Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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I* PRESS GANG MEETS ' ? HAD A DELIGHTFUL AND PROFITABLE GATHERING, IW**" J UN THE CITY OF SUCCESS. i ? Several Valuable Papers Read and Other Matters Discussed and Acted j on, Splendid Address by Editor Crasty, a Rig Banquet and a Trip i Up to Alta Pass, N. C. ( The South Carolina State Press Asooclatlon met in Spartanburg on last Monday evening, and after a most j pleasant meeting adjourned on Tues- i day evening. Several valuable pa- J pers were road by the members and a 1 splendid address was delivered before 1 the Association by Charles H. Grasty, Editor of the Baltimore Sun, on Tues- 1 day evening. The same evening was 1 tendered a banquet by the citizens of ' Spartanburg, at which Dr. H. N. Sny- ! der, of Wofford College, nctod as toastmaster, and at which several fine speeches were made by Mr. Lewis ' W. Parker, Mr. Charles F. Grasty, < Dr. Silor and others. Next morning nearly all the members of the Association took a trip to Alta Pass, N. <5., where they spent the night. Among the papers read was one by Capt. W. E. Gonzales, of The State, on "Journalistic Ethics," which met with the hearty endorsement of the members. Captain Gonzales proposed, as a means of creating more respect for the newspapers, that the association adopt a code of ethics for the guidance of its members, just as organizations of physicians and attorneys have similar codes for their members. A resoultion was adopted, directing the executive committee to coneider the advisability of adopting euch a code, and directing thorn to report at the next meeting. Captain Gonzales' suggestion met with favor and a number of lie editors recommended that the plan be followed. if. C. Booker, editor of the Greenville Piedmont, read a paper on "The Experiences of an Editor." A paper by N. Chrlstensen, editor of the Beaufort Gazette, on "The Newspaper (Man's Duty and Opportunity With t Regards to State Legislation," was read by W. D. Grist, of the Yorkville Enquirer, in the absence of Mr. Christensen. A paper on "Legislative Reporting" by McDavid Horton, of the Columbia State, was read by William Banks, of the Anderson Mail, in Mr. Tlorton's absence. Capt. Charles Petty, of the Spartanburg Journal, read a paper on "A Look into the Past of South Carolina Journalism." Tho following officers were elected to servo for tho next year: H. L. Watson, of the Greenwood Index, president; E. H. DoCamp, of the Gaffney Ledger, first vice-president; William Banks, of the Anderson Daily Mail, second vice-president; J. L. Sims, of tho Orangeburg Times and Democrat, treasuier; W. P. Caldwell, of tho Charleston News and Courier, eeeretary; Rev. S. A. Nettles, of the Southern Christian Advocate, chaplain, and the executive committee as follows: Robert Lathan, of the Charleston News and Courier; A. B. Jordan, of the Dillon Herald; Neils Christensen, of the Beaufort Gazette. Papers were also read by A. B. Jordan, of the Dillon Herald, on "The Cost System In Newspaper Printing Shops and in the South Carolina Master Printers' Association," and W. J. Irwin, of tho Chester Reporter, on "The Cost of Newspaper Advertising Composition." The papers were ordered printed in tho minutes. The Isle of Palms of Charleston was selected by acclamation as the place of meeting in 1913 over five competitors: Orangeburg, Glenn Springs, Florence, Rock Hill and Anderson all wanted the meeting for next year. Alex Long, representing Rock Hill, asked for tho 1914 meeting if the 1912 meeting went to Charleston. Editor William Banks, of the Anderson (Mail, strongly urged tho \rif1nrqnn hllf thft invita CliVI ItlO vi nuuui uv>..| Hon of Charleston, through A. \V. McKeand, secretary of their chamber of commerce, and the Isle of Palms Development Company, was urged In so taking and winning a manner by M. C. Brunson, business manager of the News and Courier, that when lie concluded with Charleston's advantages and attractions the association adopted a motion offered hv Editor 0. W. Brunson, of the Greenville News, and selected Charleston by acclamation. F\ L. Morrow, of the Bolton Times, and W. L. Taylor, of the Laurens Herald, were elected members of the association. Resolutions of thanks to John Wood, the Spartanburg newspaper men, tho railroads, the people of Spartanburg and everyone who contributed towards making the meeting a success were offered by A. H. Seats M. C. Brunson, chairman of tho committee on the president's report, presented a report recommending that J. C. Hemphill, O. H. Harmon, R. A. Thompson, Charles Petty, John W. Holmes and N. G. Osteen be elected honorary life members of the association; that the matter of annual trips be left with the president, sec CRACE MUST TESTIFY I \S TO 1LIS