The forum. [volume] (Springfield, Ill.) 1904-192?, 1917-04-07


last annual meeting OF the Associated
Ohio Dailies. w. +. Wiley, editor OF the
Cincinnati Enquirer. delivered an ad-
dress that has become a classic in edi-
torial circles.
Mr.. Wiley startled his audience OF
editors when he proved to them that
the Wanted freedom OF the press is no
more. Here are excerpts from Mr..
Wileys address, which is considered
one of the most fearless public utter
ances of the day:
More swiftly and as surely as the
glacier grinds its resistless way down
mountain slopes, sweeping before II
all life and growth and development.
80 there is sweeping down on the
press OF America the relentless, cold,
merciless un-American avalanche OF
governmental censorship.
1t is inconceivable to my mind that
Russianization OF the American press
will be permitted to go on unheeded
and unchecked. And yet the end OF
the effort TO throttle us is not in sight.
To the local efforts Of Alabama, West
Virginia and other states to prevent
the sale or circulation of newspapers
containing advertisements of certain
character is added now the proposal
OF the congress of the United States
to prevent the carrying by mail any
where of newspapers containing such
advertising matter. That proposal
Ia. oil Au ~
ate. and If reports may be believed, 1t
will receive also the approval OF the
house OF representatives.
There is pending, too. in the senate
4 resolution. declaring that United
States district courts shall have no
unconstitutional.
am not here to make a defense of
the liquor traffic, nor TO plead for
those newspapers and other periodic
ais that carry the advertising OF this
business. Personally, have no in
terest in the business direct or in
direct, nor have / ever defended It..
Speaking to you tonight as man TO
man. | may add, even. that | am per
sonaliy opposed to some phases OF it
for many reasons. but l am more
strongly opposed 10 the insidious eff
fort, OF which this proposed legisla-
ton La the opening wedge. to repeal or
TO emasculate Article 1 OF the amend
msnts to the Constitution OF the
Uaited States, which provides that
there shall be no abridgement of the
freedom Of the press.
II is an age old light my friends.
this insistent effort to prevent the ex-
ereise of honest criticism of man and
measures. II has IFS beginning In
the dim. dark days when tyranny was
rule. when kings could do no wrong
and when he who tremendously
raised his voice IN complaint or criti-
e4sm Of those occupying the seats OF
the mighty paid for such indiscretion
with his life.
Gentlemen OF the Associated Ohio
DsIlies, the battle 10 on. There Is even
now not alone a governmental censor
ship OF the press. bat the first Shiny
tentacles OF an inquisition have been
thrust menecingfy and with sinister
purpose toward complete Official dom
ination and control of editorial utter
ance
Let us read a letter received by the
editor of an Ohio newspaper with
which most of you are familiar:
sir:-There has been submitted to this
oface q copy of an editorial entitled Why
4. -. -
have been published In Jan. 4. 1917, Issue
OF your publication. with the suggestion
that II WAS published for a valuable corr
sideration and should. therefore. have
been marked as an advertisement. Ia
aoeordance with tina provisions OF the
act of Aug ~, 1914. a copy ~ which 81
inolossd. This office woslid be pleased 10
have a statement from you In regard to
the matter.
Respectfully, &
A. "A. DOCKERY,
Tktd Asst Postma stsr General
The editorial referred to follows:
Why Not Regulate EverythIns7
Opposition IF tho board of governors OF
tts Cincinnati Advertisers club to the
Randall advertising bin pending In con-
srsss Is timely and Sensible. This meas
ure. enacted into law. Ia to withhold
from the mails any pubhcstio OF printed
matter advertising Intoxicating liquors
for AAle.
Enactment OF this bin hsto law viii
establish n precedent which quickly and
easily may lead 10 governmental censor
ship OF all printed matter. II Ii becomes
unlawful to publish advertising relating
to the sale Of Intoxicating liquors. It will
be but a step to prohibit the sdvertisins
Of tobacco or underwear. OF stockings.
o. of any other commodity In Which a
iarre portion Of the public is interested.