Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-06-05

usually are other sides. The murder
of Aida Hayward, however, had but
one side and that should not be
sighted. Possibly the authorities in
a way responsible for exploiting OF
the crime-and we understand this
does not include the sheriff-may
state their side; that is their priv
ilege. We do not assume that they
acted in bad faith; we do not think
they did. Possibly they will be able
to cite presidents for their attitude
in this matter.
AS for the newspaper concerned
in getting an exclusive story it but
follows custom and so exhibits en-
terprise, wins approval from the
public. also the public's money. and
so we get back to the public attitude
as being at fault.
Suppose a reporter, trained by ex-
perience, naturally skilled, shrewder
than are the officers of the law. aids
the officers in apprehending the
guilty; suppose that in coAsidera-
ton for this he is granted an eX-
elusive advantage in the publicity,
some will say, "Why that is but fair.
He so aids justice" But where does
this lead? Surely to possibilities OF
a crooked and devious path. But
how avoid this? Not easily answered
is that query.
It may help to consider some OF
the features of the situation. Here
is an internal specimen of criminal.
Society has assumed charge Of. him.
he is in society's custody under those
chosen by society to take charge OF
him. What he may say and what
he may do, it is society's duty to
know about. There should not be a
moment when he isn't under the
watchful eyes of his custodians. the
oretically and practically so far as
possible. Shall society permit him
to be exploited, shall society permit
this field to cash in" on his ex-
PLOTS? Supposing-as matter OF
fact the county attorney says he
previously had Kirby's confession
and at that didn't need it though 1t
appears an official confession was
not made until Thursday-it were
found possible for the county to save
thousands of dollars in trial by in
ducing confession by the payment OF
money. then should way be found
for the county, not for a newspaper
nor an amusement purveyor, to pay
him that money If it were deemed by
those in authority proper under all
conditions to do so. A way. could be
found to do this. If we set about it,
a way has been found for keeping a
prisoner under strict espionage. All
this causes expense and effort, but
it can be done. especially in fragrant
instances.
What incentive to skilled reporters
would there be in this? Is the AL
mighty" dollar the reporters sole in
centive? 1t is not. There could be
other recognition Of his merit, other
recognition of the .merit Of the paper
employing him. But some will say
where would be the incentive of f.
nancial gain for the paper? News
papers have-to depend upon financial
gain for their existence. but news
papers are under protection Of laws
which they are obligated to uphold;
they should not be permitted to pros
titute the public for their financial
gain, and when they attempt 1t an
intelligent public will find way to
make 1t Improbable for them to do
so. Some day the public may be
intelligent enough to do this. Mean
while certain practices on the part
Of those under oath to administer
the laws, better than those laws are
now administered, should be exposed
to the light. Perhaps so we may ar
rive at better conditions, and clearer
understanding. Anyhow, when GRIM
inals are ready to confess that con-
fession should not be put off to give
any newspaper an exclusive story.
The criminal might change his mind.
If someone rises to remark: well.
the Journal would be just as eager
as any newspaper to get exclusives"
we would not argue with them; there
is the record; but, if we are, that
wouldn't prove that we ought to be
permitted to suppress public in
formation by means Of public Of
ficials until such time as we might
wish to give it out.