Evening star., 1925-08-20

Messages deploring the sudden death
or the noted publisher poured into the
offices of the Daily News.
Leaders in all conservative move.
ments in Chicago spoke in apprecia-
ton of Mr.. Lawson's courage and abil-
ity in furthering the good interests Of
chicago. Editors, statesmen, political
leaders, reformers and lesser known
citizens were among those whose mes
sages came in an unending stream.
AT the same time lesser known in
tereSts OF the many-sided figure came
to light. Mr.. Lawson early displayed
an interest in newspaper work, and his
hrst earned pocket money came from
work In the circulation department
of the Chicago Evening Journal.
At the end of his first week he
proudly displayed to his father 81 he
had been paid. His father gave him
81 more.
From that time" said Mr.. Lawson,
In telling Of his boyhood, Il never
lacked money Of my own"
Played No Favorites.
One rule which Mr.. Lawson early
adopted in the management of his
newspaper was that position accorded
TO display advertising depended upon
the eXigenCies of makeup and that
every advertiser stood the same
chance of getting the best or less de-
sirable positions
The publisher never sought to con-
troll political appointments. asserting
that such action would be handicap
to his fre and untrammeled action
on behalf of the people.
Mr.. Lawson was a man of tireless
industry. His days work began in
his library Immediately after break
fast and many tasks were attended to
before he went to his office. After
dinner in the evening he again was
at his desk and worked several hours
more. In his hours Of relaxation his
love Of good stories was notable.
He was Of conservative habits and
always dressed in garments made
from a certain cloth imported from
the Tyrol. His f1at-topped derby hats
also were distinctive. From the time
he was a young man he always wore
full beard.
So careful was Mr. Lawson in his
efforts TO live up to his position as
editor of a newspaper independent in
politics that he refrained from voting
in primary elections. He held, further,
that he was not a member of any
political party and was free to criti-
cize either party at any time.
F. b. Noyes Voices Tribute.
The Daily News today publishes the
following comment by Frank B.
Noyes, president OF the Associated
Press, upon the death OF Mr.. Lawson:
grief to me to learn of Mr.. Lawson s
death. A great figure in American
Journalism has passed"
Mr.. Noyes is in Winter Harbor, Me.
Among the other numerous tributes
received were these:
Senator Charles s. Deneen of Illi-
nois:
In the death of Mr.. Lawson. Chi
cago loses a great friend and the
country a great citizen. For more
than SO years he has labored un-
ceasingly for a greater and better city
and higher and nobler national life.
He was indeed a great builder. His
death will bring profound sorrow to
this community, which he served with
all his might"
Senator George H. Moses of New
Hampshire, in Chicago as chairman OF
the joint congressional postal rate
committee:
Meeting as we do in this city and
the members of this committee being
members of the postal committees of
both houses of Congress, it is fitting
that we take notice of the passing
of one Of the greatest publishers Of
the country, and one Of the greatest
friends Of the postal service, to
whose initiative and perseverance the
postal savings department owes its
existence"
Called Honor to Profession.
La Fayette Young, ST.. veteran pub
Usher of the Des Moines Capital, and
one of the country's pioneer editors:
"Mr. Lawson was an honor to the
editorial fraternity. He never aban-
doned his ideas or opinions for the
sake of circulation. He never pander-
ed to vicious and unlawful elements,
regardless of their numbers. He was
q hard worker. He was resourceful
His newspaper was greatly successful
1t was, all the time. published in the
interests of patriotism and public and
private virtue"
Joseph Medill Patterson, co-editor
of the Chicago Tribune
Mr.. Lawson was one Of the great
est citizens Chicago has ever known
AS a journalist there have been few
to compare with him. He made his
newspaper great without cheap COM
promises with popular taste, and par
alleled his career as an editor with
long and successful service for the
Associated Press"
John c. Schaffer, editor and publish
er of the Chicago Evening Post:
"Mr. Lawson's death Is q great loss
to the community. I am keenly sorry
to hear of his death"
Marveled at Labors.
Richard ]. Finnegan. co-editor of
the Chicago Journal:
LAS an editor Mr.. Lawson upheld
the highest ideals Of Journalism, yet
he did not let his many activities
In the newspaper world interfere
with his duties as a citizen. Other
newspaper men marveled at the
time he gave outside his office to
large civic interests. He was an
all-around good citizen, a fine gentle
man, a good neighbor and his loss
is one Of the most serious Chicago
has felt in long time"
Kent Cooper, general manager Of
the Associated Press, sent this mes
sage:
"Victor F. Lawson was an inspiring
figure in American journalism. He
once referred to the Associated Press
as his great adventure, and, indeed, it
was. His devotion to the ideals Of
the newspaper profession was reflect
ed in his ardent interest in the Asso-
ciated Press. A. P. men scattered
throughout the world hold him in
reverence. Just 50, memory Of him
will be revered by them throughout
the years"