The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-02-04
CAUST|C REDUKE OF
 B. M. LAFO[[ET1E Attacks on the Press of the
 Country Resented MIR. SEITZ'S INTERVIEW "lt Was a Tragedy for LaFollette's Hopes" Declared Publisher--Sen-
 ator Charges Editorial Col
 umns Are Commercialized
MIR. SEITZ'S INTERVIEW

Philadelphia, February s.-The wind ID of the dinner of the Periodical PreiSn- ers' association was made by a taff de- nunciation of Senator LaFollette by Don c. seitz of the American Newspaper Pub fishers association, who acted as toast master.
 Senator LaFolette began his speech near midnight and spoke for nearly two hours. The more than 600 diners wearled by the prolonged talking of the Wlseon- sin senator frequently interrupted him before ? a. m. Much of his speech was dey oted to the money power and an impeachment of the sincerity ot the newspapers of the country.
 When he finished Toastmaster Seitz said:
 .I shall not attempt, nor have I the time to come to the defense of the news papers of the country, which have just been foolishingly, wlckedly and untruth- fully assailed."
 LaFollette Ignores Remark
 Senator LaFollette made no sign of hearing the caustic remark, which was uttered in half angry tone.
 
 "As the banquet was given by the mag azine publishers, and as a guest of Cyrus II. K. Curtis. presiden, of the associa- ton, I had to be cautious in my remarks or. Senator LaFollette l do not remem- Der exactly what I said when the senator finished but I do remember declaring that the senator had made an unkind, unjust and willfully malicious attack on the newspapers of the nation, and if there had been more time l would have said something stronger. Last nights dinner. during which we thought we would josh the stateman, was marked with calamity. It was tragedy for LaFollettes hopes
 "Wiped Himself Out"
 He has simply wiped himself out Of inc race. Undoubtedly he came, here to make the address of hisalife and when it developed into marked islander Of the newspapers and infamous walloping of the magazines, I realized the man had overstepped his aim.
 Previous to that time the senator had talked for more than two hours and when he concluded ] certainty rebuked hln' Tn my mind the senator, not knowing the relationship between the magazines and the newspapers, came to the dinner to attack the latter and curry favor with the magazine publishers
 LaFollette's Charges
 The portion of MT. LaFollette.s g speech to which MT. Seitz sock exception was; q have sketched the growth and power of the great interests that today control our property and our govern ment 1 have shown how relentless they are. Rising up against them IS the confused voice of their people, Ihelr heart is true but their eyes do not yet see all the intricate sources or power Who shall show them? There are only two marked agencies that in any way can reach the whole people. These are the press and the platform.
 ''But the platform in no way com pares with the press in its power of oft repeated instruction. One would think that in a democracy like ours seeking for instruction, able to read and understand the press would be their eager and willing instructors. Such was the press of Horace Greeley. Henry Raymond, Charles A. Dana, Joseph Medill and Horace Ruble before. they became commerciaiized But what do we find occurring in the last few years since the money power has gained control of our industry and government. and public prints?
 Confidence Weakened
 .'The people know this Their confi- dence is weakened and destroyed No longer are the editorial columns of newspapers potent force in educat- 
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