Page:History of Oregon Newspapers.pdf/262

Rh This was published, it was said, in response to

"a number of requests . . . that this paper state its policy. . . When it comes to pledging this paper to one political organization, we confess we are somewhat at sea with neither sail nor compass. In fact, we can discern no political land in sight. Not only do the political eggs seem hopelessly scrambled, but the entire political atmosphere appears in such a state of fluxional obfuscation as to render any immediate homage entirely impossible."

Reference was made to the jangling elements in each of the political parties—Wilson and Champ Clark, Taft and Senator Poindexter.

"As soon as the fog lifts, and we can see what the parties are and what they stand for, we are going to back the one we like best and run on high till the end of the campaign. . . . In fact,—and here comes another shameful confession—this paper is to be much more concerned with news, and the advancement of the material welfare of this section of the state than it is with who sits in the White House, or the political complexion of the master game warden."

This independent policy, it seems, has, in the main, been followed through the years. As a political attitude, it is far from being as strange doctrine now as it was about twenty years ago.

The most conspicuous achievement—though Mr. Ruhl himself does not regard it as anything but his duty as an editor—of the Mail Tribune came in connection with the Banks tragedy of 1933, when the sane, courageous fight of the newspaper on a violent group of politicians that flouted law and order in the town won it the Pulitzer prize.

The Medford Daily News, publication of which played a part in the downfall of Llewellyn A. Banks, former wealthy California orchardist, was the outgrowth of several Medford papers.

The Medford Clarion, weekly, Friday, was founded in 1920 by W. E. Phipps, built up a good circulation, claiming as high as 2500 in 1923. In 1924 it became the Jackson County News, with Lee B. Tuttle editor. The paper became the Daily News October 19, 1926, with Mr. Tuttle still in editorial control and continuing a moderately liberal editorial policy. Dan Bowerman was news editor. The paper was never very prosperous, and in 1929 it was purchased by Banks, who had extensive Jackson county interests as well as his California properties. Banks had some ideas, but a certain lack of balance was apparent from the beginning. He was antagonistic and suspicious. His news staff was kept jittery. He opposed important interests in Medford and was soon in trouble.