GIFT OF
JANE K.SATHER
A History
of the
Texas Press Association
From its Organization in Houston
in 1 880 to its Annual Convention in
San Antonio in 1913; to which is
added the Proceedings, condensed, of
the Association from the First to the
Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention.
By
F. B. BAILLIO
With two chapters covering the Thirty-Fifth
and Thirty-Sixth Annual Conventions
By
HENRY EDWARDS
To which is also added
A History
of the
Early Newspapers of Texas
By
THE LATE JUDGE A. B. NORTON
A Pioneer Newspaper Man
of the State.
; .'','.*.,* >;
1916
SOUTHWESTERN PRINTING COMPANY- ,-. .... , , ,
DALLAS, TEXAS , > , ; . , ; * '. J >1 '. , '. t "
2x0 W- 1
Copyrighted by
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION
1916
All Rights Reserved
DEDICATION.
To the men and women of the Texas
Press Association who have been ever kind
to me, honoring me far beyond my merits
and deserts, this work, which has been a
labor of love, is respectfully dedicated.
F. B. BAILLIO.
370121
Ferdinand B. Baillio
(Biographical)
"Were a star quenched on high,
For ages would its light
Still travelling downward from the sky
Shine on our mortal sight.
So, when a good man dies,
For years, beyond our ken,
The light he leaves behind him lies
Upon the paths of men."
NO sage nor seer can approximate the good that flows on and
on from the life of a good man from any -life whose guid-
ing principle was love and sympathy and service for one's fellow-
men. There are so many gems of rarest quality in the noble
character of Colonel Baillio that because of inability to bring them
all in review we are tempted to cry out in our poor effort to show
the man as he was. How shall we pick out even the most con-
spicuous of those things throughout all the years wherein he
touched elbows with his fellows, those words and deeds innu-
merable, that made his life "rich in good words" and blessed
and cheered and comforted so many? How shall we select from
the garnered treasure-house of his 67 years of upright living
even only the rarest jewels with which to fashion a diadem in
honor of a life so noble? How shall we weave together even but
a few of the sweetest and tenderest of the flowers given by his
fellows, and particularly his brethren of the press, in recognition
of truest worth? Can we, even within the limits of more
generous space, and from the riches of a great character on the
one hand and the flowers of a large appreciation on the other,
portray his full worth or symbolize that which made his life so
loved and lovable, his death so mourned, his memory so vene-
rated ?
5
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"A great man is dead; a good man has been gathered to his
fathers. The news of his death brought gloom into the heart
of every newspaper man in Texas : for Colonel Baillio occupied a
portion in the breast of every one of them peculiarly his own.
* * * Always cheerful and an optimist in this life, he advo-
cated, he preached, he practiced it along life's way. His interest
in discouraged humanity was one of his greatest characteristics.
In fact we have heard him say that his religion was to love his
friends wholeheartedly and to comfort the unfortunate who had
been tossed upon the waves of despair and discouragement."
Killeen Herald. "Ability, training and equipment, backed by de-
voted loyalty to the best interests of the people of Texas, made
Colonel Baillio's career count for much. Yet he modestly claimed
nothing for himself this chivalrous, courteous, kindly gentle-
man, the Nestor of the Texas Press." Dallas Evening Journal.
"It was because he was a newspaper man of ability, of training,
of sincerity of purpose, and of loyalty to his convictions that
Colonel Baillio will be respected and venerated, but it was because
of his kindliness, his courtesy, and all the inestimable qualities
that go to make a true gentleman that he will be mourned. Many
men achieve great works; few leave so much love in the world."
State Press in Dallas News. "Colonel Baillio was a pleasure to
know. He was genial, whole-souled, a man of much informa-
tion." Greenville Banner. "Early in its beginning and to its
very close his life was one of service, and through all the years
he measured up to the highest standards. He was a most lov-
able character, a man whose friendship was treasured by all
who knew him." Rusk County News.
"No man was more loved than he, for he constantly sought
to do those things that were helpful and promoted good will and
friendliness. His convictions were always pronounced, founded
upon well defined arguments. His mind was a veritable store-
house of useful information. He stood for what he believed to
be good and beautiful and true and bravely defended what he
believed to be right. * * * His friends are in the craft in prac-
6
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tically every state in the Union." Cleburne Enterprise. "Col-
onel Baillio was a progressive citizen and believed in pushing his
town, county and State to the front, using his best efforts in his
paper and in a private way to get results. He contributed what
he could to public betterments and charitable objects. He was a
was of tender heart, * * * Idleness as a trait never appealed
to him. * * * The home with him was a haven of rest. He
never suffered the jangles of the world to disturb the harmony
of his home life." Johnson County Review.
Ferdinand B. Baillio was born at the village of Cocoville,
Avoyelles Parish, La., February 6, 1848. His father, Judge
Gervais Baillio, a descendent of one of the original French set-
tlers of Louisiana, was a prominent and leading citizen of the
Parish of Rapides, and for eleven years Parish Judge of Avoyelles
Parish. His mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Leonard,
was of Massachusetts parentage old Pilgrim stock.
In 1864 when young Baillio was but 16, he enlisted in the
army of the Southern Confederacy, being assigned to Capt.
Joseph A. Benjamin's company of cavalry and detailed as escort
to Maj. Gen. S. B. Buckner. In December 1867 he left Louis-
iana for Texas, arriving on the 22nd of the month at Alvarado,
Johnson county.
On Feb. 3, 1870 he was married to Miss Mattie M. Criner,
daughter of Granville Criner, one of the first settlers of Johnson
County. To this union four children were born, the last, a son,
dying in infancy. His three daughters, Miss Sallie and Mes-
dames Early Baird and M. L. Bounds, all reside in Cleburne.
His wife died on Aug. 30, 1914.
"Like many of the prominent men of this country," says
the Johnson County Review, "he started out as a tiller of the
soil and worked himself up to be one of the best known editors
and newspaper writers in the country." From a history of pioneer
families in Johnson county we quote the following paragraph
respecting Col. Baillio to show the handicaps he overcame and
how, through years of hard labor at varied occupations and close
7
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
hard study, he qualified himself peculiarly well for his chosen
calling as an editor.
"Leaving his parents when only nineteen years old, an in-
experienced boy with scarcely any education certainly not more
than is possessed now-a-days by twelve-year-old boys, Mr.
Baillio's life has been a checkered one. He worked at anything
he could find has been a farm hand, a cotton gin hand, a school
teacher, a farmer, a commercial tourist, a merchant, a wagoner,
a cowboy, a farmer again, and lastly an editor. Feeling early the
need of an education he began just after his marriage to obtain
what the war had prevented him from attaining in common with
so many other Southern boys. He worked hard by day and lay
awake at night studying. Many and many a night; stimulated
and encouraged by his noble wife, he studied after a hard day's
plowing until midnight. During 1885-87 he plowed and hoed
and paragraphed for the Alvarado Bulletin, then owned by G. C.
Fahm, and received many handsome compliments for the work
he did on that paper."
From "plowing and hoeing and paragraphing" as observed
by the local historian quoted, Colonel Baillio's transition into
a full-fledged editor was easy: for in 1889 he bought a half in-
terest in the Alvarado Bulletin. His versatility as a writer
and the lucidity with which he expressed himself at once gave
this paper a standing and importance in the class of smaller
journals of the State rarely if ever attained by any other of
the country weeklies of the commonwealth.
On Feb. 16, 1892, Colonel Baillio purchased a half interest
in the Johnson County Review. "While editing this paper he at-
tracted considerable statewide attention by his strong, able editor-
ials and during the days of populist predominance he fought the
battles of the democratic party vigorously and fearlessly." "His
political editorials were copied all over the State, and, after he
became acquainted with members of the National Editorial As-
sociation, his editorials were copied in papers in many states."
Colonel Baillio's cultured mind, his fine sense of propriety,
8
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
his tact and discretion and his unselfishness, coupled with a kind
of soul-warmth which flowed out from a natural politeness char-
acteristic of the cultured French from which he was descended,
all gave him what some call a "natural bent for leadership."
Evidencing his natural qualities of leadership we learn from his
neighbors that he served as Worshipful Master of the Blue
Lodge and High Priest of the Royal Arch Chapter of Masons,
Noble Grand I. O. O. F., Chancellor Commander of K. P.,
and that he served twice on the State Democratic Executive
Committee. From private memoirs of his life prepared by
him for his children, wherein he mentions the various prefer-
ments bestowed upon him, we find this statement evidencing both
his modesty and his gratitude: "I can say with truth that not
one of these honors was ever sought, but came to me through
the partiality of my friends."
In recognition no less of his editorial attainments and powers
than of these fine qualities he was elected to the Presidency of
the Texas Press Association in 1896. Later, in 1901, he was
honored with the Presidency of the National Editorial Associa-
tion which that year held its Annual Convention at the Exposi-
tion in Buffalo, N. Y.
His fidelity and services to the Texas Press Association can
best be ascertained by a review of the proceedings of the Asso-
ciation as published in this volume. A small measure of the love
and esteem in which he was held by the membership may 'be as-
certained from several resolutions passed by the Association at
its Thirty-Fifth and at its Thirty-Sixth Annual Convention,
these resolutions appearing in the Thirty-Fifth and Thirty-Sixth
Divisions of Part Two of this volume.
Disposing of his newspaper, Colonel Baillio spent the latter
years of his life travelling as a representative of the Barnhart
Type Founders Co., and of the Western Newspaper Union ; but
his interest in the craft and in the elevation of journalism never
waned rather we say it increased and his opportunities for ser-
vice enlarged.
9
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
At his home in Cleburne at 10 o'clock, Wednesday morning,
Aug. 25, 1915, his great heart stopped and his soul went out to
meet his God to meet the Just Judge concerning his trust in
Whom Colonel Baillio left a testimony that he had no fears. His
death terminated an illness of several months and lacked but
five days of being one year after the death of his wife for whose
departure his grief, though not often expressed to his friends,
was poignant and unassuaged. "The funeral service was beau-
tiful and impressive, comforting in its eloquence and simplicity.
The floral offerings were exquisite and profuse, showing the
high respect in which deceased and his splendid family are held.
Surrounded by those who loved and revered him, the mortal re-
mains of this splendid and efficient citizen were laid to rest in the
silent God's Acre on the hill at Grandview. At the graveside
there to pay the last sad rites, were his loved ones, many sorrow-
ing friends and members of the journalistic fraternity to whom
his name meant so much."
No better insight to the character of the man, no finer trib-
ute to his memory, can be given than the following little verse,
which he termed his "Daily Prayer," reproduced from a card
which he handed out to those he met in a business and social
capacity :
May I be brave today,
And may I be kind and true,
And greet all men in a gracious way
And put good cheer in the things I say;
And love in the deeds I do.
May the honest heart of a child be mine,
And the grace of a rose in bloom.
May I fill the day with hope divine,
And turn my eyes to the sky's glad shine
With never a cloud of gloom.
With the golden levers of love and light,
Through a path by kindly deeds made bright,
When I come to the hush of the starless night,
May I rest in peace. H. E.
10
Editor's Preface
THE genesis, we say not origin or beginning, of this volume
is set forth in a parenthetical insertion in the proceedings
of the 35th Annual Convention of the Association, in Part Two.
A proper perspective of the movement for the publication is
there set forth in its logically historical place and is not produced
here because of length. The report of the Historian was made
at that convention and his manuscript accepted. It will be noted
in his report that he planned to include in the history a short
biographical notice of each member of the Association and that
his report mentions that but a small per cent of the members
had sent to him any data concerning themselves upon which to
base such notice. For the reasons of which the Author com-
plained, the Editor found it impossible to prepare the current
biographical section as the Author originally planned it. Per-
sistent efforts were not made to consummate this because the
Committee having in charge the publishing of the volume foresaw
that, should such be included, there would be more matter than
could be well put into a book of this size. The great problem
has been, both with the Editor and the Committee on Publica-
tion, to keep the work within reasonable bounds.
As one reads chapter after chapter of each of the three
parts of the volume, he must be impressed with a sense of grati-
tude to the Author; nor can he escape a sense of pride in his
membership in an organization so intimately identified with the
glorious history of our Commonwealth, an organization that has
stood for so much and whose members have labored so patiently
for the uplift of a people. It is thrilling to read of battles 'the
Association has waged for the enactment of certain legislation
and the repeal of certain unjust laws. The very warp and woof
of the State's earlier history are bound up in Part Three; and
11
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
as one reads it he must be thankful that rank and rabid political
partisanry in our journalism has passed forever.
To the close student, that which stands out boldly from al-
most every page is not a mere fact of history, or some one's
passing fancy, or merely the recital of a list of names or com-
mittees, dull necessarily as such items are when we are not con-
nected with them in a personal way; but that which stands out
and grips you, charms you even inspires you is THE SPIRIT
OF THE ASSOCIATION. That spirit is indefinable, but it is
tangible and real, for it gets hold of you. No newspaper man,
whether he be a member of the Association or not, can read the
volume and not become a better journalist and a better man.
Much of the text is quoted direct from the sources investi-
gated. This gives rise in many places to what may be termed
a departure from logical sequences, historically speaking. It
naturally, because of these quotations, assumes a wide latitude
in variety of style and peculiarity of punctuation. But no editor
would dare try to reduce a text to a system of uniformity and
continuity of style, nor adhere to his own particular rules of
punctuation and paragraphing when he is dealing with subject
matter taken unchanged direct from its original sources.
HENRY EDWARDS.
Troup, Texas, Feb. 18, 1916.
12
Table of Contents
PART ONE.
Page
EDITOR'S PREFACE 11
Biographical Sketch of Author 5
Introduction 18
First Organizations, Chapter I 23
Legal Printing, Chapter II 27
The Libel Law, Chapter III 30
The Anti-Pass Law, Chapter IV 42
The Beginning of Printing in Texas, Chapter V 45
Printing Plants Then and Now, Chapter VI 47
Growth and Development of Printing in Texas, Chapter
VII 53
"Lest We Forget," Chapter VIII 55
Print Paper, Chapter IX 60
The Duties of an Editor, Chapter X 62
Value of Newspaper Files, Chapter XI ', 66
An Editor's Reflections on a Photograph 68
Life Members Texas Press Association.. 71
PART TWO.
The First Annual Convention 1880 73
The Second Annual Convention 1881 76
The Third Annual Convention 1882 81
The Fourth Annual Convention 1883 96
The Fifth Annual Convention 1884 106
The Sixth Annual Convention 1885 109
13
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Page
The Seventh Annual Convention 1886 111
The Eight Annual Convention 1887 116
The Ninth Annual Convention 1888 125
The Tenth Annual Convention 1889 130
The Eleventh Annual Convention 1890 138
The Twelfth Annual Convention 1891 145
The Thirteenth Annual Convention 1892 151
The Fourteenth Annual Convention 1893 157
The Fifteenth Annual Convention 1894 167
The Sixteenth Annual Convention 1895 175
The Seventeenth Annual Convention 1896 181
The Eighteenth Annual Convention 1897 186
The Nineteenth Annual Convention 1898 191
The Twentieth Annual Convention 1899 195
The Twenty-First Annual Convention 1900 200
The Twenty-Second Annual Convention 1901 206
The Twenty-Third Annual Convention 1902 212
The Twenty-Fourth Annual Convention 1903 216
The Twenty-Fifth Annual Convention 1904 220
The Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention 1905 226
The Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention 1906 232
The Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention 1907 239
The Twenty-Ninth Annual Convention 1908 249
The Thirtieth Annual Convention 1909 256
The Thirty-First Annual Convention 1910 265
The Thirty-Second Annual Convention 1911 271
The Thirty-Third Annual Convention 1912 276
The Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention 1913 283
The Thirty-Fifth Annual Convention 1914 294
The Thirty-Sixth Annual Convention 1915 307
14
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
PART THREE.
Page
A History of Early Texas Newspapers 318
Early Papers Published in "East" Texas 338
Early Papers Published in "West" Texas 353
Regular Newspapers Published in the Houston-Runnels
Campaign 1857 368
Papers Published in 1862 369
Papers Published in 1867-= 370
Roster of Texas Press 1875 372
Roster of Texas Press May, 1886 375
PART FOUR.
The First Great Excursion 388
Editor's and Publisher's Convention of 1853_ 391
Suggested Rates for Newspaper Space 393
Officers for 1915-1916 394
Roster of Membership in 1915 395
Tabular Form of Officers, Meeting Places, etc 403
15
PART I
Introduction.
First Organizations.
Legal Printing.
Libel Law.
The Anti-Pass Law.
The Beginning of Printing in Texas.
Printing Plants Then and Now.
Growth and Development of Printing in Texas.
<( Lest We Forget."
Print Paper.
The Duties of an Editor.
Value of Newspaper Files.
An Editor's Reflection on a Photograph.
Life Members of the Texas Press Association.
Introduction
WHEN I undertook the task of writing a history of the Texas
Press Association I little realized the vast amount of hard
work it would impose. If I had, the probabilities are that I would
have hesitated long before beginning. I had never nor have I
to this good hour seen a history of a press association. I had
no "blazed trail" to follow, and little or no idea how to proceed.
I made several attempts, only to destroy the work done and begin
again. It may be the plan finally adopted was not the best. I
confess that I am not overly well pleased with what I have done,
and am a bit nervous over the reception that may be given it by
critical friends.
Because of my occupation as a traveling man, I have had
to write what has been written in a desultory way and in the
intervals between my trips on the road. I have had no help from
any source whatsoever. I wrote many letters to different news-
paper men asking for information which I am sure they could
have given, with but little or no effort, of the early days of the
press in Texas. To this good day I have received not a line in
answer. Shall I charge this failure on their part to modesty, in-
difference, or just to laziness?
My work lies before you. I submit it to you with trepida-
tion. I have done my best ; and I hope it may meet at least par-
tial favor among those for whom it has been written. It has
been, on my part, a labor of love; and that without the hope or
expectation of fee or reward.. The Texas Press Association has
been ever kind to me far kinder than I feel I deserved ; every
honor in its gift it has conferred upon me; and if I can repay,
only in part, the debt of gratitude I owe it, I will be happy and
will feel amply repaid for the work I have done. I realize that
the work is by no means perfect, and that many things might
have been incorporated that have been overlooked. Still, it has
18
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
been done in the best way I knew how, and may serve as a basis
for a better and fuller history in the future.
To write a history of the Texas Press Association is by
no means to write a history of the Texas press, howsoever in-
teresting that might prove ; but that is beyond the scope and plan
of this undertaking. The field is an inviting one but is a story
apart from the one in contemplation and would, were it ven-
tured into, make beyond all proper bounds a work that already
promises to be sufficiently bulky. However it has been thought
worth while to reproduce, and add as a section of this book, an
essay prepared and read by the late Judge A. B. Norton before
the Association in 1886, giving the history of the early news-
papers of Texas ; to show the vast improvement in printing ma-
chinery and the equipment of printing offices; and to review
the growth and development of the printing industry in Texas.
In writing a history of the Association, it was finally decided,
after several plans had been attempted only to be abandoned, to
give, year by year, and as succinctly as possible, the annual pro-
ceedings which show what the Association had in contemplation,
what it attempted, what it accomplished, and show its evolution,
from an organization devoted largely to pleasure to one where,
by happy interchanges of ideas, the publisher both teaches and is
taught. This will best be seen and understood by reading the
Condensed proceedings of the various annual conventions, which
are also made a part of this work.
Up to and including the annual convention held in Corsicana
in 1891, the membership was given not only free transportation
over the different railroads, but free hotel bills and, indeed, free
entertainment generally, and the time of the conventions was
taken up, largely, with the details of excursions and other dis-
tractions. At the Dallas Convention (1883), resolutions looking
to the abolishment of the feature of free entertainment, such as
free hotel bills, were offered by J. F. Mitchell of the Greenville
Banner ; but the adoption of the resolution was declared unneces-
sary at that time. However, the seed had been sown, and the idea
19
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
was finally to prevail. At the Corsicana convention, (1891), a
resolution was offered proposing to put an end to free entertain-
ment, which was considered as not conducive to the good of the
Association, as tending to lower the dignity of the profession,
and disposed to make the entertainment of the Association a
burden upon the cities of which it might become the guest. The
proposition again met defeat but was considered of such merit
that it was put in effect at all subsequent meetings; and from
then on, and until the anti-pass law went into effect, the members
paid their way, except as to railroad fares, at all annual con-
ventions. This policy had the effect of lessening for a few years
the number of applications for membership; but time and expe-
rience have justified the wisdom of the "pay-as-you-go" policy,
and the Association is now stronger in every way than ever be-
fore, is growing at a most satisfactory rate, and is attracting to
its membership the best in Texas newspaperdom men who are
identified with it and attend its conventions because of the bene-
fits to be derived from them.
At the Fort Worth convention in 1894, the discussion of the
details of excursions, during the business sessions of the Asso-
ciation, was forbidden by resolution; and it was further decided
that no excursion would be taken for the two years following.
