The Press: Unbecoming Advertisement

In journalism, modesty is not catalogued as a virtue. On the face of things, therefore, it was not ” poor taste “for The New York World to announce:

” On March 29 The World published the first of its stories telling how Martin Talbert, a, North Dakota farm boy, died in a Florida convict camp after a brutal flogging by the whipping boss.

” Yesterday, 47 days later, the Florida Legislature passed a bill abolishing corporal punishment in county convict camps, and Gov. Hardee announced he would sign it.

” Other newspapers followed The World’s lead in exposing the evils of the peonage system practised in Florida. . . ”

But it so happens that The New York Call (Socialist) also printed accounts of the Florida outrage. The Call overlooked an excellent opportunity for self-laudation when it failed to announce:

” On March 19 The Call began its expose of the Florida outrage.

” Fifty-seven days later convict whipping in Florida was abolished.

” Ten days after The Call’s first article The New York World followed The Call’s lead .”