The Religious Editor

New Zealand Tablet, 22 November 1906, Page 22

The Religious Editor

The editor of our esteemed Presbyterian contemporary, the ' Outlook, 7 has lately been passing through some ' extremely unpleasant episodes '—he' has (so to speak) been shooting the journalistic Whirlpool Rapids in" a diving suit. We rejoice that he has come through the buffe tings of circumstance all in one piece. It is, however, no business of ours to comment on the ' episodes ' referred to. We mention the matter merely for the purpose of giving the cordial hospitality of our columns to sundry practical ' wisdoms ' that have appeared in the report of the ' Outlook ' Publications Commitiee dealing with the subject. ' It is manifestly impossible,' say they, 'to turn out a paper that will satisfy everybody.' And so say all of us. Moreover, for stated reasons, ' the demands upon his (the editor's) judgment are such as to call for the utmost consideration from - contributors.' ' Unkindly words or biting insinuations ' -are strongly deprecated. An editor (says the committee) "is mortal, and may make mistakes, like most of us. But even- an editor ought not to be expected to possess ,all the virtues of the sermon on the mount, when not a few of us find it -difficult to' manifest tlie half of them.' The position of the Catholic editor is, we think, generally one of much greater independence than that of his journalistic confrere to whom is allotted the task -of conducting a" non-Catholic religious organ. Yet here -are some mottoes that some' Catholic, as well as some Presbyterian, readers arc apt to lose sight of. We hereby commend them to all whom they, concern.