The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1910-06-22
Rights of the Press

4
proper and legitimate rates and en-
couragement of publicity. The politi-
cal leaders ought to be made to un-
derstand the situation and impressed
that nothing unfair nor unjust is
sought.
During the recent session of the
General Assembly a proposition was
submitted looking to making a mis-
demeanor to publish any liquor ad-
vertisements. This bill failed. 1t is
not my purpose to discuss the merits
of this particular measure. but news
paper workers should jealousy guard
their rights. Enact law restricting
the rights of publishers and it will
perhaps be followed with a law pro-
hibiting the advertising Of patent
medicines, and this would perhaps
be followed by a statute prohibiting
the sale of seed grown in another
State or land in some other State.
Let each newspaper say whether it
will accept the liquor, or the patent
medicine. or the new-fangled doctors
scheme. The publisher is in close
touch with his patrons, and soon
knows what to print and what to
leave out. Certain magazines now re-
fuse patent medicine advertising;
certain others decline to exploit min
ing sticks, but such matters ought
to be left to the conscience and view
or the publisher. and he will very
likely do the right thing and keep in
touch with public sentiment. There
Is no proposition that lawyers refuse
certain classes Of cases, no law that
merchants should not be allowed to
sell this or that, then why begin to
say what the newspaper should ad-
vertise? 1t is not so much the loss
of revenue that Is to be feared as the
result of such a law, as the liquor ad-
vertising is now largely done by cir
cular letters through the mail. as it
Is the making Of a precedent restrict
ing the Judgment and rights of the
publisher.
Libel Law.
At the session of the General AS
sembly In 1907 a proposition was sub
mitted looking to the adoption of a
just and fair libel law for South Caro-
lima. 1t failed because / do not think
1t was understood. 1t behooves the
Association to use its best efforts to
secure the passage Of libel law that
VIII be just to the newspapers and in
every way protect the public against
injustice or wrong on the part Of the
press. We want to protect ourselves
and at the same time give the pub
lie square deal" II would be use
less to try to have a one>sided statute
adopted, but the old common law as
to libel, which is in effect in this
State. is too antiquated for this Com
monwealth. Most of the States have
statutes on this subject, many being
more liberal to the newspapers than
could De asked for here.
During the year three or four of
our members have died. James Ba-
con, Miles 3. McSweeney and J. G.
Darlington have gone to their re-
ward. They were all hard workers,
active newspaper men and compan-
ions to all of us. Col. Bacon was by
virture of his lovable disposition, his
versatility and geniality. perhaps the
most beloved Of our membership.
Miles b. McSweeney, by his energy,
his intellectual work and devotion to
his friends, was selected Governor of
mis- adopted State. 1t was my pleas
ure 70 have been thrown in active and
daily contact with him during his
entire term of office and 1 want here
to record my appreciation of the man.
He undertook and did the best that
was In him. He was conscientious,
hard working and sincere In his de-
sire to serve his State as best he
could. j. Conway Darlington nursed
IN its infancy the Spartanburg Herald
and 1t is sad that he should have
been tayen away in his young man.
mood. He was toiler and a man
who never tired of well doing.
Resolutions on the death of each
oi our associates will be presented
during ths session.
we nave purpOscly arranged TO
"''u thlS meeting before the begin
ming OF our State campaign. News
paper folks seem To think they are an
essential part Of campaign. They
are but it is for the good OF the
other fellow. | have recently heard
the advice of John Shelton Williams
10 the graduating class of the Uni