Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1911-05-08
BISHOP M'FAUL'S
PLEA FOR CLEAN
AMERICAN PRESS
Continued from First Page.)

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nublic opinion, not forgetting that all
successful leadership implies a prudent,
iudicious following. If the newspaper
scars too high above the public mlho us
mower to influence is nulliied. 1t must
b, above the people, yet 1t must reach
down to their level in order to elevate
and educate them.
"I- all of its various functions the
newspaper must be controlled by the
laws of morality. 1t is no more allow
able for the newspaper to transgress
the Ten Commandments than it is for
the Individual; every human being.
whether operating in an individual or a
corporate capacity, is lways subject
to the laws of God.
What are the defects of news
papers? They are to be found in the
character of the news, in h manner
of gatherin it, in it's presentation. In
misleading or malicious comment
thereon, and in INSCRIPTIONS, decep-
tive or salacious advertisements. After
an extensive study of my subject, 1t
gives me very great pleasure to state
publicly that 1 nave reached the con-
| clusion that there are many American
newspapers and ! Wspapermen striv-
ing to observe a high mora standard
in their publications. In the midst OF
so many temptations, inviting them
to swerve from the straight n narrow
path, these papers and the men con-
nected with them certainly deserve the
highest commend ton. The Individual
in any walk of life is never found per-
feet, and as corporations are made UP
of individuals, they will be inclined to
! similar defects. The most that we a
reasonably expect o, cur newspapers
is that they will strive after perfec-
ton.
"YelIow" journalism.
ut is true. of course. that there are
some bad newspapers; they have a
most baneful influence upon society.
Among these 1t must be admitted are
some of our great dailies. 1t is no over
statement to say that their sole motive
is commercial gain. They publish sem
sational news; pander to the morbid
desire of reading the demoralizing de-
tails of divorce, impurity, suicide, muir
der and theft; exaggerate the luxury
and the extravaganza of thu rich, as
we'll as the privations and the misery
of the poor; excite the classes against
the masses, and ridicule and sneer at
constituted authority, whether in the
Legislative, judicial or executive
branches of State and national gov
eminent. To judge from their flaming
headlines this world of ours is a seeth-
ing volcano of iniquity. They are an
incentive to crime.
"It is a dreadful thing TO lower the
standard of religion and morality in
| the community. for when men lose
faith in Zoe they despise His COM
mandments. Convince men that this
transitory life is bounded only by an
eternal sleep; that they are mere
creatures of a few years, and what will
restrain them in the pursuit of sensual
qualification? What regard will they
have for the rights of their fellowmen?
In the struggle for existence they will
repudiate all law and ~selfishness will
reign supreme. One of the most pro-
found truths taught by history is that
nations are founded and perpetuated on
religion and morality.
Masses Want Clean Press.
Some newspapers endeavor to just
ify themselves by saying that they give
the people what they want It would
be difficult to find a more untenable as
sertion. The men engaged in the publ
dtlOh vi AOW oBdPNAS III PlO5ullldDiS
much above tine average in intelligence,
and they should, therefore. consider It
their duty to elevate rather thar ia
play on the depraved passions of the
multitude for the sake of financial sue
cess. Moreover, it can be reasonably
maintained that most men and omen
prefer a clean, sane press. The mass
of the people are not seeking the tri-
UtaI fhn Nul0ar and tho Hndarapt
Another excuse is that 1t is only
sensational methods hat a large circu-
lation can be obtained which will secure
abundant advertisements and guaran-
tee large profits. The answer is evil
dent; no man has a right to enrich
himself or others by evil means.
What is the remedy for the defects
Of the daily press? Pope Plus X, when
he assembled the Papal throne, struck
the keynote OF the twentieth century.
To re-estabish all things in Christ.
Journalism, too, must return to Christ
and to the Ten Commandments. This
is the real remedy for the defects OF
the daily newspaper.
"It has been suggested that a remedy
might be found in drastic legislation
that the law OF libel should be made
stricter. Undoubtedly the press is just
as amenable to the law as is the in
dividual, still l should hesitate to
recommend the e. actment of severe
laws. lest they might unduly restrict
the freedom of the press. A free press
in a free country is a necessity, and ii
would, therefore, be deplorable to en-
croach upon its legitimate freedom. II
l seems to me that Newspaper mer
should get together and form a code
of ethics. similar to those adopted by
physicians and lawyers. and bind them.
, selves to adhere to hem. upon theii
honor as journalists.
AN experienced newspaper maj ha:
suggested that the province of the
newspaper is the collection and publ
4 cation of facts which are necessarily
useful or legitimacy interesting t
T the public, due regard being had FOL
the rights of all parties concerned.
M 80 &c. --t-Atn-y AsxTA,