From then on the work of the conventions became more practical,
until now they have become essentially schools of journalism in
the business, mechanical, and editorial departments of news-
paper making. There is not today a mone business-like press
organization; and it may well be claimed that in that respect,
if in no other, it is without a peer in all our land.
From its organization, the Association has aligned itself on
the side of morality, sobriety, education, and of all that makes for
the uplift of mankind and the development of the resources of
the State. One of its first acts was to deny membership to an
applicant guilty of excessive indulgence in intoxicants; it ex-
pelled members for that sin against morality and good conduct,
for violation of contracts, and because of "conduct unbecoming
20
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
a gentleman." Banquets "for men only," where wine was served
and excesses were unfortunately sometimes indulged in, have
been abandoned; and the restraining presence of the ladies is and
has been for years invited, until press banquets have become de-
corous beyond cavil or criticism.
One of the first addresses made before the Association (by
Professor T. J. Girardeau of the Houston Post, and there has
been no abler), was in advocacy of education. The Association
has ever championed the interests of the common schools and
higher institutions of learning, as well as of all things that make
for the betterment of the moral, social and material condition
of the people; and while it has given encouragement and support
to everything that makes for good, it has not hesitated to frown
upon and condemn, and that in no uncertain manner, those things
which it considered inimical to the common good.
It has eliminated personal journalism, that bane of news-
paperdom, and has engendered a splendid spirit of tolerance
and fraternity, and a just pride in the profession of journalism,
which has lifted the Texas publisher above the petty practices
which are wont to bring ridicule upon the "country editor." It
has made him to see and consider that his calling is one to be
proud of, that there is none more honorable or responsible, and
that his business is one to be conducted upon a high and digni-
fied plane and upon strict business principles.
Political and religious discussions are not tolerated in the
Association, and the applicant for membership is not questioned
as to his political or religious opinions and predilections. It is
an organization of newspaper men for newspaper men, and that
without regard to party or creed. It is a republic of letters where
brains is the currency and good conduct the passport. Several
attempts have been made, at different times, to lead the Asso-
ciation into the mire of politics, or to commit it to the endorse-
ment of some fad, but these attempts have always failed and the
organization remains one where men of diverse and opposing
21
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
opinions may meet on common ground and in a spirit of fra-
ternity. .
There is no shriveled localism in the Association. Its in-
terests and sympathies are as broad as the domain of Texas. It
has inculcated and cultivated State pride, and has done much,
by meeting in different sections of the State, to banish section-
alism and narrow provincialism, and to make its members ac-
quainted with the varied resources, interests and industries of
Texas. Several attempts have been made, in response to flat-
tering invitations and alluring offers, to adopt some place as a
permanent home, but these have not succeeded, since that would,
by localizing the organization, deprive it of its chief virtue and at-
traction, its statewide character, and make of it a mere local in-
stitution, which would soon result in its disintegration. That
the Association has been of distinct benefit, not alone to its mem-
bers, but to the State, is so apparent that it can not be gainsaid;
and there is little or no probability that its object and intention
will be defeated by adopting for it a permanent home, howsoever
palatial and alluring that home might be made.
22
Chapter I First Organizations
SEVERAL attempts, it appears, were made to organize a State
press association in Texas before the present splendid organi-
zation was effected in the city of Houston, in 1880. What is
thought to have been the very first effort was a call in "The Star-
State Patriot," of Marshall, in its issue of June 9, 1853, for a
meeting of newspaper men to be held in the city for the purpose of
organizing a State Press Association. Whether the meeting was
ever held, and if because of it an association was organized, the
writer has not been able to discover. The query, in 1853, as to
whether Whigs and Democrats could associate in a press conven-
tion in harmony and in a spirit of brotherly love sounds a bit
queer these days in the light of the splendid spirit of fraternity
and tolerance which actuates the members of the Texas Press
Association and pervades every assembly of "the gang," where
no questions are asked as to a man's religious, political, or other
opinions and views.
In the Press Bulletin, edited and published in Temple by
Mrs. William Davis Cox, is found in its issue of March, 1898,
the following clipping from the Wallisville Age:
"In January, I wrote to Editor T. J. Chambers of the Liberty
Vindicator, who was secretary of the Texas Editorial Associa-
tion and had the distinction of being, in 1869, the youngest editor
and proprietor of a newspaper in Texas, asking him to con-
tribute all the information he could in regard to that body. Hav-
ing lost by fire all his files of that date, he very kindly addressed
a letter to Colonel Dan L. McGary to whom I had also written,
and for reply sends me the following clippings from Colonel
McGary's paper which explain themselves:
"We remember the Association excellently well. It met
twice and was twice banqueted, once by the Direct Navigation
Company and once by Scherffius and Brenard, and the banquets
23
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
were all that the word implies. They were gay and festive. The
members whose names we can recall were General William G.
Webb of the Houston Telegraph, Summers Kinney and E. P.
Claudon of the Houston Times, John G. Rankin of the Hemp-
stead Reporter, William and Thomas Cain of the Bastrop Ad-
vertiser, Ed. I. Kellie of the Jasper News Boy, Joseph Lancaster
of the Navasota Ranger, and the writer, who was then of the
Southern Banner of Brenham. Major Cave was the leading
spirit in the Direct Navigation Company banquet and John
Brashear, father of Judge Sam Houston Brashear, was a leading
spirit and a choice spirit in any circle in which he moved. He
now, alas, is dead; and so are Summers Kinney, Henry Scherf-
fius, and Parson Lancaster. Major Cave is treasurer of the
Houston and Texas Central Railway, E. P. Claudon lives in
San Antonio, John Rankin owns the Brenham Banner, Ed Kellie
is assisting the people of Jasper county to build a railroad with
their own resources, Tom Cain owns the Bastrop Advertiser,
and General Webb, at last account we had of him, was prac-
ticing law in La Grange. In giving names of those who attended
the meeting of the Texas Editorial Association in 1869, by a
mere slip, we omitted T. Jeff Chambers then of the Liberty
Gazette, and now of the Liberty Vindicator. Brother Chambers
was one of the choice spirits of those meetings. We also omitted
Dick Vanhorn of the Corsicana Observer, another of the lead-
ing minds. He is long since dead, and is in heaven, we trust."
In 1873, "The First Texas Editorial and Press Association"
was organized in the city of Sherman. It held annual convention
in Sherman in 1873, in Dallas in 1874, and in Houston in 1875.
At the Houston convention, Jefferson was elected as the next
place of meeting, and the second Tuesday in April, 1876, was
designated as the time. I am informed by Colonel B. C. Murray,
late of the Denison Gazetteer, that the convention was held in
Jefferson in 1876, but it does not appear that the minutes of that
convention were ever printed. It was discontinued after the
Jefferson meeting. The cause of the demise of this association,
24
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
which was composed of the best material in the State, is not
known; but it may well have been because of the great distances
separating the members in those days of poor transportation
facilities. The first excursion of Texas editors beyond the con-
fines of the State was by the members of this association to
Northern cities. At the Houston convention, 1875, the associa-
tion, headed by Captain B. B. Paddock of Fort Worth, president
of the association, called on Hon. Jefferson Davis, president of
the late Southern Confederacy, who happened at that time to be
in the city and paid their respects to the guest of honor.
The matter of print paper engaged the attention of the asso-
ciation and it "learned with satisfaction that a paper mill is soon
to be established in Dallas." Also, the matter of telegraphic news
reports furnished the papers of Texas was a subject of discus-
sion and the character and quality of matter furnished was
animadverted upon, the "New York Associated Press" being
charged with manipulating the news in the interest of political
parties.
The following were enrolled at the Sherman (1873) meet-
ing:
Fred W. Miner, Paris Chartist; W. H. Lewis, printer, Paris; Charles De-
Morse, Clarksville Standard; B. C. Murray, Denison News; A. I,. Darnell, Sher-
man Patriot ; Thompson, Sherman Democrat ; A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelli-
gencer; John B. Dale, Waxahachie Democrat; J. M. Thurmond, Corsicana Pro-
gressive; Tom fvd Bomar, Decatur Advance Guard; J. B. Choice, Gainesville 'Ga-
zette ; John H. Bingham, McKinney Enquirer; C. C. Vogel, Houston Deutsche
Zeitung; J. S. Seward, cor. Hempstead Messenger; J. D. McCamant, cor. and
agent Greenville Herald ; Charles Mitchell, printer, Paris ; W. J. Swain, Clarksville
Times; Geo. A. Cutler, Denison Journal; T. W. Ham, Denison New South; Thomas
J. Crooks, Sherman Democrat ; Brown, Sherman Democrat ; J. Dar, Jr., Sher-
man Democrat ; Stanley Welch, Austin State Journal ; E. R. Trask, Texas Demo- '
crat; M. B. V. Bennett, Texas Democrat; A. E. Dodson, Gainesville Gazette;
S. A. Posey, Austin Commonwealth; C. E. Van Horn, Corsicana Observer; J.
M. Morphis, gen. cor. Austin; W. N. Bryant, cor. Waco Register and proprietor
S. W. R. R. Guide.
Charles DeMorse of the Clarksville Standard was elected presi-
dent; Dr. George A. Cutler, Fred W. Miner, Stanley Welch, A.
Whidden, A. R. Norton and C. G. Vogel were elected vice presi-
dents; W. J. Swain, secretary; B. C. Murray, S. A. Posey, W. H.
Lewis, J. W. Swindell, W. G. Webb and R. S. Fulton, corresponding
secretaries.
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
This association was chartered under the laws of the State
of Texas as the "Texas Editorial and Press Association;" and
among the names mentioned in the charter we find the names of
Charles DeMorse, B. B. Paddock, G. J. Clark, J. K. Millican,
T. P. Yarbrough, John D. Elliott, G. B. Gerald, John H. Bing-
ham, C. G. Vogel, T. P. Hawley, A. B. Norton, T. J. Crooks,
W. Y. Leader, George A. Cutler, J. G. Martin, B. C. Murray,
C. R. Gibson, W. W. Spivey, A. L. Darnell, A. C. Gray, and Sam
W. Small. The charter was duly signed and executed and was
filed in the department of State at Austin on April 5th, 1875.
The association was empowered by the charter to "buy, hold and
sell property, real, personal or mixed, as they may deem proper
and expedient for the best interest of the association, to grant
and receive, to sue and be sued, to maintain and defend judicial
proceedings, to plead and be impleaded, to contract and be con-
tracted with, etc." The term of the existence of the charter was
for the period of ninety-nine years from the date of filing.
Then on the nineteenth day of May, in the good year 1880, a
meeting of the newspaper men was held in the city of Houston
and the present Texas Press Association was organized, with
J. W. Fishburn of the Mexia Ledger as its first president.
26
Chapter II Legal Printing
LEGAL PRINTING has been a subject of discussion in the
Association at every annual convention until this good hour.
Still the agitation has accomplished little or nothing and the un-
fortunate debtor continues to see his property sold at a sacrifice
at forced sale and without advertising other than ' on bulletin
boards, trees, and out of the way places which few see or read
a custom which has survived the days when newspapers were few
and far between and the school-master had not as yet ventured
very far afield.
That the agitation on the part of the publishers, asking for
the publication of legal notices, has not been altogether selfish,
is made manifest by an examination of the language of the reso-
lutions offered and adopted at each recurring annual convention.
That the refusal to amend the law so as to require the publica-
tion of such notices is prompted largely by that spirit which de-
mands the pound of flesh on the part of the lawyer legislators
with clients who have debts to collect, and others on the look-
out for "snaps" at public sales, is believed by many; and that
belief is not confined exclusively to the men in the newspaper
business.
A prime cause of the deaf ear turned to the insistent prayers
of the publishers for a modification of the law which bears so
heavily upon the unfortunate debtor class may perhaps be laid
in part at the door of publishers who have not always been care-
ful in the selection of their candidates in elections, but have
rather given their support and helped to elect to office men whose
disposition toward the press was either unfriendly or unknown,
and simply because of their political affiliations. But the day
of the political organ is rapidly passing; the press is beginning
to show more and more a manly independence that augurs better
for the future, and the newspaper people are seemingly taking
more to heart the admonition that he who fails to provide for
27
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
his own household is worse than an infidel. Texas has been
overwhelmingly one-sided politically for so many years that the
politicians have and justly, too, because of the self-sacrificing
spirit of the newspaper folks felt independent of the press, and
have not been slow to make an exhibition of it, even to the ex-
tent of vituperation and slander; even to the extent of refusing,
or worse yet, ignoring the just requests of the publishers. Still,
the newspaper people, long suffering and full of more than Chris-
tian charity, have continued to assist in the election of men only
to find, when too late, they had helped to places of power those
who were enemies to their calling. Some day and let us
hope that day is not remote the men of the press will awake
to a full realization of their power and influence, and then their
petitions will not be pigeonholed or kicked out of the back door.
Comparisons are said to be odious, but a comparison of the
treatment of the public press where the political parties are about
evenly divided, with the treatment accorded it where a party has
a safe and certain majority, might be prolific of much good. The
remedy is for the publisher to ascertain whether the men for
whom he "whoops 'em up" is a friend to the press, or whether
he is going to give it "the double cross" and pelt it with rotten
eggs after he gets the desire of his soul. Men in other lines of
business seek to conserve their interests by striving to elect to
office men who are friendly, and by every rule of right, of sound
judgment and of self-interest, the publishers should do the same.
The press is the greatest power in the land ; and if the pub-
lishers will but agree on a thing, and act in concert, they can
accomplish anything they undertake. Let the publisher uphold
the dignity of the profession, be servant to no man, know his
right and knowing, contend for it, and work for his own interests
as he has in the past for his party and political friends, and he
will not be made ashamed, nor will his just demands be refused.
Why should the fetich of party make a newspaper man unmind-
ful of his own interests, and why should a newspaper man im-
28
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
molate himself and his family on any man's political or personal
altar ?
At the thirty-fourth annual convention, held in San Antonio,
in 1913, the committee on legislation made a report on the sub-
ject of legal printing which is full of very valuable information
along that line. This report is reproduced in large part in the
summary of that year's convention elsewhere in this volume.
The newspaper man should never lose sight of the fact that
his is a business to be conducted, as every business should be,
for profit; that his space is his stock in trade, and that the best
authorities agree that every inch of type that goes into a paper is
set at a cost of about ten cents. To take matter for less than
the cost of production is to conduct a losing business, and so the
man or men who are to be benefited, personally or politically, by
the matter set, should be expected to pay for it ; and the man
who expects such service for nothing is on a par with the man
who would expect the merchant to give him a suit of clothes
because, forsooth, he was a member of the same political party.
More and more the people are demanding publicity of things
they have a right to know and in which they are interested. It
is to the interest of both debtor and creditor that all notices of
forced sales of property should be advertised and given the
widest publicity ; to the debtor, that his property may bring at
least a fair value; and to the creditor, if he means to be fair and
just, that his debtor's property bring all it should, or at least a
fair price. It is to the interest of the general public that all no-
tices of elections, looking to an issuance of bonds or a levy of
taxes, as well as financial statements of cities and counties,
schools and drainage districts, should be published in some news-
paper, that all may be properly informed.
The difficulty of fixing a rate for legal advertisements and
such notices as are of general interest to the public, which should
be published in some newspaper, presents itself when it is con-
sidered that what might be a fair and reasonable rate in one
paper might be exorbitant in another, and vice versa.
29
Chapter III The Libel Law
NO limit can be set to the power and the influence of the press
when the press is free and untrammeled. Error is harmless
when truth is left free to combat it. Thomas Jefferson, author of
the Declaration of American Independence, is credited with say-
ing that if he had to choo.se between a government without news-
papers and newspapers without a government, he would choose
the latter. To fetter freedom of thought and to muzzle the press
has ever been the first care of tyrants and of corrupt politicians
and place-holders. ''Men love darkness rather than light, because
their deeds are evil." Richard Brinsley Sheridan, "a match for
Burke, or Fox, or Pitt, in the Athenian age of English Parlia-
mentary Government," said: "Give them a corrupt House of
Lords, give them a venal House of Commons, give them a ty-
rannical Prince, give them a truckling Court, but let me have an
unfettered press, and I will defy them to encroach a hair's
breadth upon the liberties of England."
From the time of Texas Independence, through annexation,
and up to 1901, there was no law of civil libel on the statute
books of Texas. The newspapers of the State were hampered
by and shackled with the criminal law of libel, which held that
the greater the truth the greater the libel. Effort after effort
was made by the Texas Press Association to secure the passage
of a law defining libel and enumerating privileged publications,
but without success until the session of the Twenty-Seventh Leg-
islature. As the enactment of the law of civil libel was the most
important legislation affecting the newspapers of Texas ever
enacted, a recital of the efforts made to secure the passage of
that law should be of interest.
At the annual convention of the Association held in Dallas
in 1899, to go no further back, the special committee on libel
legislation said : "The absence of a civil law in this State on the
subject of libel, and conflicting decisions by different appellate
30
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
courts, have resulted in confusion and uncertainty as to what is
the law that governs the business of collecting and publishing
news in Texas. Unlike any other citizen engaged in a business
enterprise in Texas, the publisher of a newspaper cannot ascer-
tain through legal counsel what are his rights and privileges with
respect to any matter submitted to him, in advance of his action
with reference to it, no matter how innocent and laudable may be
his purpose. The protection to the newspapers acting in good
faith accorded by other States under the common law, which is
supposed to be the rule of action here, is, under Texas judicial
interpretation, denied to the publishers. * * * The measure of
the publisher's offense is subject to the variable judgment of petit
juries and the publisher is wholly without legal guide in pub-
lishing matter which may affect private character or business.
As a consequence, even the acts of officials and the proceedings
of official bodies may involve allegations or circumstances that
can be distorted and made to serve as a basis for litigation. As
no two news items are exactly alike, and no two public events
precisely the same in circumstances, the few precedents in the
courts are of little value, even if they were consistent one with
another. At his peril, the publisher must decide for himself
what is or is not a libel and abide the consequences of a judicial
determination. Under the common law forms in force in this
State, a newspaper publisher charged with libel is supposed to be
guilty until he can prove his innocence, the reverse of procedure
in all other cases where violation of law is charged. We submit
that in all fairness to both press and public, publishers of news-
papers are at least entitled to the same consideration extended
all other citizens of Texas, and, when they offend the law, should
be put on equal footing with all other men in being presumed
innocent until proven guilty. Our decisions make worse than
penal the discharge of the highest duties of the press in standing
courageously for pure and honest administration of public gov-
ernment. We urge upon the legislature the public necessity of
passing an act embracing the three cardinal reforms, to-wit :
31
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The definition of libel, the specification of privileged publications,
the elimination of the presumption of malice, by leaving the
question of malice, as well as of damages, issues of proof for
the jury to decide from the evidence, as is now the law in most
other States. In its actual operation, the libel system of Texas
is without a precedent in English speaking lands and can only
be defended upon the grounds that are assigned by despotic
power in monarchical forms of government by placing limitations
upon public information. If it is the desire of the people of this
State to make permanent this system, we respectfully appeal
to them to do it in the form of statutory enactment, pledging our-
selves loyally to abide by their will and decree. We submit,
however, that insidious and gradual encroachments upon the
liberty of the press, made without authority of statute, present an
issue well worthy of their consideration. It is the public who
suffer most from the present harsh conditions, because they are
deprived of certain proper, wholesome and needful information
in respect to judicial, municipal, county and State matters. It is
not liberty to express opinions of men and affairs which the
press asks; it has that now, and no statute or lack of a statute
can deprive it of the guarantee of the Bill of Rights. What the
press asks for itself, and demands for the public, is emancipation
from conflicting court decisions which are at present the only
rules of civil libel, and relief from collusive litigation which is
not designed to recover damages for real injuries, but to extort
the proverbial 'bad compromise which is better than a good law-
suit.' And the concern is more the public's than the newspapers',
because the public cannot know what is doing in courts, city
councils, commissions, legislatures, and the various departments
and bureaus, unless the newspapers publish the transactions ; and
assuredly the people are entitled to know every official act or
revelation of any and all their representatives and servants. The
press of Texas asks for the enactment of a law upon the subject
of libel that will affirmatively fix the statutes, announce the privi-
leges, and set the limitations upon the press."
32
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Time dragged its weary length, and still the honest prayer
of the press was ignored and the relief prayed for was refused.
Strange, passing strange, when we look back to it, that this was
so.
At the annual convention of the Association, held in Bren-
ham in 1900, the committee on legislation reported:
"At the last regular session of the legislature, the efforts
of our friends in that body to secure the enactment of libej. legis-
lation proved abortive. * * * At the extra session, held but a
few weeks ago, Governor Sayers was kind enough to name libel
as one of the subjects of legislation. A libel law was intro-
duced, but shared the fate that had befallen so many other bills
of like nature. There seems scarcely any doubt on the part of
newspaper people as to the desirableness of libel legislation and
the enactment of such a law as will define libel so plainly that
all may know with certainty what libel is, and so fair that both
the public and publishers will be protected. Not only should
libel be defined, that all may know what is the law, but privileged
communications should be defined to the end that all may know
what may and what may not be printed. A few months ago, a
scandal growing out of the management of one of our penal
institutions was the subject of legislative investigation, yet not
a publisher dared to inform the public of matters connected there-
with, which were of public interest and of which the public
should have been informed * * * ."
