WORK OF NEWSPAPER MEN

Mr. W. M. E. Perkins '07, a reporter on the news staff of the New York Times, delivered a most interesting lecture last evening on "Journalism as a Career," the second in the series of seven lectures on the professions to be given in the Union during the winter.

Mr. Perkins began his lecture by giving a detailed account of the work required of a reporter on any of the great city dailies. Besides irregular living and an almost hand to mouth existence, the newspaper man must sacrifice all social connections and break off practically all friendships not closely connected with his work. As an illustration of what is required on the New York Times during dull times, Mr. Perkins read his diary for Christmas week, 1909. No startling event occured during the seven days, yet the work kept him up almost every night until far into the morning hours. In connection with the reporter's duties the lecturer gave a detailed account of the way news is handled after it leaves the reporter's hands, and also a brief description of the news and editorial branches of the average daily newspaper.

Perhaps most interesting of all, however, were the elements necessary for any man who proposes entering the newspaper business: first, he must have that indescribable sense of what is real news; second, he must know how to get it; and third, he must know how to write it up in simple, concise form so that it will be of interest to the reading public. In concluding, Mr. Perkins emphasized the excellent training for other professions offered by newspaper work. It brings one in touch with all elements of human society and face to face with the real significance of life.