Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-07-22
Special 10 The Tribune.

Special TO Inc tribune.
Missouia, July 2l.-The editorial
page is the very soul of the newspaper,
Tom Stout. editor and publisher of the
Lewistown Democrat-\ews, said in an
address before the National Editorial
association convention here Friday.
Mr.. Stout. speaking on The Import
ance of the Editorial Page" said that
without ii the paper would be color
less. that the other two chief features,
news and advertising. would lose their
attractiveness. He took issue with the
charge sometimes made that the bust
ness office of the newspaper dominates
the editorial policy, SAYING that in
stead the views of the editorial depart
ment usually prevail in case Of a clash.
The IeWistoWn editors address in
part follows:
1T is a natural human instinct to
attach major Importance to whatever
task which choice or necessity has
given US to do. This becomes par
ticularly true when one happens to
like his job. His devotion to it enables
him to ennoble it and TO invest it with
a dignity and an influence in the whole
scheme of toll and accomplishment
which are not so readily apparent to
those whose minds are directed to
other duties and obligations. 1t is this
faculty for absorption in our own
work, for loyalty to it. for faith in
its worth whileness. which lends zest
to any employment and makes for any
progress that merits attention or &C
claim.
Satisfaction From Work
81 believe that the members of no
profession or calling derive greater
satisfaction from good work well done
than do the members of the editorial
profession. Essentially, theirs is a
creative task. Whether consciously or
not, they are constantly striving to
build up that intangible thing known
as public sentiment. Moreover, it is a
piece of construction into which the
element of selfishness or the prospect
of individual gain does not enter to
any appreciate extent.
From a purely material viewpoint,
it makes but little difference to the
average editor whether the principles
which he advocates are or are not
made effective as matters of public
The reward for his hopes and
must lie in the satisfaction
which comes from the triumph of
tut dttdllIuleui Vi WHICH lIds
indeed touch in a vital, material man
ner the lives of millions of his fell
lows but leaves the editor still at his
desk reflecting upon what next he shall
do to justify the existence of the job
he holds. But it is the knowledge that
his work does count. that his efforts
bear fruit, that his advice. admoni-
tons and warnings do influence the
of public opinion which repays
n ample measure the man who con
the editorial page. | am not I'M ,
,ware of the fact that editors are not
nfrequently classed by the extremely
practical as dreamers rather than
ioers, as the projectors of theories
which do not always fit into the
of material affairs. How often
nave we heard the traditional hard
headed business man" speak of our
kind in tones Of somewhat exasperated
clearance, Of wearied good nature. OF
10 more than half concealed contempt.
But we may take consolation from the
bought that this has always been the
portion of those who see visions and
iream dreams. who struggle against
he bondage of the commonplace, who
strive for that contentment which
zones from the knowledge of a worthy
ask faithfully performed.
Experience Many Setbacks