Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-10-27
CALL ON INDUSTRY
TO VALUE PRESS
John E. Mckirdy and E. j..
Stackpoie Define Function
Of Newspaper
FEARLESS AND TRUTHFUL
BY the Associated Press


Harrisburg, Oct. 27.--,John Easton
Mckirdy, OF the Philadelphia Company
or Pittsburgh, speaking before the In
dustrial Relations Conference here to.
day. declared that the "public press is
public opinion" and that the time had
come when industry must appreciate
mat public opinion can not be ignored
II permanent success is to be enjoyed"
Mr.. Mckirdy reviewed at length the
tar reaching extent Of the publishing
INDUSTRY and pointed out that the COM
bined annual circulation OF American
newspapers and magazines was more
than twelve billion copies and the total
revenue more than $500. .OO0. 900. Of
which amount $3.50 900, 600 came from
advertising.
1T is quite conceivable" continued
Mr.. Mckirdy, that temptation is pos
sible i'll this total revenue from advcr-
tlsing. but IL must be conceded that
the American press as whole has been
fair, truthful. independent, fearless,
and constructive advocate of those
fundamental principles laid down by
the people.
1T is an irrevocable rule in every we'll
regulated newspaper Office that both
sides of Il conflicting issue must be given
due regard in the news. Every sincere
editor realizes the obligation to ac-
curately and impartially reflect public
opinion and TO hold true to a policy
OF conservatism in checking the spread
OF radicalism and vicious propaganda
started to corrode the foundations Of
government and dstrust the old fash
ioned belief Of Il contented people.
Many industries have failed to
recognize the influence and rights Of
the press. Industry has not taken The
advantages it might have obtained by
constantly informing the public of lis
problems, its efforts to solve them, and
its aim to do right. II has too often
fail ed to recognize public opinion until
it has been ensultcd with its own
troubles.
Industry should tell the truth. That
IS what the public wants. That is what
The newspapers expect. Failure to do
this is unwise. 1t is wisdom 10 be fair.
and honesty is still the best policy
Newspapers True Function
ignorance Of the facts is the basis
Of much industrial misunderstanding
and resultant controversy and the uews-
papers the country over will certainly
chcerfully cooperate in presenting
facts. declared f.. j. Stackpole, Har-
risburg publisher
Propaganda cannot be successfully
camoufaeed as news for the simple rca
son that news is vital and carries its
own message. said Mr.. Stackpole.
The newspaper is not n vehicle for
the vagaries Of the prolific pamphle-
tcer." he said. ITS proper function is
the dissemination Of essential facts for
the better understanding Of real con-
ditionS. In its news columns the honest
newspaper is not so much interested in
the influencing Of public opinion as it
ia in presenting information which the
people may base their own conclusions. -
Mr.. Stackpole said from his own ex
pericnce of forty five years MS a news
every important industrial plant should
have publicity man absolutely trust
worthy and pendabl2--cntrusted with
the duty Of furnishing such information
to the newspapers and trade journals as
would educate the public mind and give
a rcasonable idea Of the industry's serv-
ice, development and value.
NJ. Stackpole referred to the day as
the birthday Of Theodore Roosevelt. and
said the spirit Of fair play should be
the guide.
Herbert Hoover last night sent a tele-
gram to Clifford p. Connelley. Com
missioner Of Labor and Industry. who
t.; in charge OF the sessions. in which
he said the problem Of industrial waste
Is one TO be solved by individual initlu-
tive rather than by Government super
vision.
The value Of the plant magazine was
brought out by A. Ellis Frampton. Of
Erie, who said it can help give an en-
ploye a knowledge Of his job.
Of Pittsburgh, discussing the functions
Of the technical journal, while John
Frey discussed the trade journal.
Miss Anna Bezanson, Of the Uui-
versity Of Pennsylvania. spoke on the
employe publication which she said must
be sincere to build IN morale