The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1929-02-16
MELVILLE E. STONE,
GREAT LEADER IN
JOURNALISM, DEAD

OchS, who closely was associated
with Stone through the latter stages
of his career, described him as one
who could have attained vast wealth
because of his business genius, but
who chose instead service to his
fellow-man, the pursuit Of noble
idea, the establishment of fine
principle"
Acclaimed as Great Man
Frank B. Noyes, publisher of the
Washington Star and president of
the Associated Press. reached at
Palm Beach, Fla, said:
"At this moment I can only say
That think have lost O very dear
friend and one of the two or three
great men I have ever known"
Karl A. Bickel, president Of the
United Press Associations, now in
San Diego, Cal, telegrapfed Kent
Cooper, general manager Of the As
sociated Press, as follows:
"Older and closer personal friends
Of Mr.. Stone than I, can speak of
Mr.. Stones manifold qualities of
mind and heart In a detail and
with an intimacy I can not ap-
proach. But the United Press has
keenest and solidest appreciation OF
the great and enduring work he did
In his life time in the development
OF the ideals and ethical standards
OF the American press associations
that have made them the strongest
and most comprehensive in the
world.
Created New Standard
"His unrelenting insistence upon
impartiality, accuracy and honesty
in news created a standard that
has become universal In American
Journalism and for that all Amer
leans stand tremendously in his
debt.
"fIe was a great newspaper man,
a great press association executive
and a great patriot"
Melville z. Stone was one Of the
great journalists Of our time" said
William w. Hawkins, 81 eral man
ager OF scripps- Howard newspapers.
Those who fought him hardest
In the early days Of press associa-
ton Development, perhaps admired
him most. In later years, to my
certain knowledge, some Of them
learned to love him for his rich
personality"
Stone retired in 1921 from active
direction of the Association Press
but remained in contact with the
organization as counselor, a post
created expressly for him.
Son OF Minister
Melville Elijah Stone was born in
Hudson, ILL.,, on Aug. %, 1848, the
son of a "ctrcuit-riding" Methodist
preacher, the Rev. Elijah Stone.
The family moved to Chicago when
the son was years old.
In 1869, at the age of 81, young
Stone started foundry and ma
chine shop, but the Chicago fire
of 1871 wiped out the business and
forced fresh start, beginning
of his journalistic career.
Stone started as a reporter on
the old Chicago Republican and
became city editor of the Inter-
Ocean. Consolidation of the Post
and Mail, In which Stone aided
left him as managing editor.
Stone later went to Washington
as a correspondent. Later he or
ganized a company TO purchase the
Chicago Daily News and to publish
1t as penny newspaper.
It was necessary to import several
barrels Of pennies from the Phila-
delphia mint, since the scent piece
was the lowest coin In general use.
Promoted Penny Paper
Stone also promoted odd-price
sales, at the stores, and when Gus
toners were handed change from
20, So or 9s-cent purchases, the Gus
tonary thing was for them to spend
the extra pennies for the News.
In 1888. Stone retired temporarily
from the newspaper business, but
in 1893 was called back to become
general manager Of the Associated
Press.
Through the early days of press
association rivalry. Stone became a
commanding figure.
American inventive genius was
swinging into stride and Stone uti-
Lied every new device that would
help in the rapid transmission of