The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1916-11-03
NEWSPAPERS FACE
SERIOUS PROBLEMS
PUBLISHERS MAY ADVANCE
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND ADvER-
TISING RATES.

L
to Sign New Contracts-Edi-
tors to Hold Conference
in Columbia.
An open letter has been addressed
by the South Carolina Press associa-
ton to advertising patrons and read
ers of newspapers, advising that
newspapers must either advance SUBJ
scription and advertising rates, or
discontinue publication. The commit
tee emphasizes that the price of print
paper has advanced during the last
eight months from $48 ton to S13O.
1t is further argued that paper in
some instances is almost unobtain-
able, even at this price; some whole
sale houses having none to offer and
some mills refusing to make new con-
tracts. I'VE are now paying from so
to 300 per cent more for paper stock,
inks, metal, type and other things
used in the publishing business than
we were eight months ago. The only
thing that will save the newspaper of
South Carolina is an advance of ad-
vertising and subscription rates." A
meeting of the association was held
In Columbia last Friday, when a COM
mittee was appointed, to prepare a
public statement. Members of the
committee are: o. X. Williams, Rock
Hill; j. l.. Minis, Edgefield, and w.
). Irwin, Chester. The report reads:
"The Press association of this State
wishes to bring to the attention of
the advertising patrons, readers and
friends of the press, the serious sit
uation confronting the publishers at
this time, and point out some facts
that we feel should be communicated
to you in our attempt to meet condi-
tions that have been thrust upon us.
We do this after giving the matter
careful consideration, and finding our
selves powerless at this time to take
any other steps whereby the news
papers may be continued, and feel
ing that we are acting both for the
good Of the patrons and the publish
ers of the papers.
Refuse New Contracts.
paper in the last eight months has
advanced from $48 per ton until at
the present time it is quoted at s13O
per ton, and almost unobtainable at
that price, some wholesome paper
houses having none to offer at all
and some of the mills refusing to take
on any new contracts. There may be
slight excuse, or ample excuse for
the advance in prices on us, but the
fact remains that we are paying from
80 to 500 per cent more for paper
stock, inks, metal, type and things
that are used in the publishing bust
ness than we were eight months ago.
The only thing that will save the
newspapers of South Carolina is an
advance of advertising and subscrip
ton rates. Some of the larger dailies
have already made advances in both.
The small dailies and weeklies will
have to do likewise or 90 out of bus
mess. We ask you in the interest
of free press, and the best interest
of yourself, community and State at
large to meet these advances cheer
fully and to cooperate in every man.
ner possible.
Curtail Demand.
Paper makers insist that there
must be a curtailment of the demand
on them; that they are working three
shifts day, and that at this season
of the year when they should be ac-
cumulating reserve stock, that they
can not supply the demand Large
publishers are trying to meet the sug-
gestion of the paper makers by cut
ting down their papers and economic
ing, and the commission appointed
by congress, after investigating the
situation, are alarmed, but so far have
been unable to offer any suggestion
that will in any way relieve the mat
ter. Small publishers have no oppor-
tunity to economiZe, as they only buy
just what they are obliged to use,
and under the existing conditions few
newspapers can exist long without a
readJustment. Many of the weaker
ones can not survive long unless they
find some immediate remedy. The only
remedy at this time is an advance in
the rates of both advertising and SUBJ
scription. No matter how much a
publisher may dislike to do this, it is
his only salvation, if he continues his
business and continues to be of SER
vice to his advertising patrons and
subscribers.
1--WE have confidence in the patrons
OF the various papers throughout
South Carolina and believe that they
will stand by them and cooperate in
any manner possible to keep them 90.
ing until there can be a readjustment.
And in conclusion we call on all per-
sons who believe in the mission of a