The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1913-04-18
Senator Works Makes Vigorous
Attack on Journalism.
Says the People Should Not Be
Told of Crimes.
SHOULD BE MADE LIABLE
Believes Newspapers at Fault
for Poisonous Matter.
Works Has a Bill Prohibiting
Tragedy Stories in ID. C.

Washington, April Ex-senator Works
! has made a vigorous attack on pres
ent day Journalism and the newspapers
of the United States. The attack was
made in a speech in support of his
bill to make it unlawful for District
of Columbia newspapers to publish de-
| tails of crimes, accidents and tragedies.
A similar bill introduced by him last
session was not acted on
Whether people want this kind of
news or not is one of the questions to
be considered looking at journalism as
nothing higher than means of making
money" said the senator, Newspaper
men maintain that they furnish this
kind of news because the people want
and will have it, and, therefore it is
the only way of maintaining their pub
locations on a paying basis. II this
is true it is certainly a melancholy
fact If it is untrue, it is a grave
charge to make against the American
people.
Undoubtedly, it is true of some peo-
pie. But I am convinced that the
majority of the people who support the
newspaper would prefer to have such
news omitted. Many people do not read
the newspapers and exclude them from
their homes because of Objectionable
matter"
Aside from publication of crimes, ac-
cidents and tragedies, the senator at
tackled newspapers for the discomfort
and embarrassment caused the rela-
tives and friends of persons involved.
He cited the recent case of Henry Clay
Beattie, who killed his wife near Rich
mond, Va, Beattie's people were
wealthy and respected.
Well That Censorship Is Not Allowed.
1T is well for the liberty of the
people, said the senator, that CEN
sorship of the press is no longer al
tn a
the constitution was intended to pre-
vent. But to censor the press and
thereby say what shall and what shall
not be published is one thing and to
make one responsible for a violation
of the privilege thus secured to him is
quite another. The very fact that
the right to publish what one pleases
without abridgement exists is the
strongest possible reason for making
the publishers of news liable for abus-
ing their right and privilege.
Il maintain if a newspaper publish
es matter that is deleterious and pois-
onous to the minds of its readers, thus
violating the rules of good morals and
decency it should be made criminally
liable for this offense, an offense far
more important and hurtful than the
libel of the individual and upon pre-
cisely the same principles"
The senator concluded by admitting
that his bill was not likely to become
a law.
cit has been my purpose" he said,
ito call the attention of the country
to one of the greatest, most powerful
and corrupting evils and influences of
the present age. 1t IS an evil that 1
admit cannot be overcome by law. 1t
must be met by a better and purer
public sentiment that will demand
cleaner and more reliable journalism.
1.-THE man who helps to make the
public mind impure whether he be
journalist or not, is a dangerous man
and an enemy to the best interests OF
his country"