Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-09-28
DAILY KENNEBEC JOURNAL. SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2s

believe that Maine has had marked
demonstrations OF it, We believe i
is common, not only in the booze ant
drug traffic but in the cure-al trade
| and in promoting the business of
| some other constituencies public blood
suckers. And because of these we be-
lieve the conception of the law was
| commendable.
Our readers will recall references, in
| the Kennebec Journals editorials OF
late and of last winter and spring,
to the fund provided by the liquor in
terests to purchase editorial comment
IN the newspapers of the country. The
other day we called attention to the
fact that these editorials were being
collected and published in circular
form, and sent out broadcast by the
National Wholesale Liquor Dealers
ASSN.
1t is an interesting expose of the
manner in which license sentiment"
is created, while temperance people
are neglecting to be aggressive in the
fight
This week The American Press pub
fishes an enlightening editorial which
we give in part. The Golfers disclos-
ure referred to is remarkable article
and shows the manner in which the
people are fooled by unscrupulous dol
lar-snatchers. The American Press
saws:
In the issue of Golfers Weekly for
Sept. appears a startling article en-
titled "A Mystery Unraveled," which
directly affects the country newspa-
pers, some of them in particular.
The article shows how many pub
listers have been selling their EDI-
TORIAL columns for cash to the
liquor interests, giving copies of let
ters written by editors accepting cash
offers for their published opinions.
OF about 20 papers in one state that
received offers of advertising matter
run as readers in their editorial col
umns, no less than 60 sent acceptances
to Washington from an office in which
city the propositions emanated
That such policy on the part of
many papers should be so conelusively
manifested causes profound surprise.
1t is nothing less than a startling de-
nouement.
The editorial columns of newspapers
should be free from outside influences
and particularly influences of mer-
cenary sort.
The support given by the American
Press to the new publicity clause in
the postal appropriation act is entire
ty justified by the revelations made by
Golfers Weekly. That measure pro-
vides for the plain marking as an adj
vertisement every article run IN pa
pers for which any consideration is
paid.
A penalty is named to be inflicted
on all violations of this new law.
Many papers object to the govern
ment regulation, terming the innova-
ton everything from "unwarranted IN
reference" to a modern nquisition.
Various editors have written the
editor of the American Press protest.
ing against the law. One New England
publisher wrote us weeks ago asking
us TO heip aeiedt eile oiii
ing in the lower house of congress.
Another editor writes;
Il do not believe that you nave the
interest of the newspapers at heart
when you support the newspaper pue-
LEFTY law"
To him and all publishers opposing
it we point to the issue of Collier
Weekly in question and ask that the
article mentioned be carefully read.
It contains proof conclusive OF
widespread practice of putting up eal-
torial opinions and space at auction lor
cash bids.