SENSATION AL YANKEE NEWSPAPERS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1181, 17 October 1884, Page 3

SENSATION AL YANKEE NEWSPAPERS.

In some remarks on the American Press, the result of observations during (ha recent tour, Mr Mathew Arnold strongly emphasised the fact that the American.newspaper is nothing if net sensational. The extract given below is an apt confirmation of Mr Arnold’s comments, and at the same time a good illustration of tbo spiritof the American Press. It is taken from the introductory address of an Illinois editor to the public. This is what the Yankee editor had to say for himself: —“ Sensational, distressing details of revolting murders and shocks ing suicides respectfully solicited. Bible class presentations and ministerial donation i paities will be ‘ done’ with promptness and despatch. Accurate rcpoits of Sunday school anniversaries guaranteed. The local reporter will cheerfully walk 17 miles after Sunday school to see and report a pr ze» light. Funerals and all other melancholy . occasions written up in a manner to challenge admiration. Horseraces reported in the highest style of the reporlorial art. domestic broils and conjugal infelicities sought for with untiring avidity. Police Court proceedings and sermons reported in a manner well calculate 1 to astonish the ■ prisoner, magistrate, and printer. Prompt paying suhtcribers and good advertisers, when stricken with mortal illness, will be cheerfully interviewed, when lying at death’s door, with a view to obtaining obituary items ; and the greatest pleasure will he taken in exposing your private affairs to the critical gaze of an interested public.’