CHARGES OF GRAFT AGAINST GOV. BLEASE. Welder und Slot hart Arc Also Expected to Tell What They Know to The Probers. W. F. Caldwell, Columbia correjpondent of the News and Courier, n a telegram to his paper from Spa.r;anburg says that Mayor John P. Jrace, of Charleston, will be subpoelaed before the dispensary investigating committee to testify as to the jharges he is alleged to have made with reference to tracing graft from the Charleston blind tiger situation up to Governor Blease is what is learned in Spartanburg. It is ilso the plan to summon B. H. Stottiart, chief of the constabulary at Charleston to testify as to the same Alleged charges. The long and short of the matter Is that it has been published in a newspaper in Charleston that "graft" has been going to Columbia, and the same paper published a statement from Mayor Grace to the effect that he had traced the "graft" direct to tho Governor. This publication and charge sxcited the whole state, and that Mayor Grace is to bo summoned before the dispensary committee to air his charges is certain. Senator Carlisle, the chairman of the committee, stated Wednesday morning that the committee would be called together early next week, probably on Tuesday, in Columbia to resume their investigations. The next sessions of the committee may be productive of sensations. It is certain that Thomas B. Felder, of Atlanta will be hoard by tho committec shortly and ho is expected to give some sensational testimony. His enmity to Governor Blease and his ..i. ? n ?n I.. V. t m m > a n onnonf Inn Ullill iiiui 111 civxv> iv uvuuuvivu throughout tho State, and if he comes before tho committee, some ineresting testimony is promised. No announcement along this line has been obtained officially, but this correspondent, after a careful investigation in several sections and from several quarters, believes it a safe prediction to make that T. II. Felder will come before the committee and testify. "Hub" Evans of Newberry, and Senator- W. J. Johnson, of Fairfield, will also be summoned again, it is more than likely, and it seems that the "bottom" of the matter is about to be reached. Some definite announcement as to tho committee's plan's will be made at the meeting early next week. Tuesday being the day when they are expected to assemble in Columbia. W. F. Caldwell. ? ? CLUBBED INTO INSENSIBILITY. Condemned Man Tries to Strangle Daughter Before Hanging. With but a few hours to live, Jan Ribarik, condemned to die on the gallows /at Washington, Pa., Thursday morning, tried to strangle his daughter when she appeared at his cell to bid him good-by. Antonia Ribarik was a witness against her fathor and her testimony was damaging to his case. Ribarik had threatened to kill her before he was hanged but a week ago apparently became reconciled to her. Thursday morning she called to seo her father and as she stepped forward to kiss him he grasped her by the throat with both hands and was strangling her when guards beat him unconscious with an iron bar. Later ho was led to the gallows and hanged, without expressing regret for his crimes or his assault upon his daughter. Ribarik was executed for the murder of Mr. and Mrs. Novaks, and Stephen Stanvoji, a boarder, during a a 1 i V. - XT Attn 1. n r.1^1 quarrel, causeu uy mu ^uvmva buoitering Antonia Ribarik when lier father turned her out of his home. rotary, treasurer aid the executive committee; that the committee look after the passage of a libel law, consisting of August Kohn, W. E. Gonzales, J. L. Rims, Robert Lathan and H. L. Watson he continued; that the formation of a business organization of publishers within tho association looking to the adoption of some uniform rate and that section of the constitution forbidding the same bo repealed, the chairman to appoint a committee of ten to meet at Columbia to take up this matter; the recommendations were read, section by section, and adopted. Tho Association was welcomed to Spartanburg by Secretary Jno. Woods who did everything in his power to seo that tho members had a good XI ~ _ A time. A nap-py response on mo pari of the Association waa mado by Mr, News. Tho member who did not enGeorgo W. Brunson, of tho Greenville joy his visit to tho "City of Success" lias no one to blame but himself. One of tho most enjoyable functions of the meeting was tho reception at the Country Club. Ilero light refresh monts were served by a number o! young ladies. It ended tho socialets young ladles . It was a delightful af fair and ended tho social feature o1 tho meeting, except the banquet which was served on Tuesday eve nlng . VERY STRONG PAPER! ? READ BEFORE THE STATE PRESS ASSOCIATION ON JOURNALISTIC ETHICS By Captain W. E. Gonzales, Editor of Tho Columbia State, In Which is Di sc used tit? Need and Practicability of a