CROSEUS CREDULOUS

Mr. Hearst on the witness stand is a pleasant combination of Sam Weller and Titus Oakes. Not quite sure what the fuss is about, he is perfectly willing to tell the gentlemen all they wish to know. He doesn't like to think money has been paid to senators, but he has seen the documents. Of course his six million dollar holdings in Mexico have nothing to do with the case even if the series was planned when Calles menaced foreign capital last spring. Why, he is endangering his interests for the public's good. He realized there might be International complications, congressional investigation, and the like, but the Hearst papers stand for news. And with Lucifer before the Inquisition, other editors deign to gloat. They are pained at the blow to the reputation of journalism. Mr. Hefflin speaks out, and calls Hearst a dastardly blackmailer to his face.

The Hearst papers have never sponsored the cause of education, and here they were tripped up by bad Spanish grammar and false chronology. But the thing was bound to be investigated, and it is a mistake to attribute to Mr. Hearst the ignorance and irresponsibility he pleases to assume. His scheme and purpose will eventually be illuminated. What is important now is that he feels invulnerable because his wealth takes care of libel suits, and because a large part of public opinion depends on the multitudes who read and Publicity believe only his papers. Mr. Ford held the prosperity of many industries in his hand when he decided on his new car; and Mr. Hearst is able to disturb the balance of nations. No doubt it will be easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for these men to enter into Heaven. But in life, with kings powerless and presidents so restricted, it might be desirable that the monarchy of the rich be not absolute.