Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1911-05-01
THE NEW MANAGEMENT.

few DAYS ago, Mr.. Hubert Snowden,
its editor for the past thirty years, sue
ceeding the long line of editors OF his
family, who have been in continuous
possession of the paper for one hun
dred ard twelve years, has been com
pelled to retire on account Of his health
and with his retirement new manage
ment has succeeded to the property
and from this time will control Its
destiny.
In taking possession Of a paper with
such a history as that Of the Gazette,
extending as it does over period OF
one hundred and thirty seven years,
and endeavoring to follow in the foot
steps OF the men who for such tre-
mendous span OF time have directed Its
editorial policy, We are appalled, at the
responsibilities which Immediately pre-
sent themselves and dismayed ut the
necessity Of outlining to our readers
the policy which the paper will endeavor
to maintain under its new conditions.
But we realize that such a course IS
obligatory upon our part, that the
newspaper of today is semi-public
institution and that the public has a
right to know something of thee prln-
ciples which will animate us IN our
future conduct OF the paper.
The Gazette has in the past been
edited on the most conservative lines
and this is perhaps the reason that 1t
has reached such q ripe, old age. But
this very conservatism has always been
exercised for the best interests OF the
community and while it may have
caused the ambitious to chafe because
it has not taken the initiative in many
matters where leader was wanted, at
the same time it has kept our most
vital interests from being plunged
headlong into difficulties where caution
and conservativatism proved to be the
best policy in the end.
The Gazette has always played an
important part in the Development OF
the south and has been free from the
license Of accusation, political excite
ment and personal RANGER which has
characterized so largely many OF the
Journals of Virginia. The future will
Judge the long line of illustrious editors
of the Snowden family, not as the men
who "scooped" their contemporaries
with the first or exclusive report OF 4
murder or a hanging, not by the tons
of paper printed with poster head lines
and fearful woodcutS, but as men who
sank their personal interests, Ignoring
the allurements OF ambition and through
the exercise of their talents, devoted
themselves to the practical Interests OF
the people. From almost the earliest
hours of Alexandria history down to
the present moment, they were spokes-
men, who day in and day out, in sea-
son and out, year after year, gave
their thoughts, their study aud their
ability to the best interests of their
community.
This conservatism; must to large
extent, be our guide in the future con-
duct of the paper and it will be fully
maintained, especially as it refers to
the news features. In these days OF
"yellow" journalism when the sensa-
tional and the unreal is HISTORICALLY
exploited by the larger part OF the daily
press. the Gazette's reputation for fair
ness. accuracy and decency will be kept
at any COST
At the same time the Gazette will be
more progressive than it has ever been
before and will take a larger part in
affair of the community. Its new
owners are young men who have
located in Alexandria because OF their
belief in the future OF the city. They
think that the entire south is on the
verge OF levelopement such as it has
never before experienced; that this sec
ton of Virginia is one of the garden
spots of the world and, that, when its
people awake to its possibilities, will
blossom like rose; that Alexandria,
with its wonderful advantages, must
sooner or later, be one Of the most i'm
portsnt cities of the state.
The political complexion OF the
Gazette will remain unchanged. We
believe that the best interests OF the
south and of Virginia are wrapped up
with the destinies of the democratic
party and we will continue to support
that party to the best of our ability.
In 10 al politics the Gazette will take
u. art, only asking that the best in