Code of Ethics for the State Press Association. The following paper on "Journalistic Ethics" was read before the South , Carolina State Press Association by Capt. W. E. Gonzales, editor of the Columbia State, at its recent meeting at Spartanburg. The subject, "Journalistic Ethics," assigned to me presents a wide field whoso boundaries are not clearly defined and I have taken the liberty of contracting it to a consideration of the need and practicability of a code of ethics for that journalism represented by the South Carolina Press Association, hoping that a discussion of the questions presented will have more timely interest and bear more practical fruit than an aca demic treatment of the general ethics ot the profession. It is premised: 1. That the profession we call journalism, which has the distinction of special guarantees of protection by the laws and constitution of state and country, is regarded as the one unselfish general agency for safeguarding the rights and liberties of the people, or, in other words, largely assisting in securing "good government" under constitutional rule. 2. That to operate as a powerful factor In securing that form of a good government that includes the fullest measure of Individual liberty the press?those taking post upon the watch towers or to light the signal fires?must have the respect of the people, and a primary essenial In winning that confidence is self-respect; the respect of journalism by the men of that profession. 2. *That while slander of the press by those seekers of public favor not endorsed by the press may be a selfish political necessity, the slander? and I use the word with discrimination?of one section of the press by another is a matter coming directly within the purvey of healthy and virile press associations, because such slander must in time effect an element of the public in its regard for all newspapers, and militate against the power of the press for good by shaking the confidence of the very people in greatest need of unselfish guidance. Obligation of tlio Press. If that which has been set forth is true is there not an obligation upon press associations to establish and maintain a standard that will give the "Fourth Estate" a higher significance in the public mind and thus render its efforts in the public service more potent? It may be asked, Why the need of setting a standard for journalism by the State Press association when in other states, Massachusetts for example, the tone of newspapers is high and each newspaper is self-regulated? According to my theory, the tone of the press in what may be termed the personal relation, is likely to be lower in one, party states than in those states with divisions on party lines. The reasoning is that whero there are political parties the heat of controversy is expended on the principles involved; tho democratic editor may earnestly oppose his friends for mayor or governor or senator because he is a republican, yet the individuals remain friends, the lines not being drawn against the person but against the policies or nis party. iuil in a one party state where no political principles are discussed the personality becomes outstanding. In the mind of the public the editor is personally opposing of "abusing" the candidate or the editor of one paper is personally assailing the editor of another paper. One party government makes for personalities and personalities for bitterness and bitterness for abuse. Again in those other professions lie may miss the realfotna fysyetttt having ethical standards there are requirements for admission. Those who enter must liavo studied to prepare themselves and have passed examinations. Not so with journalism. The field is open. There is no requirement for the man entering to be master of much money, or of any art or , science, or of himself. ITo Is as free to hurl mud at his fellods of tho profession as any gamin of tho gutter, Ho may miss the real conception oi journalism as far as tho false misses truth, yet if his readers have no othei ( source of Information it is from him , they obtain their mental view of "the , press." , To Protect the People. 