The Editorial Manifesto: Why Local News Matters

A word to the country editor: Those who are not in the newspaper business are the ones who, in their own opinion, know how a newspaper should be run. A man who has been in the business almost all his life and should know what he is talking about suggests that the editor is expected to grind every axe while nobody cares to turn the stone. Every sort of notice—social, political, and religious—ought to be paid for. The laborer is worthy of his hire. In the case of religious notices and announcements for organizations, a strict account of rates should be kept for the year for every church and society; and then, if deemed desirable by the proprietor, at the end of the year, the bill—receipted—might be sent in as his personal contribution to the cause of the Lord. Then these gentlemen would be astounded at the amount given away for the cause of God and charity by the poor devils who are having bad dreams and night sweats, sometimes ending in downright insomnia, trying to pay their paper bills and keep up with their employees. What right has John Smith, candidate for sheriff, to demand puffs free of charge, when the course of one campaign costs a publisher fifty dollars to simply put in type? If the candidate desires to dance, let him put up, or let the orchestra cease firing. It is time editors bound themselves by solemn pact to create a new custom. Make every mother's son of them pay honest prices for honest work. The country editor should be the silent umpire of every assemblage of his fellow citizens. Each member of the community should know that he holds the lever to the engine of public opinion, and his presence restrains the rascal and protects the weak from the unjust aggressions of the strong.