Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The news-review. (Roseburg, Or.) 1948-1994 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 28, 1949)
4 Tho Newi-Rtvlew, Roseburg, Ore Mon., Nov. 28, 1949 9be 3tow$ttetuew Published 0 illy Exoept Sunday ! y tha Newt-Revie Company, Inc. lalaral u taoane iliu m.inc Mat I. lete, Ibe affl ll -Haiabarf. Orrn, Mn4r anl ar Mama a. t.k3 CHARLES V. STANTON .-jSTSto EDWIN L. KNAPP Editor ' UUP" Manager '" Mmbr of tha Auoolated Prua, Oreoon Newspaper Publishers Association, tho Audit Bureau of Circulation WKST-HOLLIDAf CO., INO.. erlloaa In Naw far. Cbleafe, v SemceWitfi A Smile i IlItlHlKI B WKST-HOLLIDAf CO., INO.. erlloaa In Naw Yarn Baa rraaoiaae. Lai Anialaa. ilia. Partlaii. St. Lesla. DBaLKlKllUN BATKS In Oraan By Mall Pai Taar Is.ne, ala niaDina I4.M, thraa manna !. Hi Cll Carrlar Par raar IIO.M (In adranca), laii than lTontLi'.5l maelh 11.09 Oalalde Oraaen B, Hall Par raar IB 00. ala thraa maaltaa .7 BARRIERS TO NEWS By CHARLES V. STANTON Serious study of a repprt on 'Barriers to News" was given at a recent meeting of representatives from Oregon, Washington and Northern Idaho newspapers, all members of the Associated Press. The report, prepared by Wash ington members, was concerned chiefly with the tendency of bureaus, agencies, courts, military-departments, and cer tain persons prominent in public affairs to limit, curtail or censor news, withhold information rightfully due the public and otherwise erect barriers to free and open pubh cation of news. ..... V Because this study has been so thoroughly made in the State of Washington, it is particularly interesting to note action in the superior court at Pasco, where, the presiding judge dissolved a desist order against' the Tn-City Herald, published at Kennewick, -. ; f ... j . The court previously had ordered the newspaper to cease publication of articles criticizing the work of a company engaged on a housing project near the Hanford atomic energy plant. ' ' . . . The construction company, it seems, had brought suit against a war veteran school teacher for recovery of de linquent payments on a house purchase contract. The .news paper at the same time was publishing installments of a series of articles, illustrated with photographs, alleging poor workmanship and quality in the housing project buildings. The contractors filed suit against the newspaper for $100,000 damages, simultaneously obtaining a restraining order requiring the newspaper to cease publishing the ar ticles on the grounds that they were untrue and damaging and, furthermore, that they constituted "an obstruction of justice and contempt of court" because they would make it impossible to obtain a fair and unprejudiced jury to try the action against the contract purchaser. The decision by the superior judge again affirms consti tutional freedom of the press, while upholding the con stitutional right foe redress of grievences. . His decision, in effect,' established the privilege of the newspaper to publish news and comment without abridge ment. -If the construction, company feels it hns been dam aged and that the published articles are untrue,' then it has ample law under 'which' it may, by proving its case, recover damages. : . 1 V The 'superior judge,' however, made one ruling we wish were true, ' but our skepticism forbids concurrence. . He agreed that articles published in the newspaper would make it impossible to try the collection case in the county without prejudice, which, doubtless, will require the trial to be held in some other'county where the matter has re ceived less publicity. This ruling would indicate the judge to be of the opinion that people are prejudiced , by what they read in news papers. We newspapermen try to kid ourselves into that be lief, but the frequency with which we get our ears pinned back by election results or other events, arouses skepticism. Attorneys examining a prospective juror seldom fail to ask the venireman whether he has read of the case at issue in the newspaper and whether he has formed an opinion from what he has read. Answers usually puncture the news paperman's ego, for seldom does the person examined ad mit that he has formed conclusions, even though the mat ter may have had considerable publication and comment. American people, we believe, are inherently fair-minded. Even though they may have read news and comment con cerning a case in court they will, with, but few exceptions, hold no prejudice when called upon to perform the serious duties, of jurymen. While we have seen none of the articles published in the Tri-City Herald and know nothing of the intimate fac tors of the issue, yet we have sufficient faith in the inherent fair-mindedness of the American people to believe that it would not be difficult to find a" qualified, impartial jury in the area served by the newspaper. It