5 I havo heard it contended that the - unworthy newspaper has Its brief da} P and dies, or is rehabilitated in worth} i hands, and tho persons and paper* - that have been tho objects of it* f ungoverned and unjust virulence, gc , forward upon their way unsehathed - That is frequently true, but it mus not bo Imagined the suggestl/m of i cod? of ethics for tho South Carolina Press Association is to protect either newspapers or public men; it is to protect the people from the insidious poison of designed and systematic misinformation. Tho bearers of false witness may become silent after a time but the poison he has injected lingers in the public mind. Another difference between the press in states with contending parties and that of one-party states is the absence in the latter of tho elbow-touch, tho fraternal feeling of party papers. In the party papers there Is less Jealousy, and leadership is more readily recognized. And working together for the party naturally brings tho newspapers in more cordial touch on other than political matters. In South Carolina conditions have been unpropitious. Twenty-flvo years ago factional bitterness came to disturb that elbow-touch maintained during tho Reconstruction period; then came the question of the continuance of the State dispensary as another source of deep antagonism between members of the press, and that still finds some expression. Journalistic Demagogues. An analysis of conditions in that quarter of a century leads to the judgment that factlonl strife, more than party opposition, develops the journalistic demagogue, and crushes chivalric spirit; It may be popular for the newspapers circulating in a baliwick to denounce some other newspaper whoso side never gets before those people; and it may be considered unpopular?although I do not believe it is ever long unpopular to bo boldly right?to defend a brother of the press whom you feel is making the tight you would like to make. In this Stato I estimate there are at 4 0,000 voters who do not. read real daily papers and probably 30,000 who do not regularly or Intelligently read any papers, furnishing the news of current events. But these nonreaders are not necessarily outside tho influence of the press. Most of them have opinions about newspapers they have never read. Their neighbors pass on to them, by word of mouth, fragments of "what the papors say." But if their minds have boen in previous years poisoned with non-belief in tho Integrity of the press where Is the hope of lifting them from bon* dago of the demagogue? If it is conceded to be desirable to effect a change in this condition, and if betterment is within the province and power of tho South Carolina Press Association, what shall the change be and where the beginning? I have no panacea to offer; nothing to aiureost that might metamorphose the discordant and uncongenial personal elements of a profession Into a harmonious brotherhood. But I believe the standard or Jurnaltsm would be elevated, the dignity of the profession maintained on a higher plane, and the membership in the South Carolina Press association made to mean something, as does membership in the medical association, if this association would decree that the personal honor of professional integrity of one member shall not be assailable by another unless he is prepared to submit proof to a board representing the association; that if the allegation be not sustained the accuser shall make conspicuous public retraction, or failing, suffer expulsion; if it is sustained, official announcement shall be made. That in tho case of a non-member assailing a member, the non-member be requested to submit proof to the arbitration board; if his charge is not sustained lie bo requested to publish tho findings with a retraction. If ho fails to do so, all members bo requested to disseminate the information and tho non-member bo debarred from membership while that paper remains under the offend ing management. What Would Result? These results may he expected from such stand by tho press association: First, somo of those writers without self-discipline and without sense oi moral responsibility would become moro careful; second, it. would obviate much of that soealled controversy that is merely "mud slinging" and subversive of the dignity of journalism; third, there would be moral punishment for tho transgressor and moral vindication for him in the right. But of far greater moment, the people who read and the people who get their information by word ol mouth would come in time to a clearer, truer understanding of the characters and purposes of the elements constituting tho press of the State. T have not attempted to formulate a detailed plan; ono would not be dif1 licult to prepart. The most import' ant feature would be selecting the 1 personnel of tho board of reference oi ' arbitration?men capable, high in ' character and of impartial judgment ' They need not bo residents of this 1 state. label on the Press. ^ There is something more the press association, heartily supported by th( , worthy newspapers of South Carolina might do for the honor and dignity o (he profession, and therefore for tlu ' betterment of the commonwealth. I is a custom with those papers actini in the capacity of organs for candi J dates, and tho habit of officials whos< 7 excellencies are observed chiefly b; 7 those organs, to refer In genera J terms to "abuse" hv tho press, and t< ' the "lying, slandering