Page:The Washington Newspaper volume 6.djvu/16

 particularly unique presents. And, finally, tell where the couple are to live and when they will be at home.

A gracefully woven -in compliment is always appreciated in a marriage notice; flowery language, never. Death notices should consist mainly of a summary of the facts concerning, and incidents in, the life of the person deceased, and should be brief or ex tended according to the interest that the life of the subject may have to the readers of the paper. If, for instance, the deceased was born in the locality, and was long identified with it ; and especially if he or she was active in its affairs and widely and favorably known, the notice should be made more full than if the person had but recent ly come to the neighborhood and was but little known. The date and place of birth (and maiden name, if the deceased was a married woman ), date and place of marriage, different places of residence, and kinds of occupation , names of immediate relatives who sur vive, when the funeral was held or is to be held, data as to church member ship, lodge membership , public offices held, etc. — all such information , where obtainable, should be given with great The always preferable way, when practicable, in which to obtain a suitable notice, is to have it written by some intimate friend of the deceased. In any event, the best way to get the information is direct from the family. in connection with marriages, where a report needs to be elaborate. The ar van ements are usually completed sev eral days in advance of such events, and full particulars can often be ob tained more correctly than in the hurry and confusion incident to the occasion itself. Of course, care must be exer cised to report any change from the original plans. Again, use the tele phone. There are always " rush ” hours in ir printing office. They are the ones just before going to press. During thee hours the editor's principal urry is to decide what he can best leave out. Tinportant news sometimes has to be " cut" ruthlessly because there is not time to put it into type. Brief but Important Points Carry a notebook . Jot down news as you hear it . Don't trust to memory, Send a second or third letter or postal card, if necessary, in order that the paper may publish the latest news frn vour vicinity. Make reminders of things yet to Occur. care . Getting Facts for an Emergency Sketches of people advanced in age or hopelessly ill should be prepared in advance and sent to the office . This will enable prompt publication where cleaths occur but a short time before the hour of going to press. Whatever needs to be added may be telephoned at the last moment. Advance copy may also be prepared Telephone important news that you lear of too late to write. Tell the operator to “ reverse" the charge. If a murder, suicide, serious acı ... dent, big fire, or other exceptional thing occurs, telephone at the earliest possible moment. Give all the facts you can get, and the news will be written up in the office. If the matter is one of great importance, the editor way wish to send a reporter to assist you ; so please be prompt. Do not send jokes, the point which will be seen by only a few who are “ in the secret.” Keep in mind the fact that late new's is usually the best news - best because it will surprise the readers who haven't heard it , and because it will make those 204