would flatter our ego to believe that people agreed with everything published in their newspapers, but we would have a poor life indeed if our people as a whole did not exercise independent thought, using their news papers and other media for purposes of gathering informa tion from which to form original conclusions and opinions. The Washington case, we believe, has had a satisfactory ending. It would have been unfortunate had tho court es tablished a precedent of muzzling the press so that juries be unaffected. ! If the newspaper has published untruths and has caused damage through negligent or malicious conduct, then the offended person should be protected in his right to appear in court and present his case. But, in the meantime, there should be no invasion of the constitutional right of the press to inform the public of what it is convinced are the true facts. No barriers to news should be tolerated. : . By Viahnttt S. Martin f Douglas-Coos Tret Farm Gets Prominent Notict PORTLAND W Seven new Oregon-Washlngfon tree arms have been certified, boosting to tal tree farm acreage in tne Douglas Fir region to 3,370.69. E. P. Stamm, Portland, chair man of the forest conservation committee of the Pacific North--t Forest industries, said one of tha new farms, Milllcoma, in Coos and Douglas counties of Or egon, had particular significance. Its certiliratlon represents tha first time in the history of the Northwest, he said, that "a major forest holding has had Its fores try ail laid out before a tree was felled. It . Is owned h Weyer haeuser Timber company. Oregon now has 1,166.914 acres In Douglas Kir tree farms and Washington has 2,103,278 acres. When I caught a glimpse of a window In Eugene the other morning I stopped with delight to enjoy the display. There were Babylonian tablets dating back to 2350 B. C, and Bibles of many editions, all arranged and owned by the North West Christian Col lege there. I do hope the collec tion will travel a bit and find welcome in other, windows (It was J. C. Penney's in Eugene) where children especially may be given a view In so convenient a way. There was a Cothollc New Testament; a Biblia Saora In La tin, of course; a big Bible printed in Nuremberg by Anthony Ko berger in 1479 think of It, be fore Columbus set out on his memorable voyage! There was a great Bible, the first King James Version with marginal notes" having a "perspective" of the City of London on the title-page as London must have looked 250 years ago. There were many other lntersting volumes. If I had been wondering what to be especially thankful for dur ing the holiday season that win dow would have supplied the an swer: for freedom to - worship where and how we please; and for tolerance of others' ideas; and for the blessing of the art of printing which so enriches our lives by giving to each one his own books. We do not have to hide our Bible; nor do we have to depend upon one read to us, a big tome chained to ' the pulpit; oh, the thoughts that window, so unex pectedly come upon, brought flooding our minds with grati tude and , reverence. We think gratefully of the ones who la bored so persistently that print ing mlghU.be of benefit to all; and reverently of the ' Word of God which the books have brought through the ages. Who can say this world has not progressed upward when one looks back even a few centuries to the days when there were only hand-illuminated manuscripts, ex quisitely colored and executed, but not for the everyday use of the common people. Looking at the ancient Babylonian tablets, too, stirred up many thoughts. . . What a lovely thing It was for the college and the store to do, to make It possible for the passer by to stop a few minutes and be refreshed. In the Day's News (Continued from Page One) Guerrilla Threat To Greece Erased, Truman Reports WASHINGTON, Nov. 2S-) President.' Truman reported to day that the Greek government, with American military help, has substantially eliminated" the communist guerrilla , threat to Greece. The president warned In a re port for Congress, however, that "persistent vigilance and pa tience" will be required to pre vent 'he communist-led rcbe.s from again .threatening to over throw the Greek government. The report said most of the communist revolutionaries have now fled into Albania, Bulgaria, and Yugoslavia, abandoning most of their artillery and other wea pons and equipment. "The ruthless minority which has been seeking forcibly to im pose a comunmist dictatorship upon the Greek people can re cover from this decisive defeat," it added, "only if its foreign spon sors are prepared to supply an even greater volume of assis tance than previously was pro vided to sustain the guerrilla inovecmnt. The report disclosed that In order to crush the communist re bellion; the United States sup plied a total of $472,461,000 in military and economic