The following letter, written by Hon. E. G. Senter, attorney
for the Association, to Governor Joseph D. Sayers, shows in
plain and concise language the hardships and limitations the libel
law worked upon the honest publishers who were not "execution
proof," and is a splendid exposition of the iniquitous libel law
as administered in Texas, and which prevailed until the Twenty-
seventh Legislature gave the press partial relief:
"Dallas, Texas, February 5, 1900.
Hon. Jos. D. Sayers, Governor, Austin, Texas.
Dear Sir: The grounds of just complaint that Texas pub-
33
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
lishers have against what may be called the judicial libel law of
Texas concisely stated relate to:
"1. The presumption of malice where malice does not in
fact exist, upon which presumptive damages to an indefinite
amount may be based.
"2. The presumption of damages where no damages in fact
exist. Under the common law rule, recognized in most other
States, and in England, this presumption extends only to publica-
tions that are classed as libels per se. By late decisions of the
Courts of Civil Appeals in Texas, which may or may not be
upheld by the Supreme Court, all limitations are in effect removed
from the operation of this rule and the juries are left free to as-
sess such damages as they choose to give, without regard to the
nature of the libel. It is only necessary that they shall find that
its tendency is to do injury. (See Brown vs. Durham, 42 S. W.
331.)
"3. The inclusion of injury to feelings in actual damages,
(Belo vs. Fuller, 19 S. W. 616.) In the case of Houston Print-
ing Company vs. Moulden (41 S. W. 381), damages were given
in the sum of $1,000 as actual damages, based solely upon the
testimony of the plaintiff that he couldn't tell how he felt be-
cause of the publication ; that he was 'considerably worried' by it.
"4. The legal imputation by innuendo of a meaning to pub-
lications, contrary to the ordinary rules of language, to the in-
tent of the publishers, and to the understanding of the public.
(See Dement vs. Houston Printing Company, 37 S. W. 985;
44 S. W. 558; Democrat Pub. Co. vs. Jones, 18 S. W. 652; Belo
vs. Fuller, 19 S. W. 616; Belo vs. Smith, 40 S. W. 856).
''5. The lack of a plain, simple rule defining privileged
matter.
"The Texas doctrine upon these subjects is in some important
respects unsettled. Some of the divisions of the Court of Civil
Appeals are at variance with each other, and others seem to de-
part from rules and principles that have been laid down by the
Supreme Court of the State. For instance, that Court in the
34
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
case of Zeliff vs. Jennings (6! Texas 466) held that to be a
libel per se a publication must impute moral turpitude, and that
it was not sufficient to bring it within that category that it should
charge a violation of the law. The crime must be such as would
tend to disgrace the person in the estimation of society. This
doctrine has been so changed by later decisions that no lawyer in
Texas would now dare to undertake to say what is a libel per se,
justifying general damages without proof of loss or injury. Pub-
lishers have good reason to fear that they are left absolutely
to the mercy of a jury, which is without legal chart or compass,
but is invested with power to give free rein to passion or preju-
dice, and has the assurance that there is no rule of law to re-
strain its action, however unjust that may be. The practical
effect of the law is to subject a publisher to attack in any county
in the State, to be selected by the plaintiff, and to submit the case
to twelve citizens with general authority to render such judgment
as they see fit to give, the only real function performed by the
Court being to regulate the selection of the jury. In no other
litigation, of whatsoever character, or however meretricious may
be the conduct complained of, is there such an entire lack of
judicial rules controlling the trial and the result of the case. It
is submitted that under no other circumstances is the plaintiff's
testimony as to his feelings sufficient basis for a judgment for an
indefinite sum, even though the defendant may be entirely inno-
cent of any wrongful intent, and the publication may have been
made by him from praiseworthy motives.
"In Patton vs. Belo (14 S. W. 1037), a decision rendered
by the Commission of Appeals, and approved by the Supreme
Court, it was suggested that the presumption of malice arising
from a false publication might be rebutted 'by proof of circum-
stances showing the defendant's motives in making the publica-
tion were proper/ and there being no further evidence of malice
a verdict for the defendant was properly rendered. It is diffi-
cult to reconcile some of the later decisions with this doctrine.
"There is no rule to which the publisher can safely look for
35
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
information as to what constitutes privileged matter. The pub-
lication complained of in Belo vs. Wren (63 Texas 686) was
made upon the advice of two of the most distinguished lawyers
in Texas, one of whom sat upon the Supreme bench when the
case was decided (not participating in the hearing). The defend-
ant published the matter upon this assurance, which it deemed
conclusive that it was privileged. The Supreme Court held other-
wise. What is privileged matter, in the present confused' state
of the law, can only be determined on appeal to the higher courts.
It is submitted that every citizen engaged in a lawful business
should be able to ascertain the rules of the law that govern his
business, and to measure his responsibility for any action in con-
nection therewith before it is taken.
"Much of the information that the public demands from a
newspaper is often offensive or unpleasant to somebody. Judi-
cial ascertainment of facts in controversy is reached only after
long investigation, and with all the processes of the courts avail-
able, and then it frequently happens that erroneous verdicts are
returned. In dealing with such matters, it may easily happen
that the publishers, in spite of the utmost diligence, will some-
times make mistakes. It is submitted that when a mistake is
thus innocently made, and every effort is made to correct it and
to prevent damage, the publisher should be liable only for such
actual damage as may result from the publication, and that to
levy in such a case, under fictions of law repugnant to a common
sense of justice, penalties more severe than are assessed for
grave and wilful crimes against society, is not conducive to the
welfare of the public or promotive of any good end or whole-
some design.
"The measure which has been submitted by the press of
Texas, acting through a committee of the State Press Associa-
tion, proposes to deal only with cases in which the publication
shall be shown to have been innocently made and for legitimate
ends; it is the general sentiment of the press that where im-
36
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
proper motives exist for a publication no good reason can be
shown for a change in the present law.
"Very truly yours,
"E. G. SENTER,, Atty. for T. P. A."
The following was suggested by the committee as embody-
ing the views of the press of Texas on the subject of libel, and
was presented to the Legislature with a request that it be enacted
into law:
"Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
"Section 1. In any action for damages brought for the pub-
lication of a libel in any newspaper or periodical devoted to the
publication of general news, science or literature, the plaintiff
shall recover only such special pecuniary damages as may be shown
to have been suffered by him because thereof, if it shall appear
on the trial of such action that such publication was made in
good faith, and that there were reasonable grounds for believ-
ing that the statements, set forth in such alleged libelous publica-
tion were true, and that its falsity was due to mistake or misap-
prehension of the facts, and that in the next regular issue of said
newspaper or periodical, after such mistake or misapprehension
was brought to the knowledge of the publisher or publishers
thereof, a correction or retraction was published in as conspicuous
a manner and place in said newspaper or periodical as was the
libel.
"Sec. 2. The publication of the following matters by any
newspaper or periodical as defined in Section 1 shall be deemed
privileged, and shall not be made the basis of any action for libel
without proof of actual malice:
1. A fair and truthful report of any executive, judicial,
legislative, constabulary, police or other official proceedings or.
action, or anything said or done in the course thereof.
2. A fair and true report of public meetings.
3. Reasonable and fair comment and criticisms upon mat-
ters of public concern, and the official acts of public officials,
published for general information.
37
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"Sec. 3. On the trial of any such action for libel the de-
fendant may give in evidence under the general issue, in mitiga-
tion of damages, the circumstances and intention under which
such publication was made, and any public apology, correction
or retraction of the libel complained of made and published by
him.
"Sec. 4. In any such action for damages for libel if the de-
fendant shall suggest the name or names of the person or persons
who. furnished the matter or information, the publication of
which is complained of, by notice served on the plaintiff or his
attorney of record on or before the return day of the term of
court to which citation thereon is returnable, such person or per-
sons shall be necessary parties defendant in the further prosecu-
tion of said action."
But this bill did not appear to harmonize with the views of
the lawmakers, and the common law of libel as interpreted by the
Texas courts, more drastic in its interpretation and working than
the libel law of any State in the Union, still continued to fret
and shackle the press of Texas. But relief was at last near at
hand. At the annual convention of the Association held in the
city of Houston in 1901, the special committee appointed at the
preceding convention reported that, "fortified with a Democratic
platform demand * * * together with a strong recommendation
by Governor Sayers in his message * * * the friends and ad-
vocates of libel reform in the Twenty-Seventh Legislature suc-
ceeded in securing to the press of Texas a measure of relief from
existing conditions * * * the first line relating to civil libel ever
incorporated in the statutes of this State." The law reads:
"A bill to be entitled an act to define civil libel, to declare
certain newspaper reports to be privileged communications, to
allow certain matters to be pleaded and proved in mitigation of
exemplary damages in civil libel cases, and to declare an emer-
gency.
"Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Texas:
"Section 1. A libel is a defamation, expressed in print or
38
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
writing, by signs or pictures or drawings, tending to injure the
reputation of one who is alive, and thereby expose him to public
hatred, contempt or ridicule or financial injury, or to impeach
the honesty, integrity or virtue, or reputation of any one, or to
publish the natural defects of any one, and thereby expose such
person to public hatred, ridicule or financial injury.
"Sec. 2. In any action for libel, the defendant may give
in evidence, if specially pleaded in mitigation of exemplary or
punitive damages, the circumstances and intentions under which
the libelous publication was made, and any public apology, cor-
rection or retraction made and published by him of the libel
complained of. The truth of the statement or statements in such
publication shall be a defense to such action.
"Sec. 3. The publication of the following matters by a
newspaper or periodical as defined in Section 1 shall be deemed
privileged and shall not be made the basis of any action for libel
without proof of actual malice:
1. A fair, true and impartial account of the proceedings
in a court of justice, unless the court prohibits the publication of
the same, when, in the judgment of the court the ends of justice
demand that the same should not be published, and the court so
orders, or any other official proceedings authorized by law in
the administration of the law.
2. A fair, true and impartial account of all executive and
legislative proceedings that are made matters of record, includ-
ing reports of legislative committees, and of any debate in the
Legislature and its committees.
3. A fair, true and impartial account of public meetings
organized and conducted for public purposes only.
4. A reasonable and fair comment or criticism of the offi-
cial acts of public officials, and of other matters of public con-
cern published for general information.
"Sec. 5. Nothing in this act shall be construed to amend
or repeal any penal law on the subject of libel nor to take away
any existing defense to a civil action for libel, nor shall this act
39
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
affect any suits now pending or that may hereafter be brought
upon a cause of action arising prior to the taking effect of this
act.
"Sec. 6. Emergency clause."
In his annual address (1901) President E. W. Harris, who
was at the same time a member of the Texas State Senate, said
of the passage of the libel law, given above:
"I am proud to state at this time that the Twenty- Seventh
Legislature, the first time in the history of Texas, placed upon
our statutes a civil libel law, reasonably fair and just, alike to the
press and the public. For years the injustice to the press, es-
pecially of the absence of such a law, has been dwelt upon in
our Association meetings; and our legislative committees have
importuned successive Legislatures in vain for the simple justice
guaranteed by a plain statute defining civil libel and establishing
a rational, uniform and just method of adjudicating libel suits.
For several years the entire press of the State have worked in-
telligently and persistently for such a law, but our legislators
have been slow to respond to such demand. The average legis-
lator does not seem to comprehend the true relation between the
newspaper and the public is ignorant of the duties as well as the
difficulties of the business; is blind to its rightful privileges, and
reluctant to give to it that consideration and protection neces-
sary to guard and promote both its interests and that of the
public. The press has never desired that it be given license to
commit wrong or to injure any one. It has only asked for a legal
definition of libel, and for an enumeration of privileged com-
munications, that its property might not be in constant jeopardy
from the designs of irresponsible adventurers, encouraged and
aided by the inconsistencies, contradictions, and legal vagaries
of judges without established rules for their guidance in the trial
of civil libel suits against newspapers. Fortified by a Demo-
cratic platform demand for reasonable and just libel legislation,
supplemented by a strong and emphatic recommendation by Gov-
ernor Sayers in his message, the friends of libel reform in the
40
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
present Legislature made a determined and successful fight for a
libel law that would be fair alike to the press and the public.
In the Senate, the bill outlined by the legislative committee of
this Association was made the basis for the contest. The bill
which first passed the Senate was in reality an ideal measure. It
gave a clear and explicit definition of libel, removed the pre-
sumption of malice, provided that only actual pecuniary dam-
ages could be recovered where malice was not proven, and de-
fined fully privileged publications. The House, however, was
not so favorably inclined to a just and fair recognition of the
rights and privileges of the newspapers as the bill guaranteed,
and returned it to the Senate materially modified, but still a
reasonably fair measure. The bill, as it became a law, defines
libel, enumerates privileged publications, and makes the truth of a
statement published a complete defense * * *."
So much space has been devoted to the subject of the libel
law because it is the most important legislation affecting news-
papers ever enacted in the State of Texas. The fight for relief
from the restraints and restrictions which shackled the press
was long drawn out, strange to say in the most Democratic and
cosmopolitan State in the Union ; and it would be almost beyond
belief, if it were not so lamentably true, that for so many long
years the men of the press were treated as though they were
dangerous to the community and were denied the same rights
and privileges that were enjoyed by their fellow citizens in all
other lines of business and endeavor. But right and truth event-
ually prevailed, as they will always prevail, and the men of the
press, like other men when charged with crime, are now sup-
posed to be innocent until proven guilty. The day of the pas-
sage of the civil libel law deserves to be entered as a red letter
day on the calendar of the Texas press.
41
Chapter IV The Anti-Pass Law
A NOTHER piece of legislation which affected the press
* of Texas was the enactment of the anti-free pass law.
The press, realizing the great evils growing out of the use
and abuse of free passes over the railroads and other public
service corporations, made such insistent demands for the
passage of an anti-pass law that such a law was passed by the
Thirtieth Legislature in 1907, a law which was as drastic and
as far reaching as could well be made. By its provisions the
newspaper people were not only denied the privilege of free
passes, along with public officials, a denial which did not af-
tront them, but were denied the right of making contracts
with the railroads exchanging advertising space for trans-
portation over the railroads. This was considered, and doubt-
less rightfully so, as a piece of spite work on the part of
the law-makers to punish the newspaper people for "per-
nicious activity" along that line and to give them, as some
were quoted as saying, "a dose of their own medicine." The
press, feeling an indignity had been placed upon it in denying
to it the right of contract, moved for a modification of the
law, but it is and always has been opposed to its repeal.
A reading of the proceedings of the Association will
show the view the members took of the law, and the senti-
ment of the press is shown in the following address to the
people, setting forth the anti-pass law in its proper light,
which was adopted by the executive committee on September
7, 1907, and ratified by the Association at its following an-
nual convention :
"Whereas, It has been charged that the efforts of the press
of the State of Texas to relieve itself of the burdens placed
on it by the anti-pass law are directed toward the destruction
of the whole of such law; and
"Whereas, This alleged fact is commented upon as evi-
42
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
dence of the insincerity of the press in demanding the making
of such a law; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the people of Texas be advised of the
true position of the press on this question, which is as follows :
"The press of the State stands now, as it has stood, for
a law which will prevent the issuance of free passes to offi-
cials ; because such courtesies extended by corporations to
law makers, law definers and law enforcers are calculated
to blandish and balk officials to the destruction of a pure and
impartial policy of government.
"But in the enactment of the law the Legislature saw
fit to restrict and prohibit the owner of a newspaper from
exchanging the space in his paper for transportation over the
railways of the State, and by so doing deliberately set aside
the right of a citizen to enter into contracts which are not
detrimental to the public good, or immoral, or depraving in
their character.
"Under these circumstances, the newspaper owners and
members of the State Press Association feel impelled to fight
in the courts the inhibition and limitation imposed on them
therein, and it is distinctly announced that the press of the
State of Texas stands for and advocates a fair, impartial law,
undefiled through being born through revenge or spite, as it
has always stood, and that the effort to trim the present
law to a respectable statute is directed wholly to the elimi-
nation of the objectionable provision which sets aside the
newspaper man as a special subject of prohibitive and re-
strictive legislation.
"Resolved, That the press of Texas has never received,
and does not ever expect to receive from the railroads any
transportation except in payment for advertising at its full
value.
"Resolved, That the press of Texas does not indorse any
system under which, under any conditions, newspaper men
shall receive free transportation."
43
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
But there was never any contest in the courts over the
matter. The law was amended later on so that under certain
conditions the railroads may advertise and pay for same in
transportation.
For awhile it was feared that the denial of the right to
exchange advertising space for transportation over the rail-
roads would materially affect the attendance on the annual
conventions of the Association, but such has not been the
case; -'and while the resentment against the "spite work" has
not perhaps entirely died out, it is no longer given voice.
Chapter V The Beginning of Printing
in Texas
IT is believed that the first printing press in the territory com-
prising the State of Texas was at Nacogdoches in 1819,
operated by one Horatio Bigelow who hailed from Massa-
chusetts. As Texas was at that time a colony of Spain and
comprised a part of Mexico, being but sparsely settled, if in-
deed it could be considered as inhabited at all, and Nacog-
doches merely a frontier military post, the press was perhaps
used principally, if not solely, for the printing of official pa-
pers, military proclamations, etc. It has been claimed that
Bigelow at times issued from this press a sheet containing
the news, but this lacks authentication. It does not appear
that there is a copy of the Bigelow paper in existence, if
indeed such a paper was ever published.
According to Judge A. B. Norton who should have been
well informed on the subject of early Texas newspapers,
having been one of the pioneer newspaper men of the State,
and whose history of the early newspapers of Texas is made
a part of this work, the first newspaper published in Texas
of which there is any authentic knowledge was "The Cotton
Plant," which was published by Godwin Brown Gotten at
San Felipe de Austin in what is now Austin county and near
the present town of Belleville. Its first issue was on Sep-
tember 29, 1829, and it was published by Gotten until July,
1832. It was a four-page paper, three columns to the page,
the pages nine and one-half by twelve inches, and the sub-
scription price was six dollars a year. Judge Norton further
says that in January, 1831, "The Gazette of Texas" was
printed on the same press.
The first steam-power printing press was introduced
into Texas in 1850 by Hamilton Stuart of "The Galveston
45
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Civilian," which, by the way, was the first daily newspaper
printed in Galveston. Later, in 1860, "The South West" was
issued from a power press in the city of Waco by W. H. Par-
sons who commanded a brigade of Texas Cavalry during the
War between the States.
46
Chapter VI Printing Plants Then and Now
HE trials and difficulties under which the pioneer news-
1 paper man labored in the days of slow transportation, by
oxen drawing wooden-axle wagons for hundreds of miles, are
not now realized nor perhaps easily imagined. But there
are still "in the harness" those who remember when the news-
paper man was "well equipped" who had a few hundred
pounds of body type (usually primer, or ten point, as we
designate it now-a-days), a few fonts of job and ad type,
an Army or Washington hand press, and sometimes, though
rarely, a job press; and if a job press, no doubt it was of the
hand-lever variety. Paper cutters were unknown in those
pioneer offices and paper was cut along a "straight edge"
with a pocket knife, or a half moon knife such as saddlers
use. Circulars, letter-heads, envelopes, and even cards, it is
said, were printed on the Army and Washington hand presses.
Cigar boxes were in demand for reglets, strips of tin were
used on occasion for rules, and pieces of card board as tem-
porary substitutes for leads. Every office manufactured its
own rollers. Makeshifts of many kinds were of necessity
resorted to and ingenuity was taxed to its utmost ; for neces-
sity had to mother many inventions and "improvisements" in
the days of the men who blazed the way of journalism in
Texas.
The hand or lever job press gave way to the press with a
treadle as the press with the treadle is giving way to the
press driven by engine or electric motor. The Army and the
Washington hand presses were succeeded by the Mann, the
Prouty and the Country Campbell hand cylinders, each in
turn an improvement over the other. These were all operated
by hand power. The engine used, in the rare instances in
which there was an engine in a printing office, was an upright
steam engine, and the fuel wood.
47
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The Mann hand-cylinder press, which doubtless was con-
sidered in its day a great invention and one which had come
to fill a long felt want, deserves more than passing mention,
as few perhaps who read this ever saw one. There is one now
in operation in the office of The News in Carbon, Eastland
County. The frame is of wood and is twelve feet long; the
cylinder is of sheet iron, is twenty-six inches in diameter,
and is filled with sand or anything else to give it weight. At
each end of the frame is a feed board, and the frame has a
gentle incline at each end so as to give the cylinder an easy
start. The pressman feeds a sheet under the grippers, turns
the crank attached to the cylinder and begins to walk, turn-
ing as he goes. Arriving at the end, he takes off the printed
sheet, inserts another and resumes his walk, turning the crank
as he walks to and fro. Compute, if you will, the number of
feet the pressman must travel to turn off a circulation of one
thousand on a Mann hand-cylinder press.
