The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1911-11-26
War, Courage and the Press


want to write about war, and OF
Its peculiar features to-day and OF
the influence 1t eXerts upon the human
mind.
When the ParIsians read their papers
they run their eyes over the war dis
patches as they read the criticisms
of the latest play. They as kthemselves
why the drama drags, why they don't
ram or sink one or two cruisers a
day and, like impatient spectators.
they say while looking at the map
tor war teaches the ignorant les
on in gcography) so they are not
lighting to-day either
This means tina, they are wishing
for dead bodies. widows and orphans,
drowned sailors, massacred troopers,
pools of blood
But these spectators do not think
as far as that. They want descriptions
of dramatic situations, and 1t is to
satisfy their demands that armies OF
war correspondents arc sent out armed
with fountain pens.
Modern war, like the duel, is more
and more becoming show. subject to
the laws of criticism and publicity.
In reality the writer's OF history
were but solemn reporters, and Louis
NV. nothing but great advertiser
Of himself. d
Charles V. who was also skinful
advertiser said to Paul Jovc, when no
mad 10 give up the idea OF conquering
Trance; II need you to tell what I
I'm going 10 do. Take pen and ink
and follow me-
All these lovers of war are not
ignorant OF the fact that the war needs
10 be described. When you are aware
that people arc looking at YOU you
feel doubly strong. Nothing is more
sad than having TO brave danger un
seen, without hope of glory. OF lime
light. OF advertising. Chevalier Bay
ard, who WA by no means coward
confessed t.hat-once in his life he fell
slight tremor.' when he fought a
terrible fignt with strong adversary
In cave without seconds and without
light.
Darkness creates fear, like JOY. l, is
easy enough TO be brave In ,ourna,
ment in fun daylight when trumpets
are sounded and beautiful women are
looking at YOU. II Is the same with
our modern duels under a fire OF
snapshots The cameras of the photo.
Graphcrs and the telescopes Of tht
reporters are excellent prompters oil
heroism.
Naturally YOU throw out your ches
.'>''u '''H4I"i NONE arms. 1t Il Just tlit
same in actual warfare. The reIsrtcrs
are there: You fight for Il good rcpor,
IN the papers as Won fight for a dccora
ton, and Bonapaftc, who was an. ar,
ist In military Uniform. would surely
u he were 70 appear again to-day. Is
sue proclamations TO his soldiers some
what like this:
soldiers! Remember well; do no
forget for moment that beyond ,hos.
nils forty reporters are looking a
you, pen in hand.'
II really means something to be un
4 der observation. Alccsie is alwuy
complaining. In AN ivrita;ed voice. tina.
his valet gets into Tie pupers. We ar,
AL today like the servant OF y,
Msanthropc" trying TO get into In
papers. ana If tho famous Ten Thou
sand had not HAD a 2cnophon AS
chronicler. who knows II their re,re;l
would ever nave became famous?
Joinvilie ch!ldliisc and profound q
The same time. Knew very well .hat 90
do not fight, but 10 maze Ii made know
that YOU have fought. ana he usel
say as means u encourage his q
times rather melancholy pa!adii.,
Noble ladies viii speak OF YOUR ga!
Z liant deeds"
Poor humanity needs knowing ,hi
its deeds will be Published JUST as Il
soldier needs the SOUND ci trlmpc,
before making q charge!
Thus ii comes that the reporters. ;