The Wilmington morning star., 1947-10-18
Welcome, Fourth Estate

Representatives of newspapers published
in the eastern part of North Carolina, who
make up the Eastern North Carolina Press
association, today are guest of the City OF
Wilmington, the Star-News and the working
press of this port city of progress and pleas
ure.
Wilmington in honored to nave in its midst
this fine October weather so distinguished a
group of the states leading citizens, men
who nave contributed so much towards the
ideals of q free press, the rights of minoritles
to be heard via the printed word, and to
good government, both here and abroad.
Beginning their deliberations in a light
vein last night at dinner, the member of the
association today will hear of work on two
truly important matters that are, of necessity,
of paramount import to all Of us.
A report on the part newspapers play in
forming public opinion by publishing the
truths of the day without fear or favor and
of the responsibilities of publishers and edi-
tors to the good of their %neighbors and fellow
citizens will be heard and discussed at
length.
This report is based on a study in ten of
the counties in the state and was made by
the University of North Carolina Institute OF
research IN social science under a Rockefeller
foundation grant. We can see, therefore, the
value this discussion may be expected to
bring, not only to newspapersb but ultimately
to their readers.
No doubt the survey will disclose some in
t%eresting facts that may be used for the bene-
a whole have accomplished an excellent
work in their task of giving news, service
and to upholding the rights of all people to
be heard.
North Carolina publishers and editors
and members of the Eastern North Carolina
Press association are to be congratulated on
giving of their time and money so that this
fine tribute to a free press has not fallen
short of the goal set in all the world by men
with clear vision, fine precepts and imbued
with justice.
The second matter is that of plan;
for the development of the port facilities
in North Carolina by the State Ports Au-
thority, of which Mr.. R. B. Page is chair
man.
Former Governor J. Melville B%roughton,
general counsel for the authority, will dis
cuss the development plans that, when COM
pleted, will reflect a beneficial influence to
all the eastern North Carolina communities
represented here by their publishers and
editors, not to mention the state as a whole.
The development of the port, actually one
of the most important factors in the ex-
pansion of this whole southeastern area re-
CARELESS of state lines, is a story of long and
hard fighting on behalf of the people. It
is a story that only recently was crowned
with a degree of success. AS time moves
forward, and the determination of those
pushing this project sees the light of reall-
cation, will COM an even greater prosperity
and stability.
Mayor z. L. White, chief executive of this
North Carolina city famed for its beauty
resorts and flavor of the Old South, on be-
half of the city has extended the hand OF
welcome. Standing behind the mayor today
are the citizens of Wilmington who exten"
a cordial greeting for loads Of fun and prof
liable assembly.