And now compare the printing plant of today with that
of pioneer days ! Scarcely a "country weekly" of today but is
equipped with an up-to-date cylinder press, job press, or job
presses, all driven by a gasoline engine or electric motor, paper
cutter, stapler or wire stitcher (in the old days stapling was
done with a pegging awl and needle and thread), perforater,
punching and round-cornering machines, and other machines
and accessories to make easy the printing of the newspaper
and the turning out of job work. And there is perhaps a
folding machine, a Mergenthaler or other type-setting ma-
chine, while in place of case stands are cabinets for the bet-
ter care of type and the economizing of floor space, and many
other things, now accounted as necessary, which were un-
known and undreamed of in "those good old days." While a
few hundred dollars measured the value of the average print-
ing plant then, as many thousands are required to install such
plants as many "country newspaper" men now possess.
In these days of fast printing presses, and quick compo-
48
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
sition on typesetting machines, as well as other machines and
contrivances which make for the easy and speedy production
of the printed sheet, it is almost impossible to realize that the
beginning of all the complicated machinery of the press and
composing rooms of today dates from so recent a time as 1803.
Up to 1813 little progress, we are told, had been made in
the making of books since the days of Gutenberg and Caxton.
For a period of three hundred and fifty years all printing was
done on the old platen press, the almost identical counterpart
of Gutenberg's invention. The press used by Benjamin Frank-
lin, and now exhibited in the National Museum in Washington
City, is a fair type of the platen style of printing press. The
press is constructed almost entirely of wood and consists of a
flat type bed upon which the forms are placed and above which is
suspended the platen or impression plate. The bed is rolled
under the platen by the "rounds/' a wooden cylinder and straps.
To the platen is attached the impression screw by which
power is applied when it is desired to make an impression ;
a pulling of the handle causes a revolution of the screw and
forces the platen down upon the type bed. The press was, of
course, operated entirely by hand. The type was inked with
what were known as inking balls. These consisted of pads
of leather stuffed with wool. The balls were charged with ink
and rubbed the one upon the other until there was an even
distribution of ink; then the balls were applied to the type
with both hands until the letters were properly and uniformly
inked.
"In 1798, the Earl of Stanhope made a press entirely of
iron which was an improvement, though not a radical one,
over the press used by Benjamin Franklin. The frame was
cast in a single piece and the power was applied by a combina-
tion toggle joint and lever. The machine had a capacity of
about two hundred and fifty impressions an hour and was
considered a marvel m those days.
"In 1803 two new principles were discovered which in
49
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
their development and modification have made possible the
marvelous product of the presses of today. During that year
Frederick Koenig, a Saxon, commenced experiments with the
view of making the then existing hand press more rapid. His
idea was to substitute the composition roller for the inking
balls and the cylinder for the platen. He finally succeeded in
inventing a machine embodying both of these principles and
to be operated not by hand power but by steam. In 1812, Mr.
Walter, proprietor of the London Times, ordered two of these
machines and had them secretly erected in the very next room
to that in which the paper was being printed by hand. He
was obliged to conduct the work clandestinely, as he had al-
ready experienced considerable trouble with his workmen, who
opposed every improvement that was likely to interfere with
hand labor. Under these circumstances the work of construc-
tion proceeded very slowly, and it was not until two years
later, at 6 o'clock, on the morning of November 29, 1814, that
Mr. Walter entered the press room of his office with several
damp printed sheets in his hand and informed the astonished
hand pressmen who were waiting for the forms that the edi-
tion of the Times for that day had been printed by steam. The
press was capable of turning out eight hundred copies of the
Times in an hour, a marvelous production in that time. Each
of the machines erected by Koenig for the Times printed only
one side of the paper, so that when the sheet had been half
printed by one machine it had to be passed through the other
in order to be perfected. The first improvement on the Koenig
press was made by Cowper and Applegath who contrived a modi-
fication by which both sides of the sheet could be printed on one
and the same machine. The principles of the Koenig and Apple-
gath machines have been followed with more or less diversity of
detail in most of the printing machines at present in use.
"The successive improvements in the Stanhope press were
the Columbian, introduced in 1817, in which the power was ap-
plied by a compound lever ; and the Washington, invented by
50
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Samuel Rust, in 1829. In 1830, Adams applied the principle
of the hand press to a machine operated by steam, and known
as the Adams book press, capable of giving from five to seven
thousand impressions per day, the impressions being given
by raising the bed upon which the forms rested against the
stationary platen.
"In 1893, an innovation was introduced into newspaper
printing. This was the colored supplement. * * * The idea
had long been a fixed one in tne minds of newspaper proprie-
tors, but it was impossible to carry it out because, up to the
date mentioned, no machine equal to the quality of work re-
quired had been produced. The press which finally met the
requirements was invented by F. Meisel. This press not only
prints in four colors in one operation, but prints on both sides,
folds, cuts, and delivers the sheet free from smudge or offset.
"The type revolving printing presses, with their capacity of
from ten to twenty thousand sheets an hour, were the marvel
of their time and did good service during the Civil War, from
1861 to 1865. * * * In 1863, the first web perfecting press
was erected by Bullock, and the printing industry experienced
another great revolution whose ultimate results are the mar-
velous machines now in use, capable of turning out from fifty
to one hundred thousand papers, perfected and folded, in one
hour. The Hoe Octuple press was considered one of the me-
chanical wonders of the world, and is thus described : This
press printed, folded and cut ninety-six thousand complete
eight page papers per hour, or sixteen hundred every minute.
The press is fourteen feet high and twenty-five feet long; it
contains eight impression cylinders, each cylinder having a
capacity for eight stereotype plates or pages on its circum-
ference ; the paper, of double width, is fed from four inde-
pendent rolls, seventy-three inches wide, one side being printed
upon as the paper passes over the set of stereotype plates on
one cylinder and the other side being printed upon as it passes
over the plates of another cylinder. The paper travels through
51
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
the cylinders at the rate of thirty-two and one-half miles per
hour, the sheets being automatically cut, pasted, folded and
counted out in bundles of twenty-five. Although the work is
automatically performed, after the press is started it requires
the work of ten men and boys to operate the machine and re-
move the folded sheets as fast as they are printed."
Another improvement over pioneer days, and a happy
conception it was, is the "point system" whereby various sizes
of type are now designated by "point" instead of by name.
The pica is taken as the unit, and a point is one-twelfth of a
pica or .0138 of an inch. The adoption of the point system in-
sures uniformity in the size of type bodies of the same point.
Following is a table of the names of type bodies in ordinary
use and their designation by points:
Brilliant, three and one-half point; Diamond, four and
one-half point ; Pearl, five point ; Agat, five and one-half point ;
Nonpariel, six point ; Minion, seven point ; Brevier, eight point ;
Bourgeois, nine point; Long Primer, ten point; Small Pica,
eleven point; Pica, twelve point.
(Editor's Note This paragraph respecting the "point
system" for designating type was found detached in the Au-
thor's manuscript. It is thought best to insert it here.)
52
Chapter VII Growth and Development of
Printing in Texas
THE growth and development of the printing business has
kept pace with the growth and development of the
State. The first paper printed and published in Texas was
"The Cotton Plant," in 1829, at San Felipe de Austin near
the present town of Bellville, by Godwin Brown Gotten. It
was a four-page paper, the pages nine and one-half by twelve
inches, containing three columns to the page. Of the equip-
ment of the plant and its value we have no means of knowing,
but doubtless it was in keeping with the size of the sheet and
the then poverty and sparse settlement of the country. Of
its circulation we can not even guess ; but as the country
was but sparsely settled, and "wilderness was king," it must
have been very small. In 1850, twenty-one years after the
first issue of the very first paper, there were thirty-four 'pa-
pers in Texas. Of these, five were tri-weekly and twenty-nine
weekly, with an aggregate circulation of 771,524 copies per
issue. The United States census of 1900 showed 722 publica-
tions in the State, of which 83 were dailies, 579 weeklies, 22
semi-weeklies, and 38 of other classification. The last Federal
census (1910) shows that Texas ranked as sixth in the
Union in the number of publications. It accounts for 1,067
printing establishments in the State, with $9,234,859 invested
in printing and publishing, and a payroll of $4,443,351 per an-
num. The output of the printing presses is given a value of $20,-
367,270 per annum. The number of persons engaged in the indus-
try is given at 7,177, of whom 4,408 are wage earners, 1,159 pro-
prietors and firm members, 425 salaried officers, superintendents
and managers; 984 male and 201 female clerks. There are 3,876
male and 670 female wage earners over the age of 16 years
and 254 male and 25 female wage earners under the age of
53
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
16 years. The average circulation of the publications, per
issue, is given at 2,180,922, divided as follows : Daily, 330,562 ;
Sunday, 302,189; Weekly, 964,524; Semi-weekly, 265,816;
Monthly, 256,700. Ayer's Newspaper Annual for 1912, shows
1,010 publications in Texas, divided as follows: Daily, 96;
semi-weekly, 29 ; weekly, 808 ; fortnightly, 1 ; monthly, 66 ;
quarterly, 2. The places of publication number 592, of which
222 are county seats. Of the publications issued in Texas,
there are 29 printed in German, 20 in Spanish, 4 in Bohemian,
2 in Swedish, 2 in Italian, and 928 in English. The report of
the Commercial Secretaries' Association, which is supposed
to be correct, gives the aggregate circulation of the publica-
tions of the State for the year 1913, at 4,123,000 per issue.
54
Chapter VIII "Lest We Forget'
AT the fourth annual convention, 1883, resolutions were
adopted on the death, and eulogies were pronounced on
the character of our first president, J. W. Fishburn of the
Mexia Ledger; and a page of the minutes was dedicated to
his memory.
At the seventh annual convention, 1886, memorial ser-
vices were held in memory of Hal L. Gosling of the Castroville
Quill, second president of the Association, and a page of the
minute book was devoted and dedicated to him. Resolutions
were also adopted in regard to the death of Miss Kate, sister
of W. C. Bowen of the Cotulla Ledger.
At the eighth annual convention, 1887, resolutions were
read in regard to the death of Granville McPherson of the Blanco
Star-Vindicator and of Willie Spruance of the Arlington World,
and a page of the minute book was set apart and dedicated to
their memory.
At the ninth annual convention, 1888, the death of D. C.
Williams of the Mineola Monitor, F. D. Allen of the Gal-
veston Visitor, T. J. Girardeau of the Houston Post, sixth
president of the Association, C. J. Pilgrim of the Gonzales In-
quirer, and Charles DeMorse of the Clarksville Standard, were
reported and appropriate resolutions were adopted. Pages in
the minutes were dedicated to the memory of the three first
named.
At the tenth annual convention, 1889, resolutions were
adopted in regard to the death of H. Smythe of the Weather-
ford Times.
At the twelfth annual convention, 1890, the deaths of W.
T. S. Keller of the San Angelo Enterprise, and W. C. Hill of
the Bellville Times, were the subject of resolutions, and pages
in the minutes were set apart to their memory.
55
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
At the thirteenth annual convention, 1892, the murder of
W. C. Bowen of the Cotulla Ledger was made the subject of
resolutions commemorative of his virtues and denunciatory
of the jury which rendered a verdict for acquittal of the party
charged with killing him.
At the fourteenth annual convention, 1893, resolutions
were adopted in regard to the death of J. P. Bridges of the
Luling Signal, ninth president ; J. F. Mitchell of the Greenville
Banner, twelfth president ; R. W. Coleman of the San Antonio
Truth ; Miss Virginia Gordon Rock of the Woodville Eureka,
and J. J. Haggarty of the Bellville Times.
At the fifteenth annual convention, 1894, resolutions were
adopted in regard to the death of Judge A. B. Norton of Nor-
ton's Union Intelligencer, Colonel W. L. Malone of the Fort
Worth Gazette, Mrs. Laura E. Foute of the Gulf Messenger,
G. R. Parsons of the Kerrville News, Mrs. Amanda Murray,
wife of B. C. Murray of the Denison Gazetteer, and Mrs. L. D.
Lillard of the Fairfield Recorder.
At the sixteenth annual convention, 1895, resolutions were
spread on the minutes in regard to the death of S. M. Carleton
of the Ennis Saturday Review.
At the seventeenth annual convention, 1896, the death of
Henry Muller of the Texas Volksblatt of Brenham, and of Mrs.
Isabella Von Haxathausan of the Texas Zeitung of Houston,
were the subject of resolutions.
At the eighteenth annual convention, 1897, resolutions
were adopted in regard to the death of J. G. Mcllvaine of the
Itasca Mail.
At the twenty-first annual convention, 1900, eulogies were
pronounced upon the character of Dr. William Martin Yan-
del, fourth president of the Association, and resolutions in
regard to his death were adopted.
At the twenty-second annual convention, 1901, resolutions
were adopted and eulogies were pronounced, at a memorial
service, on the characters of John F. Elliott of the Dallas
56
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Times-Herald ; Sam Vernon, nineteenth president, of the Co
manche Chief; A. H. Belo of the Galveston-Dallas News; J.
K. P. Shirley of the Weatherford News ; Mrs. Napier, wife of
T. H. Napier, of the Winnsboro Wide-Awake ; Frank Vernon
of the Cisco Round-Up, our loved secretary; L. L. Foster,
seventh president, and at the time of his death president of
the A. &.M. College.
At the twenty-fourth annual convention, 1903, the deaths
of A. H. Freeman of the Grandview Graphic, George B. Lov-
ing of the Fort Worth Live Stock Reporter, J. H. Alumbaugh
of the Celeste Courier and Frank Templeton of Ennis, were
reported and suitable resolutions in regard thereto were
adopted.
At the twenty-fifth annual convention, 1904, Edwin E.
Overall of the Fort Worth Railway and Industrial Guide and
Dudley D. Bryan of Houston were reported as having passed
away since the last annual convention and resolutions in re-
gard thereto were adopted.
At the twenty-seventh annual convention, 1906, resolu-
tions were adopted in regard to the death of former Governor
James Stephen Hogg, Howard E. Wilson of the Rockdale Mes-
senger, Mrs. O. P. Gresham of the Temple Mirror, Mrs. W. W.
Dexter of Houston, and Colonel R. G. Lowe, Alfred H. Belo
and Thomas W. Dealey, all of the Galveston-Dallas News.
At the twenty-eighth annual convention, 1907, resolu-
tions were adopted in regard to the death of Tom B. Johnson
of the San Antonio Light, A. C. Scurlock of the Cleburne
Chronicle, 14th president, J. S. Henderson of the Corpus
Christi Crony, D. L. Beach of the Gonzales Inquirer, and J.
H. Stanberry of the Mansfield Sun.
At the twenty-ninth annual convention, 1908, resolutions
were adopted in regard to the death of J. C. Mahoney of the
Pleasanton News and Sam McGary of the Beaumont Journal.
At the thirtieth annual convention, 1909, resolutions were
adopted in regard to the death of J. D. Ford of the Timpson
57
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Times, P. H. Pardue of the Alvarado Bulletin, and Harry W.
Brown of the Glen Rose Herald.
At the thirty-first annual convention, 1910, resolutions
in regard to the death of Edgar A. Heath of the Hico News,
R. W. Martin of the Gatesville Star-Forum, to whom also a
page in the minute book was dedicated, and H. H. Thompson
of the Floresville Journal and Chronicle, were adopted.
At the thirty-second annual convention, 1911, resolutions
were adopted in regard to the death of T. Ernest Streight
of the McGregor Mirror, Elwin A. Thompson of the Denison
Herald, J. K. Dunn of the Inland Type Foundry, and J. W.
Graves of the Graham Leader.
At the thirty-third annual convention, 1912, resolutions
were adopted in regard to the death of J. F. Kennedy of the
Mart Herald, James I. Toner of the Gulf Coast Record, and
Maury Haltom of the Nacogdoches Sentinel.
At the thirty-fourth annual convention, 1913, memorial
services were held and eulogies pronounced upon the charac-
ters of E. W. Harris of the Greenville Herald, 22nd president ;
J. W. Crayton of Abilene, A. O. Robertson of the Trinity
County Star; S. J. Thomas, 26th president, late of the Co-
manche Chief, and at the time of his death Superintendent of
the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at Austin, and T. J. Middleton of
the Waxahachie Mirror.
At the thirty-fifth annual convention, 1914, the report of
the Memorial Committee paid tribute to the virtues and ex-
tended sympathies to the relatives of the following who had
died since the preceding convention : William Wentworth
Dexter, Editor of the Texas Bankers' Journal, Houston; Wil-
liam N. Furey, Editor of the Paris Daily Advocate ; and Jno.
R. Hedges, Editor of the Galveston News. In the committee's
report were included the names of two honorary members :
Clayton West of the West-Cullum Paper Co., Dallas, and Col.
Frank B. McKnight of the Southwestern Telegraph & Tele-
phone Company.
58
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
At the thirty-sixth annual convention, 1915, tributes of
love were paid to the following whose labors during the year
preceding had terminated by the "call of 30" and the sum-
mons to their rewards : A. M. Kennedy, Kerrville ; D. S. Har-
rison, San Augustine; Thos. H. Napier, Dallas; and P. O.
Willson, Taylor. Added to the above, during the memorial
service, was a special tribute by Hon. Clarence N. Ousley to
Harry Lee Marriner, "Staff Poet" of the Dallas News, who also
had gone to his reward during the year past.
"I can not say, and I will not say
That they are dead ; they are just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
They have wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming how very fair
It must be since they linger there.
And you, O you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return
Think of them faring on as dear
In the love of there as the love of here.
Think of them still as the same, I say:
They are not dead ; they are just away."
We will not say "Good-night" to them, but hope that in
some gentler clime they will greet us with a cheery "Good-
morning."
59
Chapter IX Print Paper
ONE of the principal factors in printing, as essential as
type and machinery, is paper. The origin and early his-
tory of paper as a writing material is involved in much ob-
scurity. The art of making paper from cotton, reduced to a
pulp, appears to have been practiced by the Chinese at a very
remote period. Different writers have traced it back to the
second century before Christ. But however remote its age may
have been in eastern Asia, cotton paper, we are told, first be-
came available for the rest of the world at the beginning of
the Eighth century, when the Arabs captured Samarkand, in
704 A. D., and there learned its use. Its manufacture was
taken up by them and rapidly spread through all parts of their
empire; and we find references which lead to the conclusion
that paper was used in Rome as early as the Tenth century.
The manufacture of paper in Europe was first established
by the Moors in Spain. Rag paper appears to have been first
mentioned about 1122 A. D., and linen paper evidently was
first made in the Fourteenth century. At the first, paper was
made entirely by hand, but in 1798, Louis Robert, an employe
of a paper mill near Paris, France, invented a machine for the
making of paper, which gave a great impetus to the business.
(The Robert machine was perfected and patented early in
the last century by Fourdrinier). This, the Robert machine
as perfected and patented by Fourdrinier, was introduced in-
to England in 1804 and was the first paper mill erected in that
country. The first paper mill was introduced into the United
States in 1820. Since that time machine made paper has sup-
planted hand made paper and has been brought to a high state
of perfection by improvements in the machinery.
At the close of the War between the States, publishers
used to pay twenty-five cents a pound for book paper which
can now be bought at from four to eight cents. Then the
commonest kind of paper used in the printing of newspapers
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
cost twenty-five cents a pound, whereas it can now be bought
at from two to four cents.
In 1860, so we read, a German by the name of Voelter per-
fected a system whereby wood pulp was substituted for rags,
and the problem of cheaper and a more bountiful supply of
paper was solved. To such perfection has the process been
carried that it is possible for the tall tree of today to be made
into the sheet for tomorrow's newspaper. But while the credit
seems to have been given to Voelter for the discovery of the
secret of making paper out of wood pulp, there is another
claimant for the honor. A dispatch of March 6, 1914, from
New York City says: "Augustus Stanwood, who, watching
hornets build their nests, half a century ago, conceived the idea
of manufacturing paper from wood pulp, died in his Brooklyn
home. From old fence rails and dry logs the hornets observed
by Mr. Stanwood scraped wood fiber and with it constructed
their homes. In 1862 he built a wood pulp factory which still
stands in Gardiner, Maine. Before his discovery, paper was
made chiefly from rags. Mr. Stanwood was born in Maine,
seventy-five years ago." But let the credit be given to whom
it may, the discovery that paper could be made from wood pulp
was a great blessing to the world, because it insured a larger
and cheaper supply of print paper, thus cheapening the cost
of production of books, newspapers and magazines.
The advancement in the printing business within the past
one hundred years has been wonderful yea, marvelous. But
the last discovery, and the last improvement, has not been
made in the production of paper ; nor has the last improvement
been made in the art of. printing ; nor has the last invention
yet come in printing machinery. We now have automatic
feeders for both job and cylinder presses, which are a decided
success. More and more hand work is being displaced by ma-
chinery, and one can but wonder, in this day of remarkable
discoveries and inventions, what next the ingenuity of men,
will contrive to make printing more rapid and more economical.
