The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1910-06-23
An Ideal Newspaper.

If we wish to keep abreast with
the times, we must read and read
intelligently. In the first place, we
must have something to read that is
worth while. Time is too valuable
to be wasted in something that does
not benefit or instruct us. The first
and most important duty of the pa
per is to chronicle the news; but with
some (no reflection intended, Mr..
Editor, I refer to, papers in generaD
that seems to be the only one. At
ter the happenings and doing of the
neighborhood have been scanned,
then, if we are tired, we would like
something entertaining; or if the
trials of life seem bit more than
we can bear, something uplifting.
Many Of us have variety of pa
pers and we can discriminate, read
what we choose; but in some homes
the county paper is the only paper.
They have to put up with its con-
tents. A variety should be there or the
bill of fare will not be satisfactory.
To my mind, the paper can be
made great educator. We have free|
schools, it is true, for that purpose,
but sometimes the children's, ser
vices are needed elsewhere, and their
only chance for information is the
paper. Pieces that instruct as we'll
as entertain would be beneficial to
them.
The Germans have compulsory
education, that is, the children are
compelled to attend the schools; as
natural result, Germany is the lead
ing European power to-day. France
provides free lectures for her people
and many have fairly good educa-
tions, who can neither read or write.
But though more brilliant than the
slow, painstaking Germans, her
power is waning. One writer at
tributes this to the fact that she has
lost her national religious ideals, her
firm belief in her own destiny, her
moral authority, and further adds
that Germany is replacing her be-
cause she has pressed these ideals,
and rigidly upheld the authority OF
duty. But now, the Kaiser, Emperor
William, of Germany, detects danger,
and has expressed his condemnation
of their beer-drinking habits, and de-
clares that it has caused a deteriora-
ton in the physical and mental
stamina of the German nation, in
consequence of which it is unable to
compete successfully with England
and America in the battle Of life.
Here it is left to the volition Of
the parents and the children whether
they attend school or not, and many,
not realizing it's Importance, neglect
their opportunities. To these the pa
| per and whatever books are avail
able are the only means of enlighten-
ment.
It seems to me the paper could
| play an important part in the up
building of the masses, helping them
to higher, better life; that they may
find for what purpose they were
created, and finally recognize their
kinship with God. There the paper
will have accomplished it's true mis-
sion. Of course it will take time
and means to do this. Healthy
growth is necessarily slow. Aim
high and work up to it gradually,
until the goal is reached. There is
no such thing as standing still, the
paper must either 90 forward or
drop out. A new era is dawning.
Only faint CLEANS the discernible as
yet, but as we advance our path will
become more and more illumined.
The earnest seeker after truth, for
cit is the truth that will make us
free" is now entering realm of un-
; dreamed-of possibilities.
In climbing mountains it is fatal
to look down. So to overcome the
obstacles that beset lifes pathway,
we must ever look up for guidance
and protection.
Last year all the papers were filed
to overflowing with every tragedy
conceivable. There is a lull now,
for which we are devoutly thankful.
Such reading is depressing and gives
the young a morbid view of life. 1t
is news and must be published, but
let it be done as briefly as possible.
The papers should hold up high
ideals for our boys and our girls.