A Rabbi Fights Back: Spokane's Dr. Schreiber Sues Newspapers for Libel
After a sensational rumor circulated about him, Rabbi Schreiber was exonerated by his congregation and now plans to sue the Seattle Telegraph, Tacoma Ledger, and San Francisco Examiner for defamation.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
SPOKANE, Aug. 31. [Special.] Last week a story reflecting on Rev. Dr. Schreiber, rabbi of the Hebrew congregation in this city, and author of 'Progressive Judaism,' was circulated here, and several newspaper correspondents telegraphed highly sensational and exaggerated reports of the affair to the Tacoma Ledger and Seattle Telegraph. Dr. Schreiber was absent in Victoria at the time and on his return demanded a thorough investigation. A committee was appointed from his congregation for that purpose and concluded its labors tonight. Dr. Schreiber was exonerated by the committee by a unanimous vote. The doctor has instructed his attorneys to at once institute suits for libel against the San Francisco Examiner, Seattle Telegraph, Tacoma Ledger and other papers that published the story.
“Dr. Schreiber was exonerated by the committee by a unanimous vote.”
In an age of sensational journalism, a false rumor about a respected rabbi spread quickly through telegraph wires. Dr. Schreiber's swift demand for an investigation and his subsequent libel suits reflect a community's defense of its leader's reputation. Today, defamation lawsuits and the fight against misinformation remain potent issues, especially for public figures.
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