Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1921-11-18
PLANNING" THE JOURNAL.

Much was said at the Chamber of Commerce
meeting Tuesday night and at the Kiwans club
Wednesday night about newspaper quarrels" and
libel suits" being a great hindrance to the city.
Several speakers "panned' the Journal.
We are willing to take the criticism whether or
not we think the speakers showed complete dis
cernment in anayzing the situation. The criticisms
themselves a hopeful sign.
The present editor of the Journal came into the
community full OF enthusiasm for program OF
progress in city building. 1t apparent very
quickly that many politicians were more Interested
in perpetuatng their hold than they were in devel-
oping New Mexico; that many mine-owners were
more concerned about escaping taxes than they
about seeing that public monies were properly
expended; that banks more interested
in securing the deposits of public monies without
interest than they were in policy which would
bring people and more money to the state;
that back biting was nearer the rule than the
ception and that "knocking" each other was
habtual.
Any who attribute the development Of these par
alyzing shortcomings to the policy of the journal
in the past IS months lack memories. These con-
ditions have existed for years Under their nflu-
neither state city go forward.
Our analysis of the situation was that public
sentiment at a low ebb in these matters and
that crystalzed public sentiment against selfish
ness and graft and petty meanness was necessary
TO the future development of the state. This we
undertook to develop by assalng the evils which
existed, Abstract criticisms idle We were
forced to point the finger at the guilty persons.
They bound to fight back bitterly. This de-
veloped personal hosilities But 1t also developed
the sentiment among the people and among many
Of these men themselves that the only road to real
prosperity and contentment is in giving unselfisn
service to the growth of the city and the state.
The Journal we'll knew that with the crysalIiza-
ton of sentiment of public service, there
would come demand that hostilities be patched
up and cooperation established. The Journal Is
ready when the people are. We have no malice and
pride which will not bow to the public need
If the people now feel that the predatory in
stincs Of those who have oppressed them are suf-
ficiently abandoned and the new spirit OF commu-
nifty cooperation is sufficiently engendered to make
it safe in the public interest that stop, we are
more than ready.
The policy of the journal is constructive, friend
ly and cooperative. We wish to build not to de-
stroy But sometimes buildings must BIZ torn down
before new structures be erected. If the old
eye-sores now demolished, 1t Is time to start
building
The Journal has apologies for its policy. 1t
deliberately chosen The Chamber OF Com
merce meeting Tuesday night was its Justification.
We hoped for such meetings year and a half ago
They could not be until men were made to see the
folly of attempting personal advantage at public
expense.
If the spirit of cooperation and teamwork IS
now liberated and allowed to do It's office work. thu
city and state are ready to go forward. Every re-
Cancellation which we enjoy without a sur
render Of the principle that the common good AMI
equality of opportunity must prevail. we are ready
to go more than halfway to effect.
The Journal wants peace and cooperation on a
basis which is fair to the rank and file Of the peo-
pie. We ask neither more nor less.