The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1913-06-26
Two HUNDRED
EDITORS VISIT
Grand FORKS

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the question in an able maner He told
of the unusual amount of advertising
that was included in patents and ap-
pealed to the publishers to place
themselves in a position to control
their advertising, believing that in
the end they would receive more con-
sideration from their local advertis-
ers.
Editor Adrist of the Noonan Min
er declared for independence in ad-
vertising. He gave statistics to show
the large sums of money spent for
foreign advertising in the state and
said the publishers by sticking to-
gether could control large share of
it. "The Necessity of an Editorial
Page was handled exceedingly we'll
by Moyle Edwards of Devils Lake.
Mr.. Edwards contends that the edi-
torial page is a necessity for a sue
cesful publication. Thought, hon
esty of purpose and a little energy
will produce an editorial article. The
editorial page is the newspapers con-
science.
J.J. McGarry of Alexander spoke on
the editorial page of country week.
ly, and Mr.. McGarry has one of the
best edited papers published in west
ern North Dakota. The editorial page,
Mr.. McGarry declared, should be the
cozy corner of the paper when the
editor meets his readers, talks TO
them, reasons with them, informs
them, edifies them and amuses them.
"Purity in Advertisements" was the
subject of paper written by Senator
A. L. Melton Of Rolette, who publishes
a spicy weekly at that place. The last
| legislature passed law forbidding
deceptive and fraudulent schemes in
advertising. With this law in ef-
feet suspicious looking advertisements
may be investigated by the states
attorney and if the defendant is found
guilty he may be imprisoned.
Circulation Accounts" was the sub
ject of paper by Chas. H. Lee of
Walhalla. Mr.. Lee advocates the card
index system. It pays to look after
subscription accounts, he finds.
C. B. Thomas, the capable publisher
of the Harvey Herald, gave some val
liable hints on checking up advertise
ments. He declared that enough pay
locals escaped the attention of the
North Dakota publishers every year
to establish several first class print
ing plants.
| Grant S. Hager, the Grafton pub
fisher read very important paper on
the libel law For years the statute
made libel felony, but in all that
time no editor was convicted, altho
many charges were filed. The last
legislature reduced the grade to a
misdemeanor. The editor who tells a
bald truth about anyone and does it
in malicious manner may still be
guilty of libel. A newspaper must be
actuated by some good motive.
A paper written by A. M. Baker,
publisher of the Fargo Daily News,
was read. The editor who carries out
his contract with the readers the best
is the one who keeps the news free
from comment, he declared.
Editor Haines read an excellent pa
per on Office methods. He urged the
publishers to be especially careful to
use the best stationery and to write
their letters carefully, never append
ing notations to the bottom Of letters
to save time. He thot an hour in the
morning spent in answering all cor
respondence paid. Promptness is his
motto.
The main address of the afternoon
was given by E. L. Clifford, advertis-
ing manager for the Minneapolis
Journal. His subject was, "What is
the matter with the newspapers ?" and
his answer was that nothing was the
matter with them, at least not very
much. Mr.. Clifford represents paper
that has been cutting out all objec-
tionable advertising matter, meaning
loss of thousands of dollars year,
yet the fight is worth while. Mr..
Clifford read some Of the false adver-
tisements taken from other Twin City
papers. He also considered several
advertisements taken from North Da-
kota papers, giving ideas as to how
they could be improved. So many ad-
vertisers do not get value received
because they do not exercise care and
good judgment in preparing their
copy. Advertisers should have some
thing specific to say and quote prices
whenever possible. Mr.. Clifford's ad-
dress was without question the most
timely that we have ever heard de-
livered before any body Of newspaper
men and we intend to print it in full
at some future time.
Resolutions were passed thanking
Grand Forks for her splendid enter
tainment, and fitting resolutions for
the late Mr.. Haskell were adopted.
That evening at six o'clock the Wis
itors were taken to the University in
autos and on electric cars, where q
banquet in courses was served in the
spacious dining hall. An orchestra
furnished music during the evening.
At the conclusion Of the enjoyable
feed" an interesting program Of
toasts was given. DR.. Homer Cook
J presiding during the greater part Of