Page:History of Oregon Newspapers.pdf/474

Rh "The permanent citizens of this city, and the country, will never, we trust, surrender the right of self-preservation, of property and life, to California prize-fighters, or reckless desperadoes."

Two weeks later, the Oregonian, concluding a 400-word editorial-news story on a "$3,000 Burglary," said:

"There are a desperate set of thieves and burglars hanging about this city. The time has come when every citizen should protect himself by the adoption of some course which shall disperse these desperadoes, or confine them where they shall be harmless.

We submit the question, What shall be done? Let the people answer, or take the responsibility."

The story in the Oregon City Argus of April 30, 1859, of the Republican state convention held in Salem is an Oregon example of the reluctance of early-day newspapers to report a news item of any considerable size or to rewrite or boil down any news account sent in by a non-member of the staff. The usual policy of giving the facts in strict chronological order without reference to their importance and of omitting to emphasize any strong news feature in the beginning (lead) of the article is illustrated in the story, which began as follows:

"Pursuant to the call of the State Central Committee, the Republican State Convention assembled at the Court House in Salem, Oregon, on Thursday, April 21, 1859, at 9 o'clock a. m.

The convention was called to order by the Hon. W. T. Matlock, chairman of the State Committee; and, on motion, Dr. H. V. V. Johnson of Washington county, was chosen temporary President, and A. A. Skinner, of Yamhill, Secretary.

A committee on credentials was appointed by the Chair, consisting of C. P. Sprague of Josephine, B. J. Pengra of Lane, W. D. Hare of Washington, Dr. Warren of Marion, and J. S. Rinearson of Clackamas. The committee, after a brief absence, made their report, which was amended and adopted as follows."

A line on what eastern papers were doing in newswriting in the 70's is obtained from the following interview, in the New York Herald, July 18, 1872, with Edward S. Stokes, just acquitted of murder after the slaying of Jim Fisk, partner of Jay Gould. The top line of the head read: "A Talk With Stokes," and the lower, section (deck) contains the statement that "He Denounces Thomas