The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1913-10-10
Fifty Years Of Journalism.

completes fifty years OF activity I'M
der the management of the late ]. M.
Davidson. succeeded by members Of
his family. The Republican is now
entering the sixtieth year OF it's es-
adjustment and OF the past fifty years
1t is especially fitting at this time to
speak retrospectively.
Fifty years have witnessed a vast
change in methods and policies in
country Journalism and newspaper
to have lived that long under one
management must of necessity have
had the constant Illuminating lnspir-
alton of an honest purpose, pro-
gressive spirit, broad patriotism
and indefatigable industry.
Journalism in the Gus partook of
the militant atmosphere and spirit
OF the times. 1t was adestructive
era. To tear down public and pri-
waite character and policies was the
junction of the editorial pen and
from one to three pages each week
were devoted to critical and drastic
analysis of public events AS a re-
suit OF this policy tie "Old Editor"
attained more than state wide rep
utation as pungent and forceful
writer but It detracted from the es-
Isential elements of friendship and ma
terial support. and served no human
itarian or civic purpose.
AS he grew older and the passions
nf
what subsiding, the personal equation
more and more appealed to his natur-
ally broad and sympathetic nature and
he voluntarily drew away from the
dogma of party prejudice end private
strife, and commenced the building
up of the moral, educational and ma
terial interests of the community.
In this work Mr.. Davidson was
pioneer in Illinois journalism. The
Republican led the van in every adj
vancement. Under his vigorous war
fare aided by one or more courageous
friends, saloons were wiped out of
Carthage and eventually out Of the
surrounding villages; an institution of
before Carthage college was thought
of and when the Lutheran commits
sioners met at Carthage to decide on
a location for college,-with con-
fessed leaning for Sterling-it was
Mr. Davidson's prompt action that
finally resulted in the location Of the
college at Carthage.
This was the dawn OF newer and
better Carthage and vicinity and as
the county seat is always the center
CT the county's interest and criticisms,
this upward movement had Its uncon-
scious beneficial influence elsewhere.
Modern homes and business blocks,
paved streets and well kept premises
took the place of property that was
good enough in the old saloon
militant days. Civic pride and public
spirit were enhanced as other gener-
ations came on the scene Of action.
urged on by the kindly advice and
encouragement of the Big and Good
which Sam Clark the late editor of
The Keokuk Gate City, declared, had
became the "conservator of Hancock
county's interests"
The Republican under this policy
grew In influence and expanded in its
field of operation. It's subscription
list advanced from 900 in the COS to
1900 in 1894, at the time of Mr.. David
sons death and since to 16o0,-aH
entirely without organized solicitation
or the aid of premium or contest
schemes. One potent factor in aid of
the Republicans increased subscrip-
ton list and influence was the coun
try correspondence, ricinated by
Kim and since adopted as necessary to
successful provincial journalism.
Mr.. Davidson died in 1894, mourned
BY all who had come within the radius
of his personality and his kindly,
helpful. patriotic, editorial influence.
This was his monument and his
legacy to his family. Since his death
this spirit has been maintained. Bet,
ter schools and churches, closer re-
1ationship of business interests tend
ing toward commercial expansion and
civic improvements, more scientific
methods of farm and road develop
ment, have found in the Carthage Re
publican pioneer aid and leader. 1t
is a far cry from the Carthage Repub-
i.can OF 1863 to the product OF 1913.
These fifty years have been strenu-
GUS years, but they have brought their
need of peace and happiness and good
will And under the spell OF these
vanished years comes the inspiration
for added effort in the future for
greater and better things for our
community and our people. 1t is a
labor OF love that brings its compen-
stations in cemented friendship and
high destinies.
------------------------
Colonel Hepburn and CIarlnda.