61
Chapter X The Duties of An Editor
THERE is no calling more honorable, nor one charged with
graver and greater responsibility than that of the editor
and publisher of a newspaper. He should never lose sight of
the fact that his duty is not only to entertain, but to instruct ;
that he is a teacher, a leader of thought. His constant effort
should be to keep his columns clear of all uncleanness and
to see that into them no evil suggestions creep, nor aught that
may bring a blush to the cheeks of modesty ; to make his paper
so clean, so free from all that is impure, and so reliable in its
statements and declarations, that it will always be a welcome
and honored guest in every home to which it is admitted ; to
avoid partisanship in the publication of the news ; to advocate
and seek to promulgate only those things which tend to the
mental, the moral, the social and the material uplift of men
and the betterment of the country; to be charitable and tolerant
of the opinions of others, since we can no more all see alike
and think alike, nor model our lives along the same lines,
than we can all wear the same size shoes. The highest duty
of the editor is to seek the truth, to know the truth, and to pro-
claim the truth, with due regard, however, to the characters
and reputations of men and women, the happiness of families
and the well-being of the community. John, while in the
Island of Patmos, saw things which it were not lawful to
utter; and so there are things which come to the knowledge of
the editor which were better left unpublished if they are cal-
culated to bring pain and strife. The editor should avoid all
unclean subjects and unchaste language, and those things
which were better left unsaid. The editor should live and
work upon a high plane, and seek so to realize his duty to him-
self and his fellow men as to feel that in honor and dignity,
in usefulness and influence, his work is second in importance
to none, it matters not how exalted. He should go about his
62
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
work "with malice toward none, with chanty for all, with firm-
ness in the right as God gives him to see the right." Let him
not lose confidence in his fellow men, nor despair of the fu-
ture, for:
"There's a heaven above and a God of Love,
And a father who will fend ;
And life goes up and life goes down,
But it all comes right in the end/'
The duties and responsibilities of an editor are as great
as those which burden the shoulders of any, barring none. He
is working, if he rightly understands his high calling, not alone
for the present, but for the future ; and not alone for the men
now on earth, but for those who will come after. Lest he
forget :
"He wins the world's applause who leads
A conquering army to the fray ;
But yonder where the vulture feeds
Long cherished hopes were swept away.
He merits fame who has the gift
To thrill men with his eloquence,
Or out of worthless chaff to sift
The golden grains of common sense.
But blest o'er all the rest is he
Who pens a line that travels far,
And causes fretful men to see
How few and small their troubles are."
It is the duty of the editor to strive, and that continually,
by every honest effort to increase the capacity of himself and
his paper for good ; to work to make men happier and wiser,
always recognizing and making all due allowance for the
frailities and limitations of human nature. There is no calling
more honorable nor one carrying greater responsibilities than
that of editing a newspaper, no matter how humble, or how-
soever circumscribed, may be its circulation. To leave out the
bad, to insert only that which makes for good, and to be as
63
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
careful of the reputation and character of his paper as he is
of his personal reputation and character, is the whole sum of
an editor's work when it is rightly considered. If a paper
does not commend itself to the public and command the pub-
lic's respect, the blame lies alone upon its management. The
world seldom misunderstands or underestimates men ; and
while we may complain of the verdict of our neighbors it is
generally correct.
An editor should print the truth, the whole truth and noth-
ing but the truth ; but there are truths it were better to leave
unpublished. Paul, the great apostle to the Gentiles, said, as
will be remembered, that all things were lawful to him, but
that all things were not expedient. An editor should publish
the truth and the truth only, but it is not necessary to publish
every truth, nor is it the part of wisdom to tell all he knows.
If the editor is the man he should be, he is almost "the father
confessor" of his community, being the repository of many
secrets. The editor should print the truth, but
"If you see a tall fellow ahead of a crowd,
A leader of men, marching fearless and proud,
And you know of a tale whose mere telling aloud,
Will cause his proud head to in anguish be bowed,
It is a pretty good plan to forget it.
"If you know of a skeleton hidden away
In a closet, and guarded, and kept from the day
In the dark, and whose showing, whose sudden display
Would cause grief, and sorrow, and lifelong dismay,
It is a pretty good plan to forget it.
"If you know of a thing that would darken the joy
Of a man or a woman, a girl or a boy,
That would wipe away a smile, or the least bit annoy
A fellow, or cause any gladness to cloy,
It is a pretty good plan to forget it."
64
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The Texas Press Association, and it is by no means the
least meritorious in its influence for good, has done much to
raise and improve the standard of journalism, to increase edi-
torial dignity, to elevate journalistic ethics and to insist upon a
due regard to the proprieties of life in the use of language on
the printed page. Early in the organization of the newspaper
folks into an association there was an insistent demand for a
higher plane of living and the use of only clean language in the
public press. The Texas Editorial and Press Association, at
its annual convention held in the city of Houston, in 1875,
adopted the following: "Resolved, That any member who
shall be convicted, after a fair and impartial trial, of habitual
drunkenness, or of publishing obscene language, or of com-
mitting an act degrading the Association, shall for the first
offense be reprimanded, and for the second offense be dealt
with as the Association may determine.'' And the Texas
Press Association has been no less insistent upon the so-
briety, good conduct, and clean speech of its members in
their papers.
The editor must bring thought into his work ; he must
remember that thought rules the world; that, as has been
said, "nothing but a newspaper can drop the same thought
into a thousand minds at the same moment." The editor
has in his hands a great and wonderful power, if he would
only realize it, a power beyond any in our civilization if he
would use it as it should be used. Who can compute it? De
Tocqueville said of newspapers : "To suppose that they only
serve to protect freedom is to diminish their importance;
they maintain civilization."
Thought rules the world ; and no man is free who lets
others think for him and force him to do their bidding.
65
Chapter XI Value of Newspaper Files
THE publisher of a newspaper should not lose sight of the
fact that his paper, when rightly conducted, is a record of
the history of his community of history in the making.
Hence, his duty to be a faithful chronicler of the news and to
keep the record straight ; and, hence, the value attaching to
his files and the reason they should be carefully preserved,
for they are day by day, or week by week, as the case may
be, the sole repository of the happenings of his community.
From them we may gather information as to the questions
which agitated the public mind at the date of issue, of the
doings of the National, State, County and Municipal govern-
ments, 'of the men who were prominent in the upbuilding of
the town and country, of the improvements made and pro-
jected, of the state of the weather, of the condition of the
crops, the prices of products and merchandise ; and, from the
reports of fashionable functions, we may learn of the fash-
ions then prevailing ; and we may read in them of the mar-
riages, births and deaths. In short, the files of newspapers
give us a full and complete history of the communities in
which they are published, history written on the spot and
just as it happened.
A writer in the Atlantic Monthly, some years ago, said:
"When, in 1887, I began the critical study of the history
of the United States from 1850-1860, I was struck with the
paucity of material which would serve the purpose of an ani-
mated narrative. While considering my materials, I was
struck with a statement cited by Herbert Spencer in his
'Philosophy of Style:' 'A modern newspaper statement,
though probably true, if quoted in a book as testimony, would
be laughed at, but the letter of a court gossip, if written
some centuries ago, is thought good historical evidence/ At
about the same time, I noticed that Motley (the historian)
66
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
used as one of his main authorities for 'The Battle of Quentin'
the manuscript of an anonymous writer. From these two
circumstances it was a logical reflection that some historians
might make an exaggerated estimate of the value of manu-
script material because it reposed in dusty archives and could
be utilized only by severe labor and long patience ; and that,
imbued with this idea, other historians for other periods
might neglect the newspaper because of its ready accessibil-
ity."
The newspapers of a time mirror to us the sayings and
doings of the men and women, and the phenomena of nature,
of their day. In their columns, the world passes before us
as a panorama. Bulwer Lytton said in the English House
of Commons: "If I desired to leave to remote posterity
some memorial of existing British civilization, I would pre-
fer, not our docks, not our railways, not our public buildings,
not even the palace in which we hold our sittings. I would
prefer a file of the Times."
There were no railroads, no telegraph lines, no telephones,
no electric lights, no trolley and interurban lines, no reapers
and mowers, no threshing machines, no steam plows, no
horseless carriages, when the printing press came to Texas;
but their comings, along with the recital of other things that
make interesting reading, are chronicled in the files of the
newspapers of the State. It may be, as has been said, that
you can't write history from newspapers, but the historian who
neglects the files of the public press will miss a great deal
of valuable information and material which can be found
nowhere else.
Perhaps this subject is a bit out of place in a history, but
the subject has seemed to the writer so important that it is
hoped the digression w r ill be pardoned ; and it is hoped that
the calling of attention to the value of newspaper files will
have the effect of persuading the publishers of Texas to be
more careful in the selection and preservation of the files
of their papers.
67
An Editor's Reflection Upon
a Photograph
Frances McMinds, School of Journalism, Austin.
(Expressed by proxy, with apologies wherever due.)
The T. P. A. of 'Ninety-four,
In photographic guise,
A group of faces known, yet strange,
Upon my desk it lies;
A mute reminder of the past,
Those time-dimmed faces show
The men who ruled the Texas press
Some twenty years ago.
Whole-souled, great hearted fellows they,
The knighthood of the pen ;
Right gallantly they gaze at me,
A goodly lot of men,
With here and there a woman's face
Nor strange it should be so,
For wives were watchful then, as now,
Some twenty years ago.
And other things the group depicts
That now would make us stare;
Mustached and whiskered visages
The stamp of fashion bear;
And yet 'tis plainly to be seen,
Though hirsutes ebb and flow,
The bald head flourished even then
Some twenty years ago.
68
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
There's Gilliland, who came from Baird,
And Cox, called "Mary Jane,"
With Lehmann, Cullom, Gaston, too,
And Johnston, known to fame
The courtly Colonel from the South
All these their smiles bestow,
Among the men who pushed the pen
Some twenty years ago.
There's Buie in the topmost row;
Lee Rountree's handsome face,
And Frank P. Holland's gen'rous phiz,
Each holding honored place ;
Tom Perkins lines up with the bunch,
And Taylor gallant Joe
All these were gathered at Fort Worth
Some twenty years ago.
J. L. McCaleb, and Adair,
Had answered to the call;
Fred Robinson, from Huntsville then,
And Johnson, too, from Hall,
With fierce mustache and lofty brow
Ah, little did we know
How he'd cut up as Senator
Some twenty years ago.
But where are, others of "the gang,"
Will Mayes and Bob Ransone,
Jim Lowry, Yantis, and the rest
Whose names we've always known?
They must have been there well, perhaps-
Ask Colonel Baillio;
He tried to keep up with the boys
Some twenty years ago.
69
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
A score of years, and one, have passed ;
Our ranks have rilled apace,
And final "Thirty" has been called
For many a well-known face ;
But, though this grand old T. P. A.
In strength and numbers grow,
Still shall we honor those who served
Some twenty years ago.
Life Members
Holland, Frank P., Farm and Ranch Dallas
Johnston, R. M., Post Houston
Adair, W. A., Messenger Marshal!
Mayes, Will H., Bulletin Brownwood
Ousley, Clarence N., Record Fort Worth
Yantis, R. E., Review Athens
Robinson, Fred B., Times-Herald Waco
Lowry, J. H., Signal Honey Grove
Perkins, Tom W., Daily Courier-Gazette McKinney
Buie, W. J., Railway Journal El Paso
Gilmore, C. E., Life Member Wills Point
Johnson, W. A., Hall County Herald Memphis
Ransone, J. R., Jr., Daily Enterprise Cleburne
Edwards, W. C., Record and Chronicle Denton
Taylor, Joe J., News Dallas
Harris, D. R., Rusk County News Henderson
71
PART TWO
Proceedings of the Texas Press Association
From Its Organization in 1 880,
to 1915, Year by Year
First Annual Convention 1 880
ON the 19th day of May, 1880, a meeting of newspaper
men was held in the parlors of the Hutchins House in
the city of Houston for the purpose of organizing a State
press association and out of that meeting sprung our present
Texas Press Association.
Major E. W. Cave, chairman of the reception committee,
being introduced by W. V. R. Watson, chairman of the com-
mittee of arrangements, made the address of welcome on behalf
of the Cotton Exchange and the merchants of Houston, after
which the guests were escorted to the Bohemian Club headquar-
ters and listened to the reading of a poem written for the occa-
sion by Mrs. Lee C. Hardy of Houston. On behalf of the guests,
W. P. Wilson of the Fort Worth Advance, responded to the
address of welcome.
On motion of Frank Small, temporary organization was
gone into, and Colonel P. E. Edmonson of the Flatonia Argus
was made temporary chairman and F. A. Small temporary
secretary. The committee on permanent organization was
composed of L. M. Green of the Tyler Courier, E. H. Harris
of the Paris Banner, W. P. Wilson of the Fort Worth Ad-
vance, J. W. Fishburn of the Mexia Ledger, J. E. Muer of
the Austin Review and P. E. Edmonson of the Flatonia
Argus.
The committee to draft a constitution and by-laws con-
sisted of A. P. Harris of the Orange Tribune, W. J. Johnson
of the Mount Pleasant News, J. W. Burson of the Denison
Herald, C. H. Hanson of the Kosse Local, C. J. Pilgrim of
the Gonzales Inquirer and J. G. Rankin of the Brenham Ban-
ner.
An address was made by Colonel John F. Elliott of the
Dallas Herald.
What number were present at this initial meeting we are
73
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
not told, nor are any names given aside from the officers of
the temporary organization and the committees. However, we
are told that the number in attendance was increased the next
day to seventy-seven by the arrival of V. H. Ivy of the Whit-
ney Bee, R. M. Smith of the Bryan Pilot, R. G. Lowe of the
Galveston News, B. F. Stewart of the New Orleans Democrat,
J. E. Cooper of the Georgetown Sun and E. D. Linn of the
Victoria Advocate.
Permanent organization was effected as follows:
President J. W. Fishburn of the Mexia Ledger;
Vice-Presidents:
First District L. M. Green, Tyler Courier;
Second District R. W. Loughery, Marshall Herald;
Third District J. F. Elliott, Dallas Herald;
Fourth Distrkt L. K. Tarver, Corsicana Observer-Index;
Fifth District A. H. Belo, Galveston News;
Sixth District W. H. Maltby, Corpus Christi Free-Press.
Secretary Frank A. Small, Telegram;
Treasurer Gail B. Johnson, Houston Post.
Corresponding Secretaries:
First District H. V. Hamilton, Tyler Reporter;
Second District E. H. Harris, Paris Banner;
Third District Garland, Granbury Vidette;
Fourth District J. G. Batte, Belton Journal;
Fifth District J. W. Jones, Austin Commercial;
Sixth District E. D. Linn, Victoria Advocate.
Executive Committee:
First District A. P. Harris, Orange Tribune;
Second District C. W. Raines, Wills Point Local;
Third District J. W. Bur son, Denison Herald;
Fourth District J. W. Downs, Waco Examiner;
Fifth District J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Sixth District Frank Grice, San Antonio Express.
The motion to make Judge A. B. Norton of the Dallas
Intelligencer vice-president at large, "in order to have the
officers of the Association of different shades of politics,"
failed of adoption.
The report of the committee on constitution and by-laws
was made, but the text is no where given in the record of the
proceedings. However, mention is made of the fact that the
74
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
portion of the preamble of the constitution naming proprie-
tors of job offices as eligible to membership was stricken out ;
and a lengthy discussion followed as to whether editors who
were not also proprietors should be admitted to membership,
the contention of the objectors being that editors in the em-
ploy of proprietors of newspapers should not be allowed an
equal voice with their employers in the regulation of their
proprietary management. After the discussion had been\
carried to a point which threatened to defeat organization,
a compromise was agreed on to admit to membership edi-
tors who were not proprietors, but denying to them the right
to vote on questions involving expenditures imposed by the
Association on members who were also proprietors of news-
papers.
H. L. Gosling of the Castroville Quill was elected orator,
P. H. Peters of the Sherman Chronicle essayist, and Miss
Florence Gerald of Waco poetess.
A resolution was adopted, reciting that it is to the in-
terest -of the State, judgment creditors, taxpayers, and prop-
erty holders, that no property should be sold in the State at
forced sale without reasonable publicity given through the
public press, and instructing the President to appoint a com-
mittee to draft a bill in regard to public printing and urge the
passage of the same by the next legislature.
The need of a paper mill in the State was mentioned, but
no action was taken.
A motion to charge advertising agents regular rates for
advertising was tabled.
The committee to draft a bill in regard to public printing
and present the same to the next legislature was composed
of J. F. Elliott of Dallas, S. D. Wood of Tyler, A. C. Gray of
Houston, R. M. Smith of Bryan and A. Seimering of San
Antonio.
Invitations were received from Dallas, Galveston and
Houston, but the selection of the next place of meeting was
left to the executive committee.
75
Second Annual Convention 1 881
THE second annual convention was called to order by
President Fishburn May 11, 1881, in Pillot's Opera
House in the city of Houston.
It being announced that the secretary was absent from
the State and his books "not available," a committee on cre-
dentials was appointed to discover and determine who were
members of the Association. At the evening session the com-
mittee reported the following as regular members (meaning,
perhaps, that they were charter members) :
J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner; H. L. Gosling, Castroville Quill; G. H. Sweet,
Galveston Journal; C. E. Gilbert, Navasota Tablet; A. P. Harris, Orange Tribune;
G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; C. W. Raines, Wills Point Local; W. J. John-
son, Mt. Pleasant News ; Dave Nation, Brazoria Independent ; George C. Deming,
Palestine Advocate ; Gail B. Johnson, Houston Post ; L. L. Foster, Groesbeck New
Era; O. O. Nation, Brazoria Independent; C. H. Hanson, Kosse Local ; E. D. Linn,
Victoria Advocate ; F.' G. Spann, Brenham Sentinel ; J. P. Bridges, Ruling Signal ;
G. T. Cooper, Georgetown Sun; R. M. Smith, Bryan Pilot; J. W. Fishburn, Mexia
Ledger ; P. H. Peters, Sherman Chronicle ; J. W. Burson, Denison Herald ; E. H.
Harris, Paris Banner; J. T. Elliott, Dallas Herald; F. L. Yocum, Palestine Farm
and Orchard ; E. L. Wepf, Terrell Times ; D. M. Stovall, Wood County Flag ; H. C.
Jones, Dallas Times; W. P. Draughn, Giddings Lone Star; J. T. Walker, Terrell
Star ; T. P. Maddox, Montgomery Journal ; S. R. Carothers, Giddings Lone Star ;
J. E. Shook, Rusk Observer; A. H. Yeager, Cleburne Chronicle; D. C. Wiilliams,
Mineola Flag; G. H. Ivy, Whitney Bee; R. L. Hayes, Winnsboro Sentinel; Frank
Grice, San Antonio Express ; P. E. Edmonson, Flatonia Argus ; J. W. Baines, Mc-
Kinney Advocate ; T. J. Girardeau, Houston Post ; Nat Q. Henderson, Georgetown
Record ; C. F. Alterman, People's Vindicator.
Sixty-three new members were received at this conven-
tion, and the names of T. C. Cain of the Bastrop Advertiser,
T. A. Taylor of the Austin Wochenblatt, and W. T. Walker
of the Texas Law Journal were reported as regular members
by the credentials committee. They were perhaps a portion
of the original seventy-seven said to have been present at the
organization whose names had not occurred to the committee
at the time the report was made. It will be noted that while
the minutes of the first annual convention indicate that sev-
enty-seven were present and participating in the organization,
76
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
the committee on credentials at this convention were able to
account for only forty-three, or forty-six when we include the
names of the three said to have been omitted.
The committee on credentials (H. L. Gosling, J. W. Bur-
son, T. J. Girardeau, E. H. Harris and Gail B. Johnson) offered
a resolution which was adopted, to the effect that in voting
for members the constitutional requirements be adhered to
and that only those having proprietary interest and who are
bona fide editors be admitted to membership ; that the Con-
stitution was explicit on the subject of proxy representation;
that no one is either entitled to membership or the privileges
of the Association except bona fide members and that no such
representatives (proxy) of members will be recognized.
The following new members were elected :
E. C. Huckabee, J. M. Snyder, T. P. Alexander, S. H. Walker, J. L. Terry,
Menzies Cummings, E. D. Terry, J. C. Cameron, W. W. Williams, W. M. Yandell,
J. A. Knox, Aleck E. Sweet, M. C. Hill, R. J. Stevenson, C. L. Comer, W. P.
Withers, R. W. Haltom, J. W. Golledge, H. H. Ford, L. Nowell, Byron Drew,
J. M. Fletcher, James P. Jones, J. R. Curl, D. N. Dodson, C. J. Pilgrim, W. A.
Fields, O. W. Dodson, R. T. Milner, J. C. Son, J. F. Shaw, Charles Beall, J. W.
Johnson, E. B. Scott, S. A. Fishburn, P. O. Wilson, John W. Leonard, E. F.
Yeager, F. D. Allen, R. J. Redgell, E. W. Shands, A. D. Rust, W. H. Pascoe, T. R.
Leeman, J. H. Davis, J. A. Abney, W. T. Walker, C. A. Beuchner, James P. New-
comb, W. Forney, George B. Loving, W. P. Wilson, Mrs. Bella S. Swisher, J. W.
