BANNING METROTONE

Any steps which clarify the issue between faithful reporting and jingoism are worthwhile. Any action which brings the issue to the fore at times such as the present, when men the world over are prey to a rising tide of propaganda, has decided value--provided always that there be no misunderstanding as to motives. So long as everyone appreciates the aims of the Liberal Club in circulating its petition that the University Theatre eliminate the Hearst Metrotone News from its program, great good can be accomplished in adding yet another bit of evidence of the opinion of intelligent men and women on the portrayal of news.

What tangible results may develop from the petition, no matter whether it be loaded to overflowing, and circulating in every American University, is a consideration quite apart from the petition's value. These issues must not be confused. The point is not that the petition will fail to change Hearst overnight into a tolerant lamb of peace, gifted with a clear and far-seeing eye. Rather is it that the petition will attract attention to a rising menace to ideals indigenous to America.

It must not be expected that the petition will necessarily influence Hearst, nor greatly affect the distribution of his policies. The petition will have done all that can be hoped if it causes moviegoers doubts as to the spirit, and the actual news itself, of Hearst Metrotone.