which struck me favorably. I investigated and finally closed the deal.
This was three years ago, in war time. As I look back now, my action seems rather hazardous, as paper, material, and equipment were all going up in price, and competent help was scarce. But I was favored in this last respect, and have been ever since.
I confess that after the die was cast I felt like one who, knowing only a few swimming strokes, has been pitched head foremost into deep water, to sink or swim. For a number of weeks, if not months, I continued in this condition, just keeping my head above water.
However, I had conceived some ideas of what I should attempt to do. I submitted a copy of the paper to a newspaper man and asked him for some suggestions in the way of change or improvement. This he did, and although I could not follow all his suggestions, yet they proved of great assistance.
Paper's Field Studied
About the first thing I did was to ascertain the field and scope of the paper. The former comprised the eastern part of Clackamas county, a territory of over 2000 square miles, containing the city of Estacada, the towns of Eagle Creek, Barton, Boring and Sandy, and several other farming communities. Its scope, to quote the glowing terms of my esteemed predecessor, was "Devoted to the interests of eastern Clackamas county, State of Oregon; the stimulation of an honest civic and community pride; the advancement of a healthy agricultural and industrial development; the betterment of the social, school, religious and home conditions of the prosperous residents of this ideal home spot of the Northwest."
The next question to decide was the limits of the paper. In the western part of the county there were five or more papers, which more than covered that field, and nearly all of my subscribers took or read one or another of the Portland dailies.
I determined then that the paper should deal, as its name implies, with eastern Clackamas news. This would be first, and other news secondary. Although under the circumstances it would necessarily be one of the simplest dimensions, I proposed to make it the best paper I could in matter and typographical appearance.
Political Bias Abandoned
The News had been listed as a Republican paper, but inasmuch as it was the only paper in its field, and supported by those of all political faiths, I thought it was hardly fair to run it as a partisan sheet. Besides it would be unnecessary, as the Portland papers covered this ground quite sufficiently. But while being independent and not partisan, I touch upon political measures and questions of vital interest. I favored and supported the League of Nations, until it became a party measure. And then I gave my reasons why I supported Senator Harding and not Governor Cox. The same in state and county politics. I give all candidates equal treatment, and take their advertising at 25 cents an inch, payable strictly in advance.
But if necessary or advisable I shall speak out my mind when occasion arises, either in condemnation or approval irrespective of parties.
I am utterly opposed to the propaganda of the followers of Mr. Townley, miscalled non-partisan, yet if they should initiate any sane measure likely to benefit the farming interests, without doing damage at the same time to some other legitimate interests, I should advocate its adoption.
Microcosm of Society
The small country weekly is by no means to be despised on account of its limited size, influence and field. It is to the larger journals what the hamlet or village is to the towns. One is a microcosm and the other a macrocosm of the same classes of human beings.
I suppose all of us when children amused ourselves with blowing soap bub
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