The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-11-08
THE PEACE ERROR

The PEACE ERROR
The explanation made today by Ad-
miral Wilson of the United States
navy, assuming full blame for the re-
port that sent the nation wild yester-
day and last night, clears up the most
unusual and sensational situation the
American public has undergone since
the beginning of the world war.
The country settles down today in
sober retrospecton after a celebration
that probably never has been equalled
in enthusiasm in the past. 1t is d
rather cruel setback after such an ex-
plosion of joy over premature news
of peace, but under the circumstances
the newspapers and the United Press
hardly can be censured. 1t was a
plain case of over-enthusiastic service
on the part of the United. Press and
an attempt to serve the anxious pub
lie on the part of the newspapers re-
ceiving the news.
In Topeka the State Journal an
Associated Press newspaper. and hold
er of the exclusive all day leased
wire service, also buys the United
Press service The United Press is
bought by leading afternoon newspa-
pers as auxiliary service all over the
United States. The first flash of the
signing of the armistice came over the
! United Press wires to the State Jour
nal at noon. Immediately it was post
ed on the State Journal bulletin boards
and sent out in extra editions
| 1t was some time before the Asso-
ciated Press and Washington sent out
denials of the report at least, before
/ they stated that there was no official
confirmation available.
/ fled. Business houses closed fac
tories, government departments and
tion peace demonstrations demoralized
every day activities.
/ From the middle of the afternoon
until late in the evening the State
Journal carried denials from Wash
| ington and from the Associated Press.
But it was too late-the orgy was on.
| The State Journal gave out the orig
inal report from the United Press. as
did other newspapers over the nation
Furthermore the State Journal gave
the public every denial and every
word of lack of confirmation from
the Associated Press.
| The United Press was so positive OF
the authenticity of it's news source
that the president of this big news
gathering organization signed person
ally the bulletin containing the an
nouncement.
Newspaper readers should bear ir
mind that newspaper is distribu-
tor, not manufacturer of war news
1t is a newspapers duty to give the
news to the public as it comes over the
wires and cables from abroad. The
State Journal. an Associated Pres.
newspaper. in an effort to give it.
readers the greatest layout of wal
news has, for several years, gone to 6
large expense by purchasing. as al
auxiliary service. the United Press
The United Press in the past ha
} proved to be a most reliab&e and ener
, getic news service.
1t is a most regrettable incident
The State Journal as we'll as news
papers all over the United States acte,
in perfect faith in the treatment o
the story.
But-just to be happy for a minut
didn't the old town show its color
in great shape. Did you ever see sue
. an outburst of real patriotism-enthu
siasm not over peace but over victory
Topeka simply warmed up
stretched her legs, as it were-for tn
official announcement that is bound t
5 come"
| Meanwhile Keep your ears window
! ward. because the announcement Q
+ victory is liable to electrify the worl
any minutei