchy. 1t
may not be the revolutions of past
ages written again in letters of blood,
but it will mean human sacrifices in
fnitely more tragic. 1t may accom-
plish in an age of unrest the over
throw of the very pillars of our social
fabric
THE OPT1MIST.
But the ideal journalism has its
real builder-its optimist. He closes
neither eyes nor ears to the things
that need be seen and heard. He con-
dones no wrong. He pleads and
makes for the triumph of right Yet he
sheds no copius tears for the imag-
mary infection of iniustices upon un-
born generations; he gives-does this
optimist-marrow of the bone and
blood OF the heart, if need be, and
gives with a song upon his lips, to
the call Of Service.
The response may involve sacrifice,
of which drudgery is the least factor
but the call the call 1t is the shib-