aid. Of this total $345,335,000 went for military supplies. Greek Courage Praised In telling Congress of the ap parent success of the program, Mr. Truman said the main rea son for victory Is the "courage of the people and fighting men of Greece. Without the Greek will to re sist," he said, "It is unlikely that foreign aid, or International di plomacy, or fortuitous develop ment could have halted the drive of communism toward the Medi terranean. He said the Greek government armed forces still must mop up isolated bands of guerrillas and seal the border against possible new Incursions. The president's report made plain the United States has to Intention of abandoning Greece now that the lmedlat threat posed by the comunmlsts is over. Both Greece and Turkey, the re port noted, are due to get addi tional military help under the new military assistance program which also is to help rearm the Atlantic pact counlAes of west ern Europe. In reporting on the American military aid program for Turkey the report disclosed that a total of $152,000,000 has been allocated to bolster the Turkish armed forces. Argentina Seizes Press Services BUENOS AIRES, Nov. An opposition member of the congressional committee on anti Argentine activities condemned today as "unauthorized" the sei zure of business offices of news papers and news agencies in Buenos Aires. Acting in the name of the full committee, a two-man subcom mittee of Peronlst deputies. Jose Emillo Vlsca and Rodolfo P. Decker, took over the account books of the Associated Press, the United Press and seven Bue nos Aires newspapers. The subcommittee announced Its purpose was to ascertain the source of funds supporting the coalition which tried to defeat Juan D. Peron for the presidency of 1946. J. Anlbal Davlla, member of the opposition radical party in Congress and one of the three majority members of the anti Argentine activities committee, said the raids by the two Pero nlst deputies were carried out without consultation with the full committee for authorization. ahead and print what it pleases AT ITS OWN RISK. a a THIS is the point: WHENEVER 8 NEWSPAPER CAN BE FORBIDDEN, IN AD VANCE, TO PRINT WHATEVER IT CHOOSES TO PRINT, FREE DOM OF THE PRESS WILL BE DEAD. a e FOR example: Suppose It became known that this newspaper was preparing to print a story, or an editorial, or a letter to the editor that would be DISPLEASING to government city government, county govern ment, state government, federal government ANY GOVERN MENT. Suppose government could legally order this newspaper NOT TO PRINT the article. Suppose had to obey the order or gr to jail. In that event, there would be no such thing as freedom of the press. LET'S keep this thing clear and straight In our minds. Freedom of the press is not LI CENSE to the press to print that which is false and libelous and damaging to the rights of others. The newspaper is RESPONSIBLE for what it prints. If It prints un truths that are damaging to you and you can prove that you have been damaged, you can COL LECT FOR THE DAMAGE. If a newspaper prints a criminal libel ' and the libel can be proved. Its editor or editors can be sent to jail. That. Is as it should be. The right to speak or print what you think ought to be spoken or printed is like other rights guar anteed to us by our constitution. It must be exercised WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS. The right to print what It con ceives to be the truth is not a PRIVILIGE granted to the news paper as a special concession. Freedom of the press Is based soundly and wisely upon RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. j a IF the time ever comes when a newspaper can be forbidden IN ADVANCE to print something' that It thinks ought to be printed, the right of the people to know what is going on will have been ' taken away and the road to cor- J ruption In government, as a pres ent development, and DICTA- Conspiracy Suit Hits Medics Co-Op SEATTLE, Nov. 26. UP) King county medical organiza tions and a number of Individuals, defendants in a $79,500 suit charg ing conspiracy, must snow cause Dec. 12 why they should not be enjoined from continuing their operations. i ne buu was Drougnt in su perior court yesterday by the Group Health cooperative of Paget Sound, a nonprofit cor poratlon providing prepaid medi cal and hospital service to about 27,uuu persons, it has zu luu-ume pnysicians unaer contract. Defendants are the King Coun ty Medical society, the King County Medical Service Corp., tne Swedish hospitals ana several individuals. The cooperative accused officers oi tne medical society with con spiring to eliminate competition, lorcmg tne cooperative to bring in doctors rrom otner parts oi tne country. The complaint also said the co-op had been required to ouna a $ii3,uuu addition to its hospital because the county s ma jor hospitals