newspapers." I ) is a form of setting up flimsy men o . straw to knock down, but In doing s t a libel is perpetrated ngalnst th X press In general, and, to tho extent o ft BRYAN AND TEDDY MAYOR GRACE PICKS THEM AS THE TWO PROBABLE i OPPONENTS IN THE RACE Don't Tliink the Steam Holler Can ^ Save the President, is the Opinion ' the Charleston Executive Formed on a Recent Trip to the Cities of the North and Fast. * "Bryan and Roosevelt will prob- , ably bo tho nominees of the Demo- c cratlc and Republican parties for President," said Mayor Graco Thurs- ( day, having returned to Charleston j from a 10-day trip North, which was e largely 011 business, but 011 which c Mayor Graco found a little time to ^ confer with friends and learn some- ( thing at first hand about tho national I political situation. s "There has probably never been * such a peculiar and interesting situation presented in tho nomination of 1 the standard bearers of tho two great parties, as exists to-day," said the Mayor. "In tho Republican party the organization is committed to ; Taft and is bending every effort to 1 nominate him against tho pressure of tho strong political and personal following of Roosevelt, and at the same time there is a large number of Influential people who are strongly opposed to either of these candidates and certain that tho party will loose no matter which one is nominated. With this condition briefly stated in tho Republican party, tho Democratic party finds a number of candidates seeking tho nomination, and tho question of selection of tho standard bearer is to bo determined partly upon the candidate who may be put forth by the Republican convention. There re so many elements and phases of the situation which have to be considered that tho matter resolves Itself into much of a problem?and best of all, the prospects are bright for a Democratic President and Democratic Congress." Mr. Grace does not think that it is a sure thing yet that Taft will be ' - ? ? X 11 nominated, aitnougn me Bioain roller is at work. Even if the committee should give Taft a, majority, Mr. Grace said that the President might lose out on tho floor of the convention on account of tho great force which is behind Roosevelt. Ho has a substantial following in the party and pprhaps tho convention will finally convince itself that the nomination of Taft would be such poor politics that Roosevelt or some other candidate, acceptable to tho latter, will bo nominated. In the event of the nomination of Roosevelt, Mr. Grace said that Bryan is tho logical candidate of tho Democratic party. Mr. Graco picked these two candidates as tho probable nominees many months ago, and the situation seems to bo now taking shape in this way. If Taft is nominated, Mr. Graco looks for Wilson to be named by tho Democratic convention. their influence, undermines public confidence in newspapers. Now, since the constitution plainly encourage the press to speak out 011 public questions and since discussion of tho prin1 ciples and the qualifications for publie service of candidates for office ! is regarded by enlightened thought in every country where tho people participate in government as essential to popular control, It is logical to suppose our lawmaking bodies would protect from tho libel tho press serving tho people as readily as they pro' tcct tho seeker of personal benefits, , Tho newspapers of the Stato may with . propriety and reason demand that r whero any 0110 publicly names a [ newspaper and alleges It has slandor. ed him, that such charges bo deemed . libelous; however, that proof of the I charges against the newspaper shall > bo full Justification. And if tho law can not reach thoso guilty of a gen, eral libel, thoso referring to "lying 1 newspapers" without mentioning . names, the press can make that poli. cy unpopular. If a newspaper pub, lishes an erroneous statement injuriously affecting the business of Jim .Tones, dealer In junk, the paper is . liable for damages; why should not . the press demand that the character 5 and integrity of is members, in many ?? *? * 1 w-v!r. nnnltal niul atnr>lr in tVflftA * K' (IPi n II1UI1 ? Ul IVI? V* MVX/V*? ? L bo likewise guarded from evil tongues? j llIumo<l tlio Editor. Some years ago a certain United States senator, in stumping South 3 Carolina in protest against the aboli3 tioii of the state dispensary, attempted to weaken the influonco of an opf posing papor by declaring his bo3 lief that the editor of that paper t owned stock in the Itichland distilr lory and tho Carolina Glass company. - Venality and moral dishonesty was 3 the sum of his charges against an ediy tor whose moral standing is not ques\ tioned by tho press in tho eastern 0 half of tho United Staes. Tho editor t did not deem tho occasion one for f the retort