Hill, W. L. Graves, E. E. Overall, C. F. Jones, Mrs. S. L. McPherson, Mrs. L. M.
Mount, F. D. Allen, J. K. Street, A. L. Cashell, J. H. Julian. (The names of the
papers with which the above were connected are not given.)
The annual oration was by Colonel Sweet. Miss Florence
Gerald of Waco read a poem she had prepared for the occa-
sion. A banquet was given the Association by the Cotton
Exchange, Board of Trade, Houston Press Club and the
merchants of Houston. Colonel P. E. Edmonson was ap-
pointed sergeant-at-arms.
The reports of the President and Secretary were received,
but no record of them was made nor mention, further than that
a personal explanation was made by President Fishburn in
regard to the reference to himself in the Secretary's report,
which he considered as an attack upon himself. He pro-
nounced the charges made as false and asked for an investiga-
77
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tion. The Association refused to consider the matter seriously,
not considering it an attack; but a committee was finally ap-
pointed to investigate the Secretary's report and make appli-
cation to Mr. Small for all money held by him for the Asso-
ciation.
The following officers were elected :
President H. L. Gosling, Castroville Quill;
Vice-Presidents:
First District A. P. Harris, Orange Tribune;
Second District F. D. Alexander, Greenville Herald;
Third District W. P. Wilson, Fort Worth Advance;
Fourth District W.m. A. Fields, Meridian Blade;
Fifth District P. E. Edmonson, Flatonia Argus;
Sixth District C. J. Pilgrim, Gonzales Inquirer.
Secretary J. W. Burson, Denison Herald-News;
Corresponding Secretaries:
J. W. Leonard, Beaumont Enterprise;
B. L. Leaman, North Texas Journal;
Mrs. L. S. McPherson, Sherman Democrat;
J. W. Golledge, Hillsboro Mirror;
Mrs. Bella Swisher, American Sketch Book;
James P. Newcomb, San Antonio Evening Light.
Treasurer Gail B. Johnson, Houston Post;
Orator E. H. Harris, Paris Banner; W. P. Wilson, Fort Worth
Advance, alternate.
Essayist E. D. Linn, Victoria Advocate; Miss Kate Efnor, al-
ternate.
Poetess Miss Claudia Girardeau; Mrs. Belle Swisher, alternate.
Executive Committee:
First District O. W. Dodson, Henderson News;
Second District Byron Drew, Kaufman Sun;
Third District J. W. Barnes, McKinney Advocate;
Fourth District Nat Q. Henderson, Georgetown Sun;
Fifth District C. E. Gilbert, Abilene Reporter;
Sixth District Dr. W. M. Yandell, Seguin Times.
A motion was made to print two hundred copies of the
proceedings with the Constitution and By-Laws. The mo-
tion as carried eliminated the printing of the proceedings, but
provided for printing the roll of membership.
A committee was appointed to consider the subject of
78
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
education, the wants and demands of the people on that sub-
ject, and to digest matter for consideration at the next annual
convention. The chair appointed as that committee T. J.
Girardeau, W. P. Walker, E. H. Harris, J. C. Cameron and
George H. Sweet.
Mrs. Lillian Randall Clark of Dallas read "Lochinvar's
Ride."
A resolution that the same charge be made for foreign
as for home advertising and that pay for same be required in
advance, provoked considerable discussion, was referred to a
special committee, and was finally laid on the table to be
called up at the next annual convention.
Mr. Medlenka, of the Houston German Post was admitted
to membership.
The President requested the Association to see that each
bona fide member be furnished with proper credentials ; and
th,at notice be given the local committees of the city whose
hospitality the Association shall accept at the next annual
convention of who are members ; and that only such as are
members be recognized. The announcement was received
with much favor.
Invitations from the G. C. & S. F. and G. H. & H. rail-
way companies to visit Galveston, and tendering the free use
of their lines, were received and accepted.
The committee on investigation of the report of the ab-
sent secretary, Frank A. Small, submitted resolutions which
were adopted, "disowning and resenting the reflections cast by
Mr. Small on our late president, J. W. Fishburn, and our
treasurer, Gail B. Johnson."
Besides the usual resolutions of thanks for courtesies ex-
tended, resolutions of sympathy were tendered the family of
F. R. Connolly, late of the Marshall Messenger; and to the
family of the late Mrs. E. H. Gushing, one of the pioneer
editors of the State.
Before adjournment, "President Gosling took occasion to
79
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
pay a deserved tribute to the Association on account of the
order and gentlemanly bearing which had characterized every
member of the Association during their present visit."
Houston was selected as the next place of meeting. The
excursion was to California and it is still talked about and re-
ferred to as one of the most pleasant the Association ever
took.
Following is the roll of members of the Texas Press As-
sociation as reported by the committee on membership at
the meeting held in Houston, in May, 1881 :
J. G. Rankin, Brenhan Banner; H. L. Gosling, Castroville Quill; J. F. Elliott,
Dallas Herald; C. E. Gilbert, Abilene Reporter; E. L. Wepf, Terrell Times;
E. D. Linn, Victoria Advocate ; David Nation, Richmond Nation ; R. L. Hayes,
Winnsboro Sentinel; T. P. Maddox, Montgomery Journal; Geo. C. Deming; Pales-
tine Advocate; J. VV. Burson, Denison Herald-News; G. H. Sweet, Galveston
Journal; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; A. P. Harris, Orange Tribune; J. T.
Walker, Terrell Star; Frank Grice, San Antonio Express; J. P. Bridges, Luling
Signal ; W. J. Johnson, Mount Pleasant News ; P. E. Edmohson, Flatonia Argus ;
J. E. Cooper, Georgetown Sun ; J. W. Baines, McKinney Advocate ; T. J.
Girardeau, Houston Post; J. W. Fishburn, Mexia Ledger ; O. O. Nation, Bra-
zoria Independent; C. H. Hanson, Hubbard City Vindicator; F. D. Allen, Galves-
ton Visitor; Geo. B. Loving, Fort Worth Live Stock Journal; W. P. Wilson, Fort
Worth Democrat- Advance ; Mrs. L. S. McPherson, Sherman Democrat ; S. O.
Young, Houston Post; A. L. Cashell, Kyle Nutshell; E. C. Huckabee, Waxahachie
Mirror; J. L. Perry, Longview New Era; W. M. Yandell, SeTuin Times; W. C.
Hill, Bellville Times; Byron Drew, Kaufman Sun; C. J. Pilgrim, Gonzales In-
quirer; Wm. A. Fields, Meridian Blade; R. T. Milner, Henderson Times; Charles
Beall, Lampasas Dispatch; E. B. Scott, Stephenville Empire; J. W. Leonard,
Beaumont Enterprise ; R. J. Ridgell, Allen Narrow Gauge ; A. D. Rust, Giddings
Plaindealer; J. H. Julian, San Marcos Free Press; J. P. Jones, Dallas Planter;
F. L. Yocum, Palestine Orchardist ; T. C. Oltorff, Marlin Ball ; H. V. Hamilton,
Tyler Democrat-Reporter ; Gail B. Johnson, Houston Post ; L. L. Foster, Groes-
beck New Era; Nat Q. Henderson, Georgetown Record; D. C. Williams, Mineola
Hawkeye-Monitor ; C. A. Beuchner, Austin Volksblatt ; James P. Newcomb, San
Antonio Light ; J. W. Hill, Comanche Chief ; W. L. Graves, Graham Leader ;
Tom C. Cain, Bastrop Advertiser ; J. K. Street, Street's Monthly, Waco ; R. P. B.
Medlenka, Houston German Post; F. P. Alexander, Greenville Herald; E. S. Perry,
Wills Point Pointer; A. E. Sweet, Austin Siftings ; J. W. Golledge, Hillsboro
Mirror; J. M. Fletcher, Linden Journal; J. A. Knox, Austin Siftings; O. W.
Dodson, Henderson News ; J. C. Son, Mineral Mells Star ; J. W. Johnson, Hous-
ton Post; S. A. Fishburn, Mexia Ledger; E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise;
E. W. Shands, Austin Railway Journal; W. H. Pardue, Galveston Civilian; J. H.
Davis, Mount Vernon Herald; H. C. Jones, Dallas Union; C. F. Alterman, Dallas
Volksblatt; L. M. Green, Tyler Courier; L. W. Rains, Mineola Hawkeye-Monitor.
80
Third Annual Convention 1882
THE third annual convention of the Association was held
in Lyceum Hall, in the city of Houston, and was called
to order by President H. L. Gosling, on April 25, 1882.
The roll call showed the following members present :
J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner; J. T. Walker, Terrell Star; T. P. Maddox,
Montgomery Journal; O. O. Nation, Brazoria Independent; S. O. Young, Houston
Post; E. S. Terry, Wills Point Pointer; W. A. Fields, Meridian Blade; E. B.
Scott, Stephenville Empire ; A. D. Rust, Giddings Plaindealer ; J. W. Burson,
Denison Herald-News; David Nation, Richmond Nation; J. W. Baines, McKinney
Advocate ; D. C. Williams, Mineola Hawkeye-Monitor ; A. L. Cashell, Kyle Nutshell ;
W. M. Yandell, Seguin Times; O. WL Dodson, Henderson News; S. A. Fishburn,
Mexia Ledger; J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald; H. L. Gosling, Castroville
Quill; J: P. Bridges, Luling Signal; Gail B. Johnson, Houston Post; F. D. Allen,
Galveston Visitor; E. C. Huckabee, Waxahachie Mirror; J. W. Golledge, Hillsboro
Mirror; R. T. Milner, Henderson Times; E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise;
H. C. Jones, Dallas Union ; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer ; R. L. Hayes, Winns-
boro Sentinel; T. J. Girardeau, Houston Post; W. L. Graves, Graham Leader;
F. P. Alexander, Greenville Herald; C. J. Pilgrim, Gonzales Inquirer; W. J.
Johnson, Houston Post; R. T. Ridgell, Athens Narrow Gauge; C. F. Alterman, Dal-
las Volksblatt.
"In addition to the above the following members in good
standing were absent : J. H. Sweet, Galveston Journal ; J. T.
Elliott, Dallas Herald; C. E. Gilbert, Abilene Reporter/'
The committee on membership reported the following
applications for membership and recommended their election :
R. G. Luse, Cisco Round-Up ; W. T. Hardenbrook, Houston Railway Review ;
L. O. Webb, Pittsburg Magnet; L. W. Clark, Bryan Pilot; C. M. Nation, Rich-
mond Nation; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
J. N. Connor, Morris County Herald ; E. T. Merriman, Corpus Christi Free Press ;
A. W. Reiley, Wills Point Local Chronicle ; John Levin, Brenham Banner ; J. G.
Batte, Belton Journal ; H. A. Moore, Brenham Independent ; A. J. Wilson, Sweet-
water Advance; John Guthrie, Bandera Bugle; O. Hightower, Cleburne Telegram;
C. W. Geers, Denton Monitor; W. T. Roberts, Gainesville Register; M. D. Lank-
ford, Quitman News ; H. W. Martin, Emory Argus ; J. H. Wofford, Dallas Observer ;
C. A. Kessler, Linden Sun ; A. B. McCans, Gainesville Driftwood ; John Hand,
Galveston News; J. F. Archer, Jr., Crockett Patron; T. J. Crooks, Denison Herald-
News; J. L. Lemons, Caldwell Register; O. L. Crouch, Cuero Bulletin; A. A.
Pittock, Texas Agricultural Journal, Hempstead ; Tom M. Bowers, Carthage Watch-
man; L. A. Heil, Texas Wool; J. R. Robinson, Railway Advance; J. B. Link,
Houston Baptist Herald; J. H. Sullivan, Galveston Journal; L. D. Lillard, Fairfield
Recorder; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner; J. W. McKee, El Paso Herald; Frank
A. Rust, Ennis Recorder; S. M. Vernon, Dublin Gazette; Charles Culmore, Houston
81
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
German Post ; R. P. Kirk, Schulenberg Enterprise ; A. W. Gifford, San Antonio Light ;
Frank Gaston, Meridian Blade ; J. W. Anderson, Floresville Chronicle ; E. WL Harris,
Henderson News; J. G. O'Brien, Dublin Enterprise; W. R. Lotz, Clarendon; B. M.
Baker, Columbus Citizen ; J. S. Penn, Laredo Times ; E. G. Senter, Cleburne Tele-
gram ; E. C. Hunter, Sherman Democrat; J. G. Wood, Mt. Pleasant News; J. M.
Frazier, Morgan Sentinel ; J. M. Donohoghue, Navasota Tablet ; S. H. Newman,
El Paso Lone Star; W. A. Abey, Longview Democrat; A. H. Belo, Galveston News;
P. W. Archer, Crockett Patron ; R. M. Robinson, W.innsboro Sentinel ; E. G. Rust,
Dallas Mercury ; W. M. Bamberge, printer, Houston ; J. M. Snyder, Citizen, Austin ;
S. R. Withers, Texas Greenbacker; Vic Rheinhart, Texas Knight; C. W. Styles,
Galveston News ; Sam J. Callahan, Albany Sun ; J. C. Jones, Pilot Point Post.
J. H. Davis of the Mount Vernon Herald was appointed
sergeant-at-arrns.
An invitation was extended by local Odd Fellows to the
members who were also members of the order to attend a
picnic the next day, the same being the sixty-third anniversary
of that order.
In regard to the proposed excursion to San Francisco, the
President read a telegram stating that the Palace Hotel in
that city would give the Texas editors most favorable rates.
D. D. Williams of the Mineola Hawkeye-Monitor, A. W.
Gifford of the San Antonio Light and E. F. Yeager of the
Waxahachie Enterprise were appointed members of the execu-
tive committee to fill the places of absentees.
The committee on advertising submitted the following
resolution :
"Resolved, That members of this Association be required
to charge not less than $7.50 an inch per year, where the cir-
culation to actual subscribers does not exceed 500." Consid-
eration of the matter was deferred until the next day when,
after much discussion, the following was adopted :
"Resolved, That whenever it shall come to the knowledge
of any member of this Association that any individual, firm,
or advertising agency proposing to advertise in Texas papers,
representing the Association, is fraudulent or unreliable, it
shall be the duty of such member to at once notify the secre-
tary of the fact, furnishing that officer with proper evidence
thereof. Upon receipt by the secretary of such information
he shall promptly forward to each member of the Association
82
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
a notice of the fraudulent or unreliable character of such in-
dividual, firm or advertising agency.
"Resolved, That no member of the Association shall charge
less for foreign than for home advertising.
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Association that
it would increase the advertising patronage of the press of
Texas, and greatly improve the tone of the press, if those
who use patent sheets would exclude all advertising from the
patent pages, except such as are contracted for and the rates
fixed by the publisher."
The adoption of the section prohibiting the charging of
less for foreign than for home advertising was reconsidered
and the section was defeated. The section requiring publishers
to charge not less than $7.50 per inch per annum was not
adopted.
The following resolution offered by J. W. Burson was
adopted :
"Resolved, That we, the editors and proprietors of papers
in the State of Texas, and members of this Association, do
hereby bind ourselves, individually, as men of honor and in-
tegrity, to do all in our individual and collective power to pro-
tect the press of the State against fraudulent advertising and
advertising agents; that we will endeavor to so adjust adver-
tising rates with regard to foreign patrons that no injustice
shall be done either our respective papers or our local patrons ;
that we will promptly notify the president and secretary of this
Association of any fraudulent advertisers or advertising agents
that may come under our notice; that we feel that further
than this, this Association cannot accomplish any good upon
the matter of foreign advertising and advertisers."
The report of the committee on education, and a most
able paper it was, was submitted by Professor Thomas J.
Girardeau of the Houston Post. Its length precludes its re-
production.
A memorial from the book-binders of the State to the
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Legislature of Texas protesting against the practice by the
Supreme and Appellate courts of Texas of having their reports
printed in St. Louis was read and the following was adopted :
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that the
objects set forth in the memorial are such as* should meet with
the approval and advocacy of every Texan, and especially
every Texas editor."
The following is self explanatory :
"Whereas, It has come to our attention that a certain
member of this Association, but yesterday elected as such, has
brought reproach upon the good name of this Association by
being intoxicated during the sitting of this convention ; be it
"Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to iu=
vestigate and report upon the facts; be it further
"Resolved, That we denounce such conduct as being un-
becoming members of this Association, and the President is
hereby authorized, in case any member becomes intoxicated
during the present session, to cancel said member's certificate
of membership, take from him his badge, and report the same
to the Association."
The resolution with the amendment, "any conduct unbe-
coming an editor and a gentleman," was adopted and the com-
mittee, consisting of Yandell, Milner, Roberts, Lillard and
Geers, was appointed. The committee recommended the rejec-
tion of the offender as a member, and the same was adopted.
Invitations from the Houston Light Guards to witness
an "exhibition" drill at the Fair Grounds at night, and from
J. W. Johnson to attend a banquet at his residence, were ac-
cepted.
The treasurer, Gail B. Johnson, reported as follows :
"It will be remembered that at the last annual meeting,
my report showed that no money had been paid into the treas-
ury, owing to the indisposition on the part of the secretary,
Mr. F. A. Small. That indisposition, I am compelled to state,
has characterized his actions up to the present day.
84
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"At the last meeting at which I acted as secretary for
two days, $59.50 was collected by me for initiation fees and
dues from the members then present. Since that time, and
up to the meeting of April 25, 1882, I have received $17 from
applicants for membership, and $1 as dues from Mr. J. P.
Bridges of Luling, which amount, viz: $18, bad been turned
over to Mr. J. W. Burson, secretary of the Association, and is
now in his hands and not accounted for in this report. * * *
Amount collected: $59.50; bills paid, $27.45; returned to ,
$1; balance in the treasury, $31.05."
The report of the secretary is as follows:
"As secretary of the Texas Press Association I have noth-
ing to report of which I am especially proud. I do not even
claim to be proud of my official record. Succeeding the first
recording officer (of unsavory memory) of this Association, I
had absolutely nothing with which to begin operations. There
was no record of membership, no record of the first and second
conventions of this Association, save the proceedings of the
last day, which transpired after the present administration was
inducted into office. I found myself in the midst of confusion
confounded ; and I confess that after efforts to bring order out
of chaos, which proved unavailing, I abandoned the job. Mat-
ters in my department remained in statu quo until the Presi-
dent's call for a meeting of the executive committee, when I
concluded to go before that body and deliver up all papers,
documents, records, etc., (which consisted, as I have above
stated, of the minutes of the proceedings of the last day of the
second convention), and then retire in good order. Circum-
stances over which I had no control prevented the execution
of this plan. I was not present at the committee, and that
body proceeded to facilitate my retirement, not in good order,
however, but by tossing my official head into the waste basket
temporarily.
"It is not pleasant, as a general thing, in the language of
Guiteau, to be 'removed,' especially from office, but in this par-
85
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
ticular case I flattered myself that I had got the best end of
the trade and concluded to content myself.
''Later my successor, by appointment of the executive
committee, Mr. Gail B. Johnson, informed me that he could
not, and would not discharge the duties of secretary and re-
quested that I take up the burden again. Like a lamb, I went
to the slaughter; and here I am.
"Arriving in Houston a few days in advance of the date
of meeting, it was decided, after consultation with Mr. John-
son, to have an official record transcribed from the files of the
Houston Post. This was done, I am happy to state, at the
expense of the Association, and the record is now ready to be
delivered to my fortunate successor so soon as the minutes
of the present meeting can be transcribed into the same.
"The last convention left a good deal of business for the
secretary to do. First, and most important of this business,
was to recover from the late secretary of the Texas Press As-
sociation, whose first name is * * *, a sum of money belong-
ing to the Association, and estimated by a special committee
to amount to $52.50. Under instructions from the President,
I did all in my power to secure this amount, but have failed,
so far. This subject, I will dismiss with the request that our
President do this small affair justice, if such a thing is pos-
sible, in his report.
"Only a limited amount of money was invested in the
printing of the constitution and by-laws, presumably for the
reason that that document, in the present condition, is very
lame even imperfect. A seal for the Association has been
secured, and I believe an attempt has been made to attend to
all the business left to the wisdom, etc., of the secretary.
"I would respectfully suggest to the committee to which
is intrusted the important duty of revising the constitution and
by-laws, that it is necessary to provide for an assistant secre-
tary ; also, that the selection of this officer should be, if pos-
86
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
sible, left to the secretary, who is, and should be, held respon-
sible for the condition of his books, papers, etc.
"During the last meeting, and since, until the present
convention assembled, there has passed through the hands of
the secretary and into the hands of the treasurer the amount
of $59.50. From this must be deducted the amounts expended
for the Association as will be shown by the treasurer's report.
"The roll of membership for 1880 embraced forty-seven
names. On the assembling of the Association, in 1881, a com-
mittee on membership reported forty-three members in good
standing. During the meeting there were added sixty-eight
names, making a total of one hundred and eleven. In the
opening of the present session the committee on membership
reported a roll of seventy-five members in good standing. Dur-
ing the first day of our present session there were elected and
enrolled fifty-eight new names, making our total membership
at the present time one hundred and thirty-three. This shows
a very happy increase in our membership.
