New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1910-04-30
Mr.. WATTERS0N's VIEWS
Approves Mayors Attack, but
Rebukes Press Association.
IRy Telegraph to The Tribune

Louisville. April g. - Henry wstterson,
in an editorial in 'The Courter-Jour-
mar to-ROrrou morning. strongly indcsses
the position taken by Mayor GaynoT at the
Associated Press dinner, Tebukss the dis
courtesy shown the Hearst representative
and declares that this Hearst papers are
net the only violstors Of the principles Of
an honest and heightened press Among
other things Mr.. Watterson says:
Mayor Gayner served long enough as 2
newspaper reporter 10 get the hang OF II.
Obviously his audience. although the sub
ject-one might almost say ths victinl-ct
his criticism. was with bin.
Tt was in such close sympathy. indeed.
that II refused a hearing n the immediate
object OF his attack. This was clearly dis
courteous, as we'll most unjust. Frse
speech should be denied nowhere. The
handmaiden Of freedom Of the press, It's
right to walk unehslleBgsd the bsttlements
Of truth. still survives from that sentiment
of chivalry which refused to Gre upon an
enemy whilst planting a flag.
Judge Gaynor was elected Mayor Of New
York in the teeth of q press substantially
united against him and implacsble in its
campaign methods. The elder Harrison
used 10 be elected and reelected Mayor Of
Chicago against the opposition Of sirai-
larry united press. The voters. as a rule,
everywhere resent newspaper dictatiOn. As
the newspapers become less and less
esteemed and respected by the body of the
people on account of their invasions Of pri-
vate right, their detective work and their
scolding temper. their influence is bound %
decline and until these shortcomings ere
mended It will continue to decline.
The ipss dixit of an sditeT has no
longer, If II ever had, any Of the attFi-
tutes of sanctity. Its effect Is shaped
and colered by the individuality bshnd
the editorial we, which cannot be hid
from the surrounding community. The
possession OF intellect, along with the
grace of style. goes far 10 make accept
able reading, but neither ability nor charm
can carry conviction. That springs from
character-hab itusi eharacter-the char
seter for disinterestednsss. for integrity.
for fair dealing, and, as Judge Gsyuor
we'll GAYS. for moderation and kindiiness
Other than the Hearst papers might be
summoned 10 answer this serious accusa-
ten Even where hatred ana ysHefn do
net e4ude there appears ungenerous or IN
ecTupulous rivalry. The spirit Of sheer
contradiction Il rife with those that seek
to book with a signal ease IN point Judge
davno' does ire publis end the press q
service All Of us know that the dsso-
nance between the kesdiiniHg and the sub
jeet matter below has become far too
common. Usually it proceeds rather from
haste and inattention than from sinister
motive. or even conscious cerehration.
Yet. With certain newspapers which might
be named. IL IS done with the deliberate
purpose ia Haisiezd, to magnify IN unim-
poTtant context or by trick Of types to
foul an adversary and float q fsiseheed.
The use, however, Of actual forgery is
80 rare that the Mayors exhibit had all
the qualities Of a genuine sensation. 1t
was damning. Such an object lesson
should travel 10 the ends Of the earth of
contemporary journalism and sink deep in
The heart, while sFousing "a sense Of shame
In the mind OF every American journalist
There is little doubt that the press at
large is learning the lesson that integrity
and cleanliness pay aud that good humor
is an asset"