The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1931-03-28
Functions of a Newspaper

la AAVVASS
letter from an I. v. A.. state official relating to the
Trihune's editorial attitude toward construction Of a new
capitol building. Since The Tribune invites free and fair
discussion of all vital public issues, the letter is printed
insofar as 1t conforms to the rules Of the Peoples Forum,
which is a regular feature Of this newspaper.
The letter invites editorial rejoinder. Evidently it was
written under stress Of a Misrepresentation of the editor
iaIs intent, which is the text Of the letter. Forward
March" was the caption of the editorial and without
being fulsome, it was commendatory OF Gov. Skaters
reply to the Jamestown capitol removal enthusiasts In
cidentally, the editorial made a few suggestions and COM
mcnted favorably upon the selection OF one member OF
the capitol commission. AS to the ability OF the others
for such a job. this newspaper frankly SAID IT was not
qualified to judge at this time.
There was no in%sinuation nor was any intended that
the other two men were not equally as qualified. Time
will prove that-we hope most gloriously.
This all leads to the functions Of a newspaper, under
stood for the most part by the rank and file Of readers
but seldom appreciated by politicians, either in or out
Of office. If a newspaper is not blatantly for or against
an administration it falls short, in the estimation of some
persons, of the high calling of journalism. To some,
such. failure to endorse with fulsome praise or condemn
and ~castigate, is t~reachery of the worst sort. II a news
paper does not faithfully follow the signs and signals Of
the political cheer leaders, it may expect to be censored
by those persons who regard political exhortation as law
and politicians as sacred.
The honest newspaper, however, recognizes that its
debt is to its readers and the public generally. There are
some newspapers which are primarily political organs.
but the number is growing smaller and smaller each year
and happily so, for the most serious fetter which can.
be imposed on a newspaper, and the one most inimical to
the public interest, is that which a newspaper fastens
upon itself.
The Tribune does not choose to qualify in the class
of political newspapers.
It is the mouthpiece Of neither Of the political factions
in North Dakota. It IS not particularly interested in
the political fortunes of any candidate or group of cam
s-x- ~ lift -.AEA- 49, N>-n~~r Matthew
is it committed to any political party or group. It is an
independent newspaper and hopes to be in a position
always to. support and encourage honest and efficient
public servants, whatsoever their labels. It Is more in
terested In honest government than in the success Of
political parties and their henchmen.
Free then, as it Is. Of all party or clique domination,
it is not writing fulsome eulogies for any political faction.
Neither is it "ballyhooing" for, nor riding on any party
band wagon.
BY honest and fearless presentation of the news, by
fair and temperate discussion and analysis Of all ques-
tions of public interest, The Tribune has attempted to
demonstrate this in the past. It will continue to do so,
in the future, acting on the theory that its readers are
entitled to unimpeachable news and well-considered views
without faint Of bias or partisanShip.
The Tribune can categorically deny making "vitriolic
attacks" on Governor shafer. This newspaper has, from
time to time, disagreed with many of the governors po-
lices, but always honestly and always courteously.
It IS not pleasant to criticize. It is much easier for
q newspaper to take a ~pollyanna attitude toward political
and economic issues than to adopt a straightforward
policy in the public interest. Bucking political currents
is much harder than cheerfully floating along with them.
A newspaper which strives to be honest with its readers
cannot always takes the easiest way.
Most vacations are more or less private, but newspaper
publishing is charged with a public interest. That inter-
est should always be paramount. 1t IS paramount with
The Tribune. t.4#~
Most publishers enjoy getting the reactions Of their
readers and that is why publishing the letter Of AN In
terested Bystander" is q most pleasant task. If we have
unwittingly done anyone an injury. such communicatsons
help to clear the atmosphere and set the record right.
On the other hand, however. a newspaper must always
be in . position to condemn what is wrong by constructive
criticism. Readers look to their newspaper for informa-
ton on public issues and condemn them when they fail to
reveal the truth. The Tribune Is striving as best it can
to render such 9 service.