''I would also respectfully suggest that in the future all
transportation on railroads for members to and from meetings
of the Association be furnished only as the secretary may in-
dorse. This would, I think, avoid much confusion and would
also simplify the secretary's work of keeping a correct mem-
bership roll, and it would also protect transportation lines.
"Up to the evening of the present session, the secretary
had received from fees and dues $98.50. Hence, it will be
seen that the Association has yet enough funds on hand to
keep the wolf from the door, though my illustrious predecessor
* * * *
"For the first time in the history of the Association is
there any prospect of having a record of our proceedings and
of having an account opened and kept between each member
and the Association.
"In conclusion I will say, although it may sound para-
doxical, that the press association is in a flourishing condition,
87
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
is perfectly solvent, and on a sound financial basis. In the
little that I have accomplished as secretary I have been and
am yet deeply indebted to our very worthy President and
Treasurer. As suggestions are cheap, I will indulge in one
more: I would suggest that when a good and efficient sec-
retary is found, the Association would do well to continue him
in office indefinitely, or until his assistant can take his place.
As this is an office purely of work, and not of profit or glory,
such a suggestion could be sustained without wasting any of
the funds of the Association.
"At this time, April 26, 5 p. m., there are on hand about
$143.50."
(Signed) J. W. BURSON.
The report of the committee on constitution and by-laws
was adopted as follows :
Article 1 This Association shall be known as the Texas
Press Association.
Article 2 The objects of this Association shall be to
promote the welfare of the Texas press, elevate its character,
to inculcate feelings of harmony and protect its rights.
Article 3 All bona fide proprietors or editors of news-
papers or periodicals published in Texas, not less frequently
than once a month, except persons of African descent, shall be
entitled to membership; provided, that periodicals, of what-
ever periodicity, published as advertising mediums, solely,
shall not be considered bona fide periodicals.
Article 4 This Association shall meet once a year in con-
vention, at such time and place as may be selected by the
executive board. Extra sessions of the Association may be
called through the executive board. The executive board shall
meet upon the call of its chairman, at such time and place as he
may designate ; and the actual expenses of the members thereof
shall be paid by the Association.
Article 5 The officers of this Association shall be : One
president, three vice-presidents, one secretary and one as-
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
sistant secretary (to be appointed by the secretary), one treas-
urer, and one executive committee (to be appointed by the
president), composed of one member from each congressional
district in the State, exclusive of the president of the Asso-
ciation who shall be ex-officio chairman of said committee ;
there shall also be chosen at each annual meeting, an orator,
an essayist, and a poet, whose duties shall be to deliver and
read at the next annual meeting thereafter respectively an
oration, an essay, and a poem.
Article 6 The officers of this Association shall be elected
at the regular meeting, take their offices just after the close of
the session, and hold their respective offices for the term of
one year, or until their successors are duly elected and quali-
fied. Vacancies shall be filled by the executive board.
Article 7 The order of business at the regular meetings
shall be as follows :
1st Calling the roll.
2nd Reading the minutes of the preceding meeting.
3rd Reports of executive board, secretary and treasurer.
4th Unfinished and new business.
5th Reading and delivery of the annual address, essay,
and poetry; also, an address by the retiring president.
6th The election of officers for the ensuing year.
Cushing's Parliamentary Regulations shall direct the
duties of the officers and govern the proceedings of this Asso-
ciation.
Article 8 Every member shall pay an initiation fee of one
dollar, and an annual due of one dollar for the use of this
Association ; these two dollars to accompany each application.
Any member failing to pay his dues shall be notified through
the secretary of his arrears, and if not paid within ninety
days of date of notice his name shall be stricken from the list
of members. Such person, to regain membership, and be en-
titled to the benefits thereunder must make application to gain
the same as a new member.
89
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Article 9 It shall be the duty of each member, as early
as practicable before each annual meeting of the Association,
to notify the secretary in the event of his withdrawal from the
Association, or retirement from the printing business in the
capacity contemplated by the constitution as essential to mem-
bership.
Article 10 Whenever a member ceases to be connected
with the press, as contemplated in Article nine, he may, dur-
ing such cessation, be an honorary member only. Honorary
members shall have the right to participate in the meetings
and debates, but not have the right to vote or hold office.
The Association may also elect honorary members.
Article 11 At the close of each session, the president
shall appoint a committee of five on membership and such
other committees as the Association may require or direct.
Article 12 Amendments may be made to this constitu-
tion at any regular meeting of this Association ; provided,
two-thirds of the members present agree to such amendment.
By-Laws. (April 1882).
Section 1 Editors and proprietors of newspapers, period-
icals, and magazines, circulating as Texas publications, but
printed entire outside the State, are not entitled to member-
ship.
Sec. 2 All applications for membership must be
signed by the applicant himself, stating if editor or proprietor ;
also giving name of paper and when published, and be di-
rected to the secretary.
Sec. 3 All applications must be recommended by two
members of the Association; and in case of application from
editor, it must be indorsed by the proprietor of the publica-
tion on which membership is asked, and must be accompanied
by the initiation fee and one year's dues.
Sec. 4. All applications shall come before the committee
on membership for approval. If approved, be signed by the
90
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
chairman of the committee ; if not approved, the secretary to
give notice to applicant thereof.
Sec. 5 The president shall be ex-officio a member of all
committees.
Sec. 6 The secretary shall notify all members of their
arrearages and if, after notification in writing, payment is not
made within ninety days, such member shall be stricken from
the roll and not entitled to the rights and privileges of the
Association.
Sec. 7 The secretary shall receive all moneys of the As-
sociation, turning same over to the treasurer, taking his re-
ceipt therefor, who shall pay the same out on order drawn by
the secretary and approved by the president.
Sec. 8 It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive, re-
ceipt for and disburse all moneys of the Association upon order
of the executive committee, when properly approved and coun-
tersigned ; and just before the adjournment of the next annual
meeting, after he shall have been elected, report to the Asso-
ciation the condition of the treasury, receipts and disburse-
ments of money, etc. He shall, also, within one month from
the date of his election, file with the chairman of the execu-
tive committee for his approval and transmission to the secre-
tary, a bond of five hundred dollars for the faithful discharge of
his duties.
Sec. 9 The duties of the executive board shall be to fill
all vacancies occurring among the officers ; to remove such
officers as fail to act, or who violate the rules of the Asso-
ciation ; to investigate all charges ; render decisions and im-
pose penalties, as the nature of the case may demand ; and per-
form such other duties as the Association may of them re-
quire.
Sec. 10 No member shall hold more than one elective
office at one time.
Sec. 11 It shall be the duty of every member present to
cast his vote on any and all questions before the meeting.
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Sec. 12 Any member wishing to resign or withdraw from
the Association, shall give written notice thereof to the sec-
retary.
Sec. 13 No member shall speak more than twice on the
same subject, except by consent of the president; and no long-
er than ten minutes, except by permission of the Association.
Sec. 14 Every member shall be present at the annual
session ; but if detained by extraordinary circumstances, shall
give notice thereof to the secretary; otherwise be subject to a
fine.
Sec. 15 Any of the by-laws may be altered, amended, re-
vised, or repealed, by a two-thirds vote of the members present
at the regular annual meeting.
The following officers were elected :
President H. L. Gosling, Gastroville Quill;
First Vice President W. A. Fields, Meridian Blade;
Second Vice President Dr. W. M. Yandell, Seguin Times;
Third Vice President W. P. Wilson, Fort Worth Democrat-
Advance;
Secretary J. W. Burson, Denison Herald-News;
Treasurer A. W. Gifford, San Antonio Light;
Orator Prof. T. J. Girardeau, Houston Post;
Essayist Gary W. Styles, Galveston News;
Poetess Mary Hunt McCaleb; Mrs. Louella Styles Vincent,
alternate.
Executive Committee:
First District J. W. Johnson, Houston Post;
Second District L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder;
Third District D. C. Williams, Mineola Monitor-Hawkeye;
Fourth District J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald;
Fifth District J. W. Baines, McKinney Advocate;
Sixth District J. F. Elliott, Dallas Herald-
Seventh District George H. Sweet, Galveston Journal;
Eighth District J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal;
Ninth District S. A. Fishburn, Mexia Ledger;
Tenth District T. C. Cain, Bastrop Advertiser;
Eleventh District W. L. Graves, Graham Leader.
The following resolution was adopted :
92
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"Whereas, There is no law requiring notices of sale under
execution, etc., to be published ;
"And Whereas, W r e believe that great injustice is done
thereby to parties having property sold under the present
system ; be it
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that all
notices of sale of real estate in the administration of our pro-
bate law, and under execution, or process from any court in
this State, should be published in some newspaper published
in the county from which such process may be issued, and that
the secretary of this Association be requested to send a copy
of this resolution to the Senate and House of Representatives
of our State Legislature."
It was ordered that two hundred and fifty "pamphlets"
containing the proceedings of the three annual conventions
of the Association, and the newly adopted constitution and
by-laws be printed. (This appears to have been done, as we
find that at the fourth annual convention the reading of the
minutes of the preceding annual convention was dispensed
with, the reason being given that "a printed copy of the minutes
had been furnished each member, and that a sufficient number of
copies were on hand to supply all new members with the
printed proceedings." However, the writer has not been able
as yet to find one or find any one who has one.)
The following communication was received :
"Paris, Lamar County, Texas, March 31, 1882.
"Members of the Texas Press Association :
"Gentlemen : Realizing the vast importance of the press
as a powerful motor in the great temperance reform now
sweeping over the land, I appeal most respectfully and anx-
iously to you, individually and collectively, to aid us as much
as you may possibly be able in the general dissemination of
the great truths connected therewith.
"As an active agent of the Woman's Christian Temper-
ance Union, it becomes my chief duty to interest every human
93
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
being, if I can, and especially to co-operate, if I may, with
every editor in the land in the diffusion of the valuable truths
of the temperance cause, and to secure, if possible, some space
in every paper to be devoted to the interest of our Woman's
Christian Temperance Union. I know you will not let me
appeal in vain.
"A convention of delegates from every local Woman's
Christian Temperance Union in Texas, and all other temper-
ance orders who will send them, will be held in Paris the sec-
ond Tuesday in May, for the purpose of forming a State Union.
Will you each, please, publish this when you return home,
and influence as many to attend as you can? By so doing, you
may accomplish much good for yourselves and the general
cause of humanity.
Respectfully,
MRS. MARY S. HATHAWAY,
State organizer W. C. T. U. for Texas."
The committee, consisting of Miller, Nation and Abey,
to whom the above communication was referred, submitted
the following reply, which was adopted :
"We, your committee, to whom was referred the appeal of
Mrs. Mary S. Hathaway, representing the Woman's Christian
Temperance Union in Texas, have considered the same, but
the limited time allotted to us did not admit of general discus-
sion. We, therefore, submit the following report :
"Whereas, We believe it is a duty every human being
owes to himself for its individual effects, and because of the
example for others to be temperate in all things ; be it
"Resolved, That the press of Texas, in convention assem-
bled, pledges itself to the earnest advocacy of the cause of
true temperance, and will use its efforts to the propagation
of temperance principles.
"Resolved, That we will, at all times, when it is required
as an item of news, give the Women's Christian Temperance
Union so much space as may be necessary for the publication
94
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
of their notices of meetings, etc., but that each editor reserves
to himself the right to advocate the cause of temperance in
such manner as shall seem to him the best, for we do not be-
lieve that it is within our province to dictate to the press of
the State any particular line for the conduct of their respective
papers.
(Signed) G. P. MILLER, Chairman."
Colonel Carey W. Styles of the Galveston News offered the
following, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That this Association greets the press of the
Republic of Mexico and recognizes the visit of Senor Alphonso
La Grange, editor of La Revista of Monterey, as a gratifying
evidence of the opening of fraternal relations between the
journals of the two Republics and as a harbinger of closer so-
cial, journalistic, and commercial intercourse.
"Resolved, That the proposed reciprocity treaty is a meas-
ure of the greatest importance to the two countries, and is
urged as a policy to promote international relations of unity
and perpetuate the peace, prosperity and development of both
Nations."
Dallas was selected as the next place of meeting and the
selection of the date of that meeting was left to the President.
The excursion this year was to California, and the Presi-
dent was given a vote of thanks for having secured free trans-
portation to and from that State for the members of the Asso-
ciation. The itinerary is said to have been a most delightful
one, and those who fortunately participated are still fond of
recounting the pleasures of the trip.
95
Fourth Annual Convention 1883
THE fourth annual convention was held in the Board of
Trade Rooms in the City of Dallas, beginning on the
15th day of May, 1883, with President Hal L. Gosling of the
Castroville Quill presiding. W. Alex Abey of the Longview
Democrat was secretary, succeeding J. W. Burson, who had
resigned.
On the call of the roll the following members responded
to their names :
F. D. Allen, Galveston Visitor ; F. P. Alexander, Greenville Herald ; C. F. Alter-
man, Dallas Volksblatt ; W. Alex Abey, Longview Democrat ; J. E. Cooper, George-
town Sun ; L. W. Clark, Bryan Pilot ; Chas. Culmore, Houston German Post ; T. J.
Crooks, Denison Herald-News; W. C. Hill, Bellvile Times; E. W. Harris, Hen-
derson News; J. W. Johnson, Mt. Pleasant News; I. H. Julian, San Marcos Free-
Press; H. C. Jones, Dallas Union; C. A. Keasler, Linden Sun; L. D. Lillard, Fair-
field Recorder; E. G. Rust, Dallas Mercury; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
E. L. Wepf, Terrell Times; Byron Drew, Kaufman Sun; J. A. Davis, Mt. Vernon
Herald ; J. M. Fletcher, Atlanta Journal ; S. A. Fishburn, Mexia Ledger ; C. E. Gil-
bert, Abilene Reporter; J. W. Golledge, Hillsboro Mirror; L. M. Green, Tyler
Courier ; Nat Q. Henderson, Georgetown Record ; J. P. Maddox, Navasota Tablet ;
R. T. Milner, Henderson Times; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner; J. G. O'Brien,
Dublin Enterprise ; P. D. Rust, McGregor Plaindealer ; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville
Item ; J. G. W. Woods, Mt. Pleasant News ; E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise ;
S. M. Carleton, Ennis Review ; J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal ; Wm. Bamberg, Hous-
ton Printer ; Tom W. Bowers, Carthage Watchman ; A. L. Cashell, Kyle Nutshell ;
J. B. Cranfield, Gatesville Advance; J. M. Connor, Daingerfield Herald; E. C.
Huckabee, Waxahachie Mirror ; H. V. Hamilton, Tyler Democrat ; E. C. Hunter,
Sherman Democrat; J. W. Johnson, Houston Post; J. P. Jones, Dallas Planter;
J. C. Jones, Pilot Point Post ; R. G. Luse, Cisco Round-Up ; John Levin, Brenham
Banner; J. C. Son, Albany Star; E. S. Terry, Wills Point Pointer; J. T. Walker,
Terrell Star; O. W. Dodson, Henderson News; J. T. Elliott, Dallas Herald; W. A.
Fields, Meridian Blade; H. L. Gosling, Castroville Quill; T. J. Girardeau, Houston
Post, A. W. Gifford, San Antonio Light; R. L. Hayes, Winnsboro Sentinel; W. R.
Lotz, Baird Clarendon; L. S. McPherson, Sherman Democrat; C. P. Pilgrim,
Gonzales Inquirer ; J. S. Penn, Laredo Times ; R. J. Ridgell, Athens Narrow Gauge ;
A. W. Reilly, Wills Point Chronicle; D. C. Williams, Mineola Monitor; W. M.
Yandell, Seguin Times.
The reading of the minutes of the last convention was
dispensed with, it being explained that a printed copy of the
minutes had been furnished each member and that a sufficient
number of copies were on hand to supply all new members.
The committee on membership reported the following
96
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
entitled to membership, and they were accordingly elected :
W. P. Gaines, Austin Statesman ; F. V. Ende, Greenville Herald ; W. N. Norton,
Dallas Union Intelligencer ; W. D. Cox, Temple Times ; M. Timmerman, Weather-
ford Sun; W. P. Shelton, Cisco Press; W. G. Sterett, Dallas Times; J. C. Bayne,
Mineola Hawkeye ; W. S. McCurley, Canton Texan ; Max Urwitz, Victoria Deutche
Zeitung ; Eugene Duncan, Estray Record ; James Kibbee, Tom Green Times ; Ed
Williams, Corpus Christi Caller; L. J. Wortham, Jefferson Wide Awake; W. L.
Warlick, Quitman News; D. Rock, Woodville Eureka; M. Carleton, Ennis Review;
Abner Eubanks, Mexia Ledger;' P. S. Pfouts, Dallas Herald; M. Byrne, Denison
Post; R. Wilson, Center Champion; Sam Houston Dixon, Austin News; R. E.
Yantis, Wills Point Local Chronicle; C. M. Wilmeth, Dallas -Christian Preacher; K.
Bradley, Farmersville North Texas Mercury ; H. B. Sullivan, Farmersville North
Texas Mercury ; O. P. McLean, Bowis Cross Timbers ; Jno. Laing, San Augustine
Herald; R. S. Kimbough, Mesquite Mesquiter; A. S. Mercer, Henrietta Shield;
L. M. Coleman, Dallas Texas Baptist; Jas. Williams, Denton Chronicle ; G. C.
Deming, Palestine Advocate; J. L. Terry, Longview New Era; J. W. Putnam, Ft.
Worth Stock Journal ; Julius Schuze, Austin Wochenblatt ; J. B. Johnson, San An-
tonio Light; Mrs. Maggie Rust, Dallas Sunday Mercury; M. H. Custer, Delta Co.
Banner (Cooper); O. Rice, Emory Argus; L. L. Beach, Columbus Free Politician;
W. H. Graves, Cleburne ; M. Tate, Sulphur Springs Echo ; J. R. Hart, Gilmer Mir-
ror ; W. L. Hall, Dallas Herald; S. A. Black, Kingston Beacon; W. T. Gass, Bon-
ham Advocate ; Jno. H. Hutchison, Morgan Argonaut ; A. B. Norton, Dallas Union
Intelligencer ; C. D. Davis, Western Texan ; L. T. Davis, Western Texan ; J. M.
Shumate, Round Rock Quid Nunc ; Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise ; H. A. Hal-
bert, Corsicana Observer; J. Caspary, Mineola Hawkeye; L. Gibbs, Abilene Mag-
netic Quill ; F. N. Oliver, Lewisville Headlight ; A. S. Wilkins, Texas Journal of
Education; B. M. Vanderhurst, Carthage Watchman; Josephine Culmore, Houston
Girls Own Paper; E. H. Harris, Pittsburg Express; B. C. Murray, Denison Ga-
zetteer; A. B. Pearson, Denison Herald-News; C. M. Hubby, Waco Examiner;
H. Smythe, Weatherford Times; J. W. Booth, Decatur Tribune; Thos. E. Bomar,
McKinney Black Waxey ; Chas. Culmore, Houston German Post; John Guthrie,
Bandera Bugle ; G. O. Hunter, Sherman Democrat ; A. F. Beddo, Dallas Texas
Baptist; J. W. Fleming, Ft. Worth Age of Progress.
In responding to the generous words of welcome of
Major John F. Elliott and Mayor Cabell, President Gosling
took occasion to give in brief a history of the organization,
the causes which led to its formation (It is a cause of regret
that his words were not made a matter of record), the evils
it had corrected in the press of the State, and its influence
in bringing about a warmer and more generous feeling be-
tween the press and the people. Wherever the Association
met, he said, it made no enemies but, on the contrary, a
host of friends. It was bringing the journalists of the various
sections of the State more closely together, their hearts
were becoming cemented in brotherly love and friendship,
97
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
and in this way sectionalism was, to a great extent, being
destroyed.
The president announced to the Association that the
members had been invited to attend the concerts of the
Saengerfest and would be furnished with badges and tickets
to these concerts and with meal tickets good at the Grand
Windsor, St. George, and Kent hotels and at the Delmonico
and Apollo restaurants ; and that the Association had been
tendered a ball by the young gentlemen of Dallas, to take
place at Mayer's Hall. Votes of thanks were extended for
these courtesies and to Colonel Keller for the freedom of
his street car lines.
The secretary was instructed to have printed two hun-
dred copies of the proceedings of the meeting, with a list
of all members, their place of residence, and names of their
respective papers, a copy to be forwarded each member, and
the cost of printing same to be determined by the secretary
and the printer.
The following resolution was adopted :
"That a standing committee of five members be ap-
pointed annually, to constitute a committee on obituaries,
whose duty it shall be to report to the Association annually
the name of every member who has died during the year,
together with suitable resolutions of their death."
Secretary Abey submitted the following:
"A report from the secretary, at the annual meeting of
the Association, is one of the requirements of the consti-
tution. In submitting a report, necessarily incomplete, suffi-
cient explanation is offered by the date of the appointment
of the present incumbent, March 20th of this year. The ap-
pointment was made previously, but as the action of the
President was approved at the called meeting of the execu-
tive committee, at Austin, no official action was taken by
the secretary until after the mentioned date. No money was
98
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
received from President Gosling to whom the late secre-
tary returned the property of the Association.
