JOURNALISM AS A CAREER

The first of several addresses that the CRIMSON intends to arrange to stimulate the members of the University to an interest and appreciation of journalism, and to give them an opportunity to hear some of our prominent journalists, was given by Mr. Norman Hapgood '90, editor of "Collier's Weekly," in the Living Room of the Union last evening.

Journalism is regarded by some people as extremely dangerous to the public weal, and by others as the corner-stone of literature. Napoleon said that he feared three newspapers more than 100,000 soldiers, and Wendell Phillips and others have expressed opinions that the newspaper is a tremendous factor in a country, because it is the mouth-piece of public sentiment.

The newspapers create the very air we breathe and for most people they are the sole source of information about what is going on in the world. However, there are two tendencies to be contended against--the bad stimulation to the mind that the "yellow" papers give by laying undue emphasis on crime, scandal and sensation; and the evil influence of papers that stand for moneyed interests.

Ten years ago men asked, what can I do to be saved? Today the question is, what can I do to help? And the encouraging part of it all is that the number of men who go into journalism for what they can put into it is rapidly increasing. It is to be regretted, however, that the papers that have the greatest power for good do not reach the poorer classes who would be most benefited by their influence.

The best preparation for a journalistic career for the college man is a study and practice of English composition and a thorough general culture in the best sense of the term. Specialization in art, music or some other branch of culture with a view to being a critic in this branch is not desirable; on the other hand, what is essential is a love for writing, a keen imagination and enthusiasm.

Speaking of courses in the University, Mr. Hapgood emphasized the fact that now is the time to become acquainted with those ideals in the arts, in literature and science which are accessible to the undergraduate. After graduation, there is time a plenty for the more practical and every day phases of life, but the opportunity of coming into contact with the great movements in history or the ideals of literature dwindles to almost nothing. Unless there is some stimulation to follow these lives of inspiration when they are offered, it is highly probable that they will be entirely neglected. In actual work, reporting of every description is the basis of all journalistic work, as it develops the news instinct and trains one to get at the facts as nearly and as quickly as possible.

After the lecture Mr. Hapgood and a part of his audience adjourned to the Assembly Room, where he answered questions about points that were not clear. Later a reception was tendered to him in the CRIMSON Sanctum.