Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1934-09-20
TO A NEW ERA

With last weeks issue the ASkOv
American completed twenty years of
existence and is this week entering
upon volume 81. In another year it
will be of age.
1t was in the stirring days of the
World war, on Sept. II, 1914, that
the first issue of the American made
its appearance. Now. twenty years
later. we are going through a period
of economic changes, no less stirring
in many ways.
Economic conditions were good
back in 1914. However, those were
venture. just as the days of 1884 in an
economic sense are trying for so many
individuals and business enterprises.
But through it all the Askov Amer
lean has at all times tried to be of
service to the people in the commun-
tiles it serves and to the state and
nation as a whole. 1t has maintained
and will continue to maintain an in
dependent editorial policy. Not that
we lay any claim to being infallible,
but we do claim that our expressions
of opinion are frank and candid and
of our own production. Readers may
agree or disagree, but the newspaper
striving to be of public service is
open to conviction and is public
first mission is that of disseminating
rmation-facts-in it's news col
umns. The readers can judge for
themselves, draw their own conclu-
sions and form opinions. But the
newspaper without editorial express
sions-the editor without opinions
and the courage to express them
is much like an individual without
backbone. So naturally the public
the readers-expect, and have right
to eXpect-that the newspaper
moulder of public Opinion-will give
editorial expression to questions con-
fronting the citizens at large.
One of the early convictions of the
management of the Askov American
was that of having faith in the peo-
pie that it was to serve. No mistake
was made in the placing of that faith
for the response to the efforts of the
newspaper have been both satisfying
and gratifying. Times have been
good and not so good during the two
decades, but we have tried to smile
and be optimistic together with our
fellow citizens. There have been ups
and downs, trials and tribulations-
not all path of roses-criticism and
commentator, irate subscribers and
advertisers, happy, pleased and con-
tented customers, but through it all
wholesome experiences that have
made for ties of friendship, cOmmun-
ity feelings and comradeship in citi-
zenship.
The same faith placed in the people
that we have served, and continue to
serve, forms the basis for the cOnvic-
tiOn that changes in our economic
system will be made so that bright
err day looms ahead for the masses.
Rome was not built in a day. Down
through the ages courageous and able
leaders and loyal followers have la
bored to make the lot of the common
man better. Conditions have improved
as time has passed, not without effort
but through united force. And so in
these days also will the conditions
and the lot of the common man be
improved. There is a silver lining in
the clouds. We have faith in the
masses rising to a better day when
they may be more able to enjoy the
fruits of their labors and the result
ant happiness and contentment.
With this faith the Askov American
together with it's readers enters upon
the new era.