-498 .
It is difficult for the press of to - day to overcome its long in heritance and to violate the traditions of its past. More than
two hundred years ago Defoe rebuked unprincipled journalists, goolove satirized their gave them many a friendly caution incidofentscandal, much good aland reonligithe o ce," propos.cgenially o tricks and anddmuch adviceal, tcommented contrivances incidental to journalism where there is “ a severe, cruel Scarcity of Intelligence,” proposed remedies for a dearth of news, took a cheerful view of the political and religious dissensions of his time, discussed solemnly but with a twinkle in his eye the duty of journalists towards the Government, advocated inde pendence in journalism , was free from personal abuse of his
opponents,and was in every sense of theword themostmodern of journalists. The journalist of to -day who believes that “ yester day ' has almost ceased to exist for the newspaper man " may well
take counsel of Defoe. The press is hampered , and its authoritativeness for the histo rian thereby modified , by the existence in society of formulated political and social creeds and ready -to-wear opinions. These are often accepted by the press, but how far acceptance is at the behest of unseen and unknown powers, how far it is in response
to hidden pressure, how far it reflects public opinion, how far it is the result of an inherited , ingrained aversion to genuine in dependence, how far it represents a desire for conformity , how
far it results from genuine conviction on the part of the press it is impossible for the historian to determine. Yet without such knowledge he is relying on the blind for guidance . A conspicuous member of the press has, perhaps inadvertently , disclosed a secret of the sanctum in saying that “ teaching is the most important and the most difficult ” of the editorial writer 's opportunities.37 This statement, that has in effect frequently been made by others, must create misgivings in the mind of the
historian . The distrust comes from the confusion of “ teaching " with “ giving information ,” — a confusion widespread and difficult
to disabuse the public of when university presidents advocate five foot shelves as royal bridges leading to education. The dis 37 A . Brisbane, “ The EditorialWriter's Opportunity," New York Evening Journal, November 12, 1912, cited by J. W . Cunliffe and G . R . Lomer,
Writing of To-day, pp . 1
