Sensationalism Pursues a Former New York Educator

Another instance of the possibilities of sensationalism is reported from the Post-Intelligencer. It relates to the fate of a former superintendent of the public schools of New York, where he cultivated a high reputation and became a noted authority on the treatment of the young. As often happens, his association with these unfortunates and close attention to duties, particularly those of an exacting nature, caused his health to break down. He was ordered by his physicians to seek complete rest, and he eventually settled in Washington Territory to seek a quiet, peaceful life. But here, a sensational paper, hungry for a scandal, discovered him. It sought to create a story about him to the effect that he was a 'dead beat' and a 'habitual drunkard.' The paper, with its characteristic lack of principle, published this shameful accusation. The man, who had retired to an invalid and restricted existence, was tortured by this report. The reporter had been denied his promised interview and report, but he wrote one anyway. Morally considered, there is but a narrow line between the guilt of such performances and murder.