GERMAN NEWSPAPERS EDUCATE

Dr. Wilhelm Paszkowski, professor of German in the University of Berlin, delivered an interesting lecture in German on "Die Deutsche Presse" last evening.

Education Sphere of German Papers.

To machinery and newspapers Professor Paszkowski attributed the enormous advance which civilization has made in the last century; and he ventured to say that the sudden destruction of newspapers would cause consternation throughout the world almost as great as would a universal earthquake. The German press has come to occupy a peculiar position in the national life, at least unusual to America, for there are several large newspapers in Germany which occupy a great educational position in the life of the country. These papers though not as widely circulated as some of our large papers, are splendidly edited and contain only news of real significance. The men in charge of them are scholars as well as newspaper men and succeed in printing papers which are really literary productions. The editorials on music and dramatic art are especially fine.

Sensationalism is Omitted.

Sensationalism is avoided in German papers, much to their benefit, and less space is given to advertising than in our papers; but it is unfortunate, though true, that of late years sensational, papers have found a slight foot-hold, though as yet they dare not run sensational news on the front page.

Influence of German Periodicals.

Speaking of the German periodicals, Professor Paszkowski said that they assume somewhat the same place as did the "Spectator" and that they play an important part in the educational advantages of Germany. The "International Monthly" in particular has done a great deal toward connecting the advances of knowledge in Germany and America to one another and has been an important factor in bringing together, in exchange professorships and otherwise, Harvard and the German universities. The fault of all German journalism seems to be a lack of aggressiveness, but this is not a fatal fault.

Tribute Paid to Harvard Men.

In closing, Professor Paszkowski paid great tribute to President Eliot, Professor Muensterberg, and Professor Francke for the part which they are playing in helping the press to take its place where it should among the powerful institutions of the world.