courteons and named the o senator as several varieties of liar, el Tho only comment I rocall in the f South Carolina press was pained re JONES SHOT TO DEATH - ? NO CLUE TO THE PERSON WIIO ASSASSINATED HIM. 1 Was Shot Down While Talking to Mrs. Crosby, Who Ho<l Just Employ e<I Hiii). Monday night Charlie Jones waa ihot by an unknown party at the iome of Mrs. Martha Crosby, noar hnoaks, just below Branchville. It ccms that Mrs. Crosby had some men mining her crop for her, but, on ac;ount of somo disagreement, had dopped work. Mr. Jones was at her iome Monday afternoon making araugements with her about taking :harge of her crop. It being late in the afternoon, Mrs. Crosby wont into the kitchen to prepare supper, and Mr. Jones went outside to feed the hogs for her. On joining back to the house, Mr. Jones ,vas on the piazza talking to 'Mrs. Crosby when two shots were fired Tom a double-barreled gun, a few >hots striking liim in tho hand and he rest in the body. One barrel of tho gun was loaded with buck and small shot. Mr. Jones w< nt into tho kitchen and said to Mrs. Crosby, "I am shot." He then went back to tho piazza and said, "I am killed," and fell to tho floor and died almost instantly. Mrs. Crosby gave the alarm Immediately to her nearest neighbors, and the coroner was notified, but failed to get there. The deputy sheriff being in the neighborhood, was also notified, and while a few miles away, was met and told that it was done by an unknown party. He then returned to Walterboro. Certain parties in tho community are said to have advised Jones one or two days prior to shooting that it would be well for him to "got up and get" with whatever he had. Up to three o'clock Tuesday afternoon no inquest had been held, and the body of tho dead man lay where it fell. Tho coroner of Colleton could not be reached, and a magistrate was inaccessible. ? NABBED BY UNCLE SAM. Kings tree Star Route Carrier Charged With Robbing Mails. Isaiah Pressley, a colored mail driver in the employ of J. Z. McConnell, tho contractor of tho daily star route leading from Klngatree to Indiantown and return, was arrested Thursday by United States Marshal G. W. Sclioenberger, of Charleston* on tho charge of violating the postal laws. For some months registered pack- ' ages have been tampered with, and when Mr. Schoenberger and his as sistants started me investigation it developed that tho mail pounches had been tampered with and holes cut in them. C|1 obo watch was kept on Pressley, and it is now charged that ho used his knifo in cutting the holes to rob tho mails. lie was taken to> Florence for a hearing before the commission. , ? - + i.i Will Govern by Commission. By a vote of 252 for, and 72 against, the commission form of government was adopted at Sumter Tuesday, and by a voto of 2 01 to 121, tho form was adopted with a city manager. The total vote cast was 2 2 7, there being some who voted against tho commission form of government who would not voto for or against tho manager system. grot that one in so high an office as senator should have been tho target tor such language. I am not defending tho retort, but refer to tho incident to illustrate the mental attitude of somo editors toward tho press. It did not appear to occur to tho commentators that tho ofllco of editor, howevor humble the paper, Is as doserving of defense from calumny as (hat of senator or president or Judge; or that an editor may place far groater valuation upon his integrity than a holder of high public office gives to his. They failed, too?and it is a common form of distorted mental vision?to observe the difference In (lie position of tho newspaper opposing tho policies of a candidate, and (hat candidate's attack on the newspaper. If the paper is not the organ of an opposing candidate or interest, it represents and is speaking for the people, or a body of the people, and is exercising a right that the enlightment of tho world wishes exercised; " ' il /.(.tiiknalin.i rtliflpu'laa ihn nrrisfl liiilii rouiuiianc^ unvi 11 luu my, J,. ^ ~ is assumed to bo unselfish, and working in tho public interest, not for personal advantage. On the other hand, tho office seeker, in all but exceptional cases, is self-seeking; ho appeals to the people for honors and emoluments for himself. The press will not como into its own, it will not. be closo to tho hearts of the people or impress them with its high mission, until the press sets 1 high value upon itself, and self re speet is dominant in the profession. The official recognition and mainteni anco of an ethical standard would ' help to fortify tho press for the full ' performance of the great part nsslgn> ed it in human life, and for which Its liberty is guaranteed. The South Car- * i olina Press association can make . membership a hall-mark. 4 \