HEARST IGNORED.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 752, 1 August 1922, Page 5

HEARST IGNORED.

AN ICY RECEPTION. William Randolph Hearst, millionaire newspaper owner, of America received the shock of his life in the icy coldness of the reception he received during his stay here in June (writes) a London correspondent. He displayed unusual reticence, posing as ti man who hates press interviews, and, apart from the obviously carefully prepared and written statement which he gave out soon after landing, and which masquerades as an interview, he has laid low since his arrival.

It. is probable that never before in the history of British journalism, which hast long traditions of hospitality, lias any visiting newspaper-man been treated with such lack of confidence and open dislike by his confreres. One of the London papers suggests that Hearn’s experience with victims of his own largely faker interviews have made him afraid to open liis mouth. British publishers as a whole are absolutely ignoring him. and it is learned they have no intention of extending the usual hospitality shown to American newspapermen. Only the Morning Post and Standard take the trouble to notice him. “ It, is surprising',’’ says th- Morning Posit. “ that Hearst should honour this country with a visit. This is the man whose newspapers have never lost a chance of assailing England, and who flung aside all scruples to wreck the Washington Conference. Sir John Foster Fraser, in an open letter to the Standard, says : “ During the war tlie Canadian people read your articles defaming England, and so resented the libels you published that the Ottawa Government prohibited your journals! entering the Dominion. ~ You will remember. Mr Hearst, that the British Government gave your representative facilities for news service, but that when this reached your office it was altered to suit your views You went out of your way to insult the Earn of Da If out. You will l)c delighted at the interest which Englishmen are showing in your visit.” Hearst’s welcome was probably the iciest ol’ any prominent man since the war ; even Turks. Germans), ana Bolsheviks have been better received.