Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1914-06-21
PUBLIC READER
 IS EXCITING Little Known of Mexican Life Until Vera Cruz
 Was Occupied.
EDITOR HAS TROUBLES
White "pIatfOrm'' Man "RaIlyh0oes" for Audience, Editor Works ID Theories as to What Is and
 What Is Not News.
(By Jonathan Winfield.)

Washington, June 21.-Public letter writers and public newspaper readers are features of the daily life of Mexi- cans little known to Americans before the occupation of Vera Cruz by the forces of Uncle Sam
 Both these institutions aroused the interest of our boys on duty in that ancient town, but the public reader made the biggest hit With. the blue jackets and khaki shirts Fighters like excitement, and the public reader is exciting.
 He has none of the worries and troubles of the editors and publishers we know. For example he does not have to scratch out his hair fussing over what to put on the first page. He has not theories as to what is and what is not news"
 He gathers his audience by the simple process of standing on chair in crowded section of the city and "ballyhooing," which means that he makes a noise like country circus announcer"
 When the crowd is comfortably seated on the pavement in circle around his platform" he smiles pleasantly and asks, "Well, friend, what would you like to hear first to- day."
 "The latest about the war;" shouts the boldest of the gathering. This arouses a laugh accompanied by hoots and jeers. Signs of approval follow when another auditor sneers, "There is no war; it's a joke"
 Some one suggests vote and nomi- mates "the latest about the bull fights" The vote is taken and "bull fights wins by large majority. His ''first page problem" settled. the public reader is allowed to ''fll in" the re- maining pages" without further in- telYuption> from his "circulation.'
 A mixture of Indian and Spanish blood makes the public reader poet, an orator, and an actor. There are tears in his voice while he reads an account of the death of a public idol. Quickly sensing the fact that the story is making a deep impression, he pro- ceeds to 'edit copy" by adding details from memory.
 Color and fire and action combine to make his descriptions of bull fights real word paintings. He lodges the on rushing beast; he turns swift ly and viciously plunges his imaginary sword into the body of the maddened animal; he retreats, sidesteps, and returns to the charge. Finally he places one foot on the fallen bull, folds his arms and awaits the storm of ap- plause that is sure to follow his vic tory.'
 Next he takes up love romance. His voice becomes low and musical. By slow degrees he works himself in- to harmony with the spirit of the love making and he carries his entranced hearers along with him, particaulrly the dark-eyed and cherry-lipped sen oritas.
 He usually ends his performance with a stirring human interest story, manufacturing any needed material that may be lacking. Much study and long experience have taught him how to play any tune he wishes on the heart strings of his auditors.
 He introduces bit of comedy and makes them laugh. He mournfully recites the unhappy adventures of the hero or heroine and his auditors weep. He pauses for proper effect, and then "reads" an appeal for justice, during which he apparently breaks down, leaving his audience in very senti- mental mood.
 This being the right time for the business end of the enterprise to as sert itself, he promptly passes the hat. If returns are satisfactory, he ends the suspense by resuming his reading" of the exciting narrative.
 If, on the other hand receipts are not up to expectation, he calmly folds his paper and moves away to find an- other circulation"
 Those who are anxious to hear the climax of the unfinished story follow him to the new reading stand and beg TOT the conclusion Of the thrilling tale, accompanying their pleas with a Uonarnuc numher of centaVOS.