"Since March 20th, the secretary has received from
membership dues $152.75; from initiation fees, $65.00; total,
$217.75. Disbursed for sundry expenses, $22.36; for print-
ing proceedings, by order of the Association, $82.00; total,
$104.36. This leaves a balance of $113.39, which has been
paid over to the treasurer. As the 'sundry expenses,' tele-
grams, printing cards, and notices, expressage, postage, etc.,
are generally unaccompanied by receipts, an auditing com-
mittee is asked for.
''The membership, at the date of the adjournment at
Houston last year, was 110; admitted this year, 62; honor-
ary members, 2; total, 174; stricken from roll 42; leaving
a net membership of 132.
"The books of the Association are not in perfect condi-
tion, and it may be that errors have been made in collecting
dues ; but as the secretary has had but little to guide him,
he disclaims any responsibility for the errors. In several
instances members have paid dues or fees and have received
no credit in the late secretary's statement; In these cases
the statements of the members as to the payment have, of
course, been taken and the settlement effected in that way."
The resolution to provide for prize essays to be sub-
mitted by members of the Association failed to carry.
The proposition to make the wives and daughters of all
members honorary members of the Association provoked
much discussion, but was ruled out of order. However,
"the ladies were respectfully and cordially invited to attend
all meetings of the Association" and were assured that they
would always be welcome.
A tribute to the memory of the late J. W. Fishburn,
first president of the Association, was submitted, but its
consideration was postponed until the memorial services
which had been provided for, at which time suitable resolu-
99
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tions were adopted and a touching address on the life and
character of our deceased past-president was made by Colonel
John F. Elliott of the Dallas Herald.
An effort was made to amend the constitution so as to
read that "All bona fide publishers and editors of newspapers
and periodicals, published not less frequently than once a
month (except persons of African descent), shall be eligible
to membership ; provided, that only managing editors and
publishers are eligible, who are practical newspaper men,
and are actively engaged in the pursuit as a business, or
profession ; provided, that periodicals, of whatever period-
icity, published solely as advertising mediums, shall not be
considered publications; provided, further, that the editor
and publisher of a leased paper, and not owner of the office,
is eligible to membership." An amendment was offered, as
follows: "Provided, That no newspaper, periodical, maga-
zine, or publishing company, represented in this Association,
shall be entitled to more than one vote upon any question
before the Association." The resolution and the amendment
were both tabled.
It was provided that a committee of five be appointed
to report to the Association subjects for addresses, relating
to the interests of the press, to be delivered at the next an-
nual convention, by members to be appointed by the presi-
dent, said addresses not to consume more than ten minutes
each.
It was suggested that at every annual meeting five sub-
jects for prize essays, to be competed for by all members
of the Association, be designated, the merits of the essays
to be passed upon by a committee and the prizes awarded.
The subject did not appear to meet approval.
The committee to whom was submitted the proposed
amendment to the constitution admitting as members of the
Association editors and publishers in the Indian Territory
made the following report which was adopted :
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"While we have no feeling of unfriendliness against the
editors and publishers in said Territory, we believe that to
admit them into our Association would necessarily destroy
its individuality as a 'Texas Press Association,' a*nd by in-
creasing our complications, which in time would perhaps
injure the harmony and stability of our Association. We,
therefore, recommend that said proposed amendment be not
adopted."
An amendment to the constitution, to make article four
of that instrument read as follows, was adopted:
"This Association shall meet once a year in convention,
in such place as may be selected by a majority of the mem-
bers present, on the second day of each annual meeting;
provided, that the time of said meeting be fixed subse-
quently by the executive committee."
Regarding the forthcoming excursion to Monterey,
Mexico, President Gosling stated that the start would be
from Dallas at 12 o'clock, Friday night, May 18, on a special
train consisting of Pullman sleepers ; that the run would be
over the Texas and Pacific to Fort Worth, leaving that city
at 5 o'clock, Saturday morning, taking breakfast at Hills-
boro, dinner at Taylor, and supper at Austin as guests of
Governor John Ireland ; that the excursion would arrive at
Laredo, Sunday morning, and take breakfast with Governor
Hunt at the coal mines, and then proceed to Monterey,
spending Monday and Monday night in that city ; that
sleepers had been engaged, and that each member would be
required to pay his pro rata about $6.50 before starting.
Only members of the Association were permitted the privi-
leges of the excursion.
A vote of thanks was given the city of Weatherford for
the offer to raise $5,000 to entertain the Association, and
her magnanimity in withdrawing in favor of Dallas as the
next place of meeting.
101
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
J. F. Mitchell of the Greenville Banner offered the fol-
lowing:
"Whereas, The newspaper business is a legitimate call-
ing, in which we work for pay ; and whereas, we deplore
the existence of dead-heads who systematically prey upon the
press, and realize that in protecting ourselves from said
class of persons we should be careful to avoid any appear-
ance of practicing the thing we so much deplore in others ;
therefore,
"Be it resolved:
"First That the ordinary courtesies usually extended by
Texas cities to public meetings of this kind will always be ac-
cepted in good spirit and be highly appreciated.
"Second That we are deeply and truly thankful to our
god-mother, Houston, and to the city of Dallas, for their
extraordinary favors shown us, and that we will ever re-
member their generosity with heart-felt gratitude.
"Third That we feel it would be expecting too much
to stand in the attitude of inviting like extraordinary favors
from these, or other cities in the future ; and that it is the
sense of this body that it would be more business-like and
commendable in the Texas Press Association, and would bet-
ter establish in the minds of the people the fact that news-
papers are business enterprises, earning and spending mon-
ey like any other legitimate business, if on future occasions
at annual meetings, no favors in the way of free hotel fare
for the time of entire sessions be expected.
"Fourth That our sole object in making these resolu-
tions is to relieve our Association of even the semblance of
desiring extra favors or extra generosity from the cities
of Texas, such as has been so generously extended us in the
past, and on the occasion of our present meeting, and such
as other cities would feel invited to extend in the absence
of these resolutions."
102
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The committee to which these resolutions were re-
ferred reported as follows :
"We beg leave to report that while we entirely concur
in the sentiment of the preamble and resolutions, yet we are
of opinion that under existing circumstances the adoption
of the resolutions is not necessary."
H. Smythe of the Weatherford Times offered the fol-
lowing:
"Whereas, A growing evil, oppressive to a large num-
ber of our fellow citizens in the State of Texas, demon-
strates the necessity for protection to the debtor class of
mankind ; and
"Whereas, Justice demands, and equity and sound rea-
son require that our laws should build up and not destroy
any portion of our fellow men ; and
"Whereas, Our efforts should be to break up and dis-
countenance all 'rings' formed to rob the poor and unfor-
tunate; and
"Whereas, Every State in the American Union, save
Texas, has upon its statute books a law requiring all legal
sales to be advertised ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the members of the Texas Press Asso-
ciation, here assembled, pledge ourselves to use all legiti-
mate efforts to have a law enacted by the present legisla-
ture compelling all sheriffs, constables, and administrators,
to advertise every and all legal sales in a daily or weekly
paper of the respective counties of the State of Texas."
The resolution was amended by striking out the words,
"here assembled pledge ourselves to," and was then re-
ferred to a committee which was instructed to report there-
on at the next annual meeting. Later in the day, how-
ever, the following was offered and adopted :
"That the committee this day appointed to act on the
resolution offered by H. Smythe of the Weatherford Times
be requested to prepare and have presented to the next
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
session of the legislature a bill embodying the views and
ideas of the Association on the subject of having notices
of all sales of real estate made by sheriff, constable, and
administrator, published in some newspaper published in
the county in which such real estate is situated."
Another effort was made to amend the constitution in
regard to who were and who were not entitled to member-
ship in the Association, as follows :
"All bona fide publishers and editors of newspapers and
periodicals published in this State not less frequently than
once a month, except persons of African descent, shall be
entitled to membership ; provided, that by publishers and
editors is meant those engaged in the pursuit as a business
or profession, and that the publisher of a leased paper
and not owner is eligible to membership." An amendment
was offered which declared that "persons who have leased
or otherwise lost control of their papers are not considered
eligible to membership." After debate, the whole matter
was laid on the table.
Dallas was elected as the next place of meeting over
Austin and Houston.
The following officers were elected :
President W. M. Yandell, Seguin Times;
First Vice President W. A. Fields, Meridian Blade;
Second Vice President J. F. Elliott, Dallas Herald;
Third Vice President J. W. Booth, Decatur Tribune;
Treasurer A. W. Gifford, San Antonio Light;
Secretary W. Alex Abey, Longview Democrat;
Orator Hal Gosling, Castroville Quill;
Poetess Miss A. W. K. Painter, San Antonio;
Essayist J. T. Elliott, Dallas Herald.
The annual poem, "An Address to the Texas Press
Association," was read by Miss A. W. K. Painter of San
Antonio.
The annual oration was delivered by T. J. Girardeau of
the Houston Post.
104
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The Treasurer's report showed :
Received from former secretary, J. W. Burson $ 67.45
Received from present secretary 113.70
Paid for printing and telegrams $17.70
Balance in treasury $163.25
105
Fifth Annual Convention 1884
THE fifth annual convention was held in Meyer Hall in the
city of Dallas, and was called to order on May 5, 1884,
by Judge A. B. Norton, president of the local press club.
Mayor Cabell delivered the address of welcome on behalf
of the city, which was responded to by President W. M.
Yandell.
On call of the roll, the following members responded :
W. Alex Abey, T. E. Bomar, J. B. Cranfill, J. F. Elliott, A. W. Gifford, Frank
Gaston, W. L. Gibbs, W. L. Hall, H. H. Halbert, L. D. Lillard, T. P. Maddox.
J. M. Moore, W;. M. Norton, A. B. Norton, David Nation, O. O. Nation, J. G.
Rankin, R. D. Rust; E. G. Rust; W. M. Timmerman ; E. S. Terry, S. M. Vernon,
E. F. Yeager, B. M. Vanderhurst ; Mrs. C. M. Winkler, J. C. Bayne, S. M. Carleton,
C. E. Gilbert, L. M. Green, Nat Q. Henderson, E. C. Huckabee, W. C. Hill, H. V.
Hamilton, J. H. Julian, J. P. Jones, H. C. Jones, Mrs. L. S. McPherson, W. S.
McCurley, J. G. O'Brien, C. J. Pilgrim, P. S. Pfouts, J. W. Putnam, E. G. Senter,
A. C. Scurlock, W. G. Sterett, J. U. Shumate, D. C. Williams, J. H. Wofford,
W. M. Yandell.
The committee on membership reported the following
applicants, all of whom were elected :
J. M. Shafer, Cisco Telegraph ; F. E. Larimer, Cisco Round-Up ; A. J. Caruthers,
Llano Rural ; W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger ; George W. Jenks, Stephenville
Empire; O. B. Colquitt, Pittsburg Gazette; J. M. Donoghue, Temple Tribune;
Henry Ryder Taylor, Merchant and Manufacturer, San Antonio ; J. E. Elgin ;
H. M. Walker, Cisco Telegraph; W. H. Neill, Hamilton Times; E. Y. Davis, Green-
ville Herald; Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio Times; Orrin Robertson, McKinney
Democrat; N. G. Fowler, Roanoke Clipper; J. F. Riggs, Marshall South; O. T.
Carswell, Panola Watchman ; T. M. Wadsworth, Springtown Pilot ; Carey W. Styles,
Austin Capital; H. F. Collier, Wills Point Local Chronicle; J. P. Leslie, Van Als-
tyne Enterprise; Deed A. Mayer, Albany News; W. W. West, New Boston Herald;
W. E. Brown, Gatesville Sun; G. W. Akard, Springtown Pilot; Penrose N. Ions,
San Angelo Times- Enterprise ; H. C. Townsend, Colorado Clipper; W. L. Malone,
Fort Wiorth Gazette; R. C. Buckner, Dallas Good Samaritan; A. G. Dotson, Planter
and Farmer; W. P. Wilson, Fort Worth Democrat.
The constitution was so amended that "bona fide pro-
fessional journalists on active duty" might be elected to
membership in the Association.
Governor John Ireland was thanked for having ap-
pointed Colonel J. T. Elliott of the Dallas Herald chief com-
106
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
missioner from Texas to the World's Exposition, and J. W.
Booth of the Decatur Tribune and C. E. Gilbert of the
Abilene Reporter as assistant commissioners.
The committee to which was referred the question of
legal advertising, coming over from the last annual meet-
ing, submitted the following which was adopted :
"That we deem it expedient and proper to use all legiti-
mate means to induce the legislature to enact a law, similar
to the statutes of other States, making it obligatory upon
all sheriffs, constables, administrators, and others having
charge of legal matters requiring publicity by 'posted no-
tices,' to advertise all and every sale and other legal notices
in a daily or weekly paper in the respective counties of the
State of Texas."
L. L. Foster of the Limestone New Era nominated
Colonel J. F. Elliott of the Dallas Herald for president and
moved his election by acclamation, but that gentleman
begged to decline on the plea that he would probably be ab-
sent a whole year in New Orleans as commissioner to the
Exposition. W. L. Hall was then elected unanimously.
Following is the roster of officers elected :
President W. L. Hall, Dallas Herald;
First Vice President E. Y. Davis, Greenville Herald;
Second Vice President H. V. Hamilton, Tyler Democrat and
Reporter;
Third Vice President J. W. Booth, Decatur Tribune;
Orator J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald;
Poetess Miss May Guilot, Dallas;
Essayist Judge A. B. Norton, Norton's Union Intelligencer,
Dallas.
Austin was elected by acclamation, after Houston, Deni-
son and Weatherford had been placed in nomination, for the
next place of meeting; but on its being stated that the city
council of that city had failed to extend the hospitalities of
the capital city to the Association, the election was recon-
sidered and annulled and Galveston was elected "over two
107
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
or three other applicants for the honor of entertaining the
Association."
The excursion this year was to Houston. President
Yandell told of the arrangements made: That the mem-
bers would leave in a special car and sleeper attached to
the regular train ; would be in Houston Thursday and Fri-
day, and then would probably go to Galveston if the mem-
bers should so desire and arrangements could be made.
He had made application to the railway between El Paso
and the City of Mexico, with reference to an excursion in
that direction, but had been informed that the best that
could be done was to carry the party on half rates. He
also added that he had intended to arrange for an excur-
sion to the East but that Mr. McCullough had offered a
trip to New Orleans this fall, and that would perhaps be
preferred.
Colonel J. F. Elliott of the Dallas Herald read an essay
on "The Amenities of Journalism ;" and Miss Awana K.
Painter of San Antonio read an original poem, entitled "The
Massacre La Purissima."
108
Sixth Annual Convention 1885
THE sixth annual convention was held in the city of Gal-
veston, February 10, 11, 12 and 13, 1885, and was called
to order by President W. L. Hall in the C. L. Holmes Hall.
President Hall announced the presence of Hon. Carl
Schurz whom he introduced to the Association ; and who
was elected an honorary member instanter.
Addresses of welcome were made by Mayor Fulton on
behalf of the city, and by Hon. Seth Shepard on behalf of
the citizens, and were responded to by President Hall.
C. W. Geers of the Denton Monitor was elected ser-
geant-at-arms.
The following by Mr. Lillard of the Fairfield Recorder
was adopted :
"Whereas, It is intimated that a bill is to be offered
in the legislature of this State looking to the licensing of
gambling houses as a means of regulating and restraining
this great vice, thereby making it lawful for persons to
pursue said occupation; be it
"Resolved, That in the sense of this Association such a
law would be subversive of good morals and would tend
to exercise a pernicious influence on the minds and actions
of the youth of the State, and as such we earnestly ask our
legislature to pass no such law, but to, on the contrary,
make gambling a felony."
The report of secretary Gilbert showed that $28 had
been received for initiation fees and $74 for dues, making
a total of $102; and that he had paid out for printing the
minutes (25 pages at $1.35 a page), stamps, postal cards,
telegrams for passes, excursions, etc., and certificates of
membership, the sum of $48.70; leaving a balance of $53.30
in the treasury.
109
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following officers were elected :
President T. J. Girardeau, Houston Journal;
First Vice President J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald;
Second Vice President H. V. Hamilton, Tyler Democrat and
Reporter;
Third Vice President Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio Times;
Secretary C. E. Gilbert, Abilene Reporter;
Treasurer L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder.
Executive Committee:
First District Luther W. Clark, Bryan Pilot;
Second District L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder;
Third District W. T. S. Keller, Marshall Messenger;
Fourth District T. M. Bowers, Paris Free Tongue;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District W. L. Hall, Dallas Herald;
Seventh District W. A. Shaw, Galveston Texas Farmer;
Eighth District J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal;
Ninth District >S. A. Fishburn, Mexia Ledger;
Tenth District J. E. Cooper, Georgetown Sun;
Eleventh District J. B. Cranfill, Gatesville Advance.
L. M. Green, L. W. Clark, A. C. Scurlock, J. S. Penn, and
E. C. Townsend were appointed a committee on the revision
of the constitution and correction of the by-laws with in-
structions to report at this meeting. But no report appears
to have been made.
The following by F. B. Robinson was adopted :
"That the constitution be so amended as to require the
treasurer, instead of the secretary, to keep accounts with
members and receive annual dues."
(The minutes of this meeting are in such shape that
it is impossible to tell what was done. The pages of odd
numbers are in evidence, but the even numbered pages are
absent. The minutes were kept by pasting the leaves from
the printed proceedings but the job it seems was only half
completed).
The excursion this year was to New Orleans and San
Antonio was selected as the next place of meeting.
Seventh Annual Convention 1886
THE seventh annual convention was called to order by
Acting President J. H. Davis of the Mount Vernon
Herald, in the city of San Antonio, on the 18th day of May,
1886.
The address of welcome on behalf of the city was by
Mayor Bryan Callaghan. It was responded to on behalf of
the Association by Acting President Davis.
The following communication was read :
"Office of Wells Fargo & Co.,
and Texas Express Co.
San Antonio, Texas, May 17, 1886.
J. H. Davis, Esqr., President Texas Press Association:
Dear Sir:
Allow me to tender the services of the above named
Express Cos. to your Association, free of charge. Should
you, while visiting this city, desire to ship" any packages,
baggage, etc., please call at our office and we will give you
prompt attention.
Yours truly,
J. M. NIXON, Agent."
Mr. J. E. Wallis of Galveston wrote:
"It is with pleasure I remember the last meeting of
your Association in this city, and I speak now on behalf of
Mrs. Wallis and myself. Should your Association select
Galveston as the place to hold your next annual meeting, we
will claim the privilege of giving you an entertainment at
our residence, same as we had the pleasure of doing at your
meeting here last year."
The Y. M. C. A. offered the use of their rooms and ex-
tended an invitation to the Association to attend a public
Y. M. C. A. reception to be held for the business men of
San Antonio.
Ill
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company
wrote Frank Grice of the San Antonio Express:
"Please present my compliments to the press people
when they arrive and say to them that I will send for t'hem,
free, messages of strictly a social or domestic nature."
W. H. Winfield, Southwestern Passenger Agent of the
"Wabash," St. Louis & Pacific Railway Company, wrote:
"I have much pleasure in being authorized to tender
the Texas Press Association the courtesies of the 'Great
Wabash Route' from St. Louis to Chicago and return, and
trust you will find to the excursionists' interest to elect our
line. If you occupy sleepers, they will be paid for by you
and you can arrange with the Missouri Pacific to run Pull-
mans through to Chicago, or only St. Louis, and there take
the New York Central sleepers which run on our line and
are models of elegance and comfort. Please answer by re-
turn mail and advise us when you will give definite reply,
that we may make necessary arrangements for the trip,
also, for sleeping car from St. Louis to Chicago if so de-
sired."
The following committees were announced :
Applications for Membership L. L. Foster, A. C. Scur-
lock, T. P. Maddox, A. W. Gifford, J. E. Cooper.
Resolutions Wm. Ferguson, J. B. Cranfill, T. D. Rock
Revision of Roll J. P. Bridges, T. B. Johnson, J. P. Les-
lie, H. C. Townsend.
The following applicants for membership were elected :
F. H. Gaines, Greenville Appeal ; N. B. Morris, Henderson Times ; Enoch Breed-
ing, Rockdale Messenger ; Percy Darwin, Whitesboro News ; J. A. Stephens, Burnett
Bulletin ; J. P. Newcomb, San Antonio Evening Paper ; E. G. Senter, Fort Worth Ga-
zette; Peyton Browns, Austin Statesman ; Jno. M. Heidt, Alamo and San Jacinto
Monthly ; T. W. Carr ; Bulletin Board ; J. C. Crisp, Uvalde News ; C. M. Russell, Milam
County Democrat; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; S. J. Saunders, Grimes County
News; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post; George M. Martin, Pleasanton Monitor;
Calvin Satterfield, Austin Statesman; S. R. Whitley, