THE PRESS AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2665, 10 January 1916, Page 9

THE PRESS AND THE WAR

ITS RIGHTS 'AND ITS DUTY. When 0110 considers (writes a London correspondent) the enormous influenco of tho Press in the formation of public opinion, it is well sometimes to weigh the intrinsic valuo of tho organs voicing flic sentiment's which aro destined to enlist the popular sympathy. Ono cannot help being impressed by the intelligent, and patriotic tone of tho colonial newspaper world. The distance, however, from t'ho scenes of activity, together with tho rigour of tho censorship, has the defect of obscuring to some extent large issues: The Press of tho United Kingdom, ever jealous of its proud and independent position, has exhibited, during times of exceptional stress and trial, an attitude worthy of its best traditions. Thero arc exceptions, fortunately rare, but none the less dangerous to tho welfare of the Empire, and it is against t'ho influence of these few but power-fully-advertised and financed newspapers that the voice must be 'raised. It would bo invidious to jiarticularlsc any special journal—but it is notorious that certain newspapers, published m London and the provinces, are run by a clique, and that the proprietors openly lay themselves open to attack Ministers and State Departments, and, indeed, proceed to dictate to t'hose in authority how tho great affairs of tlio nation should be conducted. No reasonable person will raiso any objection to fair criticism; but Wie recognised linos aro so frequently overstepped that a little caution should bo exefcised before accepting certain dicta. The ordinary newspaper reader prefers tho opinions of his favourite journal tan-; pered with reasonable argument, and. resents being forced to adopt tho cranky individualisms of any particular owner. One London paper with an enormous circulation some time ago endeavoured to persuade its readers that t'liey coul(l not exist healthily unless they ato a particular stylo of bread. It had previously given tho world .1 graphic account of a Boxer rising in China, and depicted events that never took place. Now, the same group aro forcing their views as to how the war shall be conducted, and periodically pointing tho finger to individual politicians, or public men, with tho hint that t'hey "must go." The point is so continually pressed home that it has tho tendency to get hold of unthinking people, and Wie_ result is a weakening of public policy, and an encouragement'' to tho common enemy. Tho Press has a solemn and sacred trust in its keeping, and fortunately the confidence of the reading public is ■undiminished. It behoves all readers and • editors alike to carefully consider any action that l may tend to weaken tho hands of thoso who have the administration of tho affairs of this great Empire. Every second of time that passes until the conclusion of hostilities is fraught with anxiety; but if our national spirit, and love of freedom is maintained, and wo look steadfastly to t'ho one end, "Victory," we shall never regret the exercise of a littlo restraint, if the end attained is a glorious vindication ■" of flight against Slight.