were restricted to members of the medical society. Dr. Charles E. Watts, president of the King county Medical So ciety, flatly denied the allegations, and Charles F. Riddel, society at torney, added that "the same com plaint was made once before, but ii was aoannonea. Hobby-Art Show Opens Tomorrow HOW TO EAT MILK BERKELEY. Calif. UP) Some people need milk for nutri tion but for various reasons rnn't or won't drink It. A Universliy of Laiuornia researcn project icund that powdered milk mixed Into the dough of whole-wheat bread, makes the broad more nourishing, stay fresh longer, less crumbly, and better for toast. TORSHIP AND DESPOTISM IN GOVERNMENT, as an ultimate development, will be left wide open. That is why the decision of the court up in Pasco this morning is so important. NEWEST DESIGNS in wallpaper NOW AT CARSTENS 117 W. CASS 8T. I I YULE DECOR BANNED SALEM State liquor stores can't display Christmas decorations this year. The stores' liquor will provide enough Christ mas cheer. Governor Douglas McKay said that Budget Director Harry Dor man is ending the tradition of giving each liquor store $10 for Christmas decorations. He said it is an "unnecessary expense" and the Governor agreed. "Sentimentally, it is a fine Idea." Governor McKay said. "It would seem to me. though, that the liquor stores have plenty of Christmas cheer already.' Check your Daily Office Needs . . . Ink ... Staples Paper Clips Steno Pads t$;"-;.:; Pencils D & L Stationer 325 S. Stephens Phone 173Y T 3k. How you Know! Th answen to everyday Insurance problem!-- By KEN BAILEY QUESTION: Some friends of ours had a fairly small roof fire but the firemen had to use a lot of water to put It out. Their furniture wasn't damag ed at all by the fire but some of It was completely ruined by the water. They haven't settled up with their Insurance com pany but I just wondered if they would be paid for their furniture. ANSWER: Yes, so long as the water damage is a result of ef forts to extinguish a fire, the damage to house or furniture is covered. It you'll aaonaas your own insur ance quaatlona to Una office, wa'll try to five- you tlio correct amwrn and there will be ne rharfe or ebll taUea af any Sine. KEN BAILEY INSURANCE AGENCY 315 Pacific Bldg. Phone 398 Safe Deposit Boxes There is no substitute for Safe Deposit Box pro tection. Wt invite you to call at our bank for details. . DOUGLAS COUNTY STATE BANK Member Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation "Everything will be In readi ness for the doors to open to morrow morning at 10 a.m." This announcement was made today by Mrs. J. M. Boyles, pre sident of the Roseburg Woman's club. This organization is spon soring the local hobby and art show to be presented in the Methodist church basement Tuesday from 10 a.m. to S p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "The diversified use of leisure time Is one of the benefits of modern living," statef Mrs. Le land Van Allen, one of the chair men. "This show should give the Roseburg and vicinity public a comprehensive picture of what can oe aone 10 improve our 'lei sure time." - Art work from 60 different grades in the Roseburg schools will be shown in the school-art room alone. There will also be a worthwhile exhibit from the occupational therapy department of the Vet erans hospital. The Roseburg Arts and Crafts club Is planning an interesting exhibit of art work made by members of the club.. PHONE 100 between 6.15 and 7 p. m., if you have not 'received your News Review. ' Ask for Harold Mob'ey. )UIiXa President Likes Bus Trip laea be drttej llcen ought vjtuHl i imerit' and & " I rlBt" ' shoot I they and i And l vor 1 am ot 1 I tram kids l who and i - - 71.. : .wstnnV v ' - . twoerman- k 5 W Rss' ..e i i.i.nT X o presiuo..--. .nt. I the " ..i ustu": I yur White a good ft House - t bacK in .esslon o'-' rifle. w. -teem . " " ,irtt nP , ta Bll HVnry. oto ' nd Truman- ar0(ind m W ' -A OpnU-ij.lO -'.".,.1 when - - eet closet h ve w ppi:-::;unDyu- - tPnisen ahOOt. 1 iaur 1 tne can -"--j meiivuijt .....1 . a on 8I ,val when wgetcio ihave w e people' bould lrs.W. more people sn are trave--.-, the pew- ple sno' n. said more pe v t to eryhooy'""-,otes''!'1,?on n..tnlH. "1 ' n...-- -.anime.1 . - Aa. ,ts. i "American M "II wr" n?M President-" some- rnn?h l ent"-W. --me. i-r. o hw true- y J"". Truman'.) W "Meet the people" and see the country by Greyhound! You ride in carefree, relaxed comfort at low fares that mean extra cash for extra fun. Go Greyhound and get t lot more travel for a lot less money! Everybody Likes the Economy and Convenience There Art No lower Fares! SAN FRANCISCO LOS ANGELES SEATTLE SPOKANE SALT LAKE CITY . CHICAGO NEW YORK ST. LOUIS On Way -S 7.60 - 11.75 . 7.00 . 10.75. . 19.80 - 41.25- Daily 53.60-40.55. .14 .14 8 8 Buy Bound Trip Ticket$...Sav 20 on Return Trip! A. J. Murray 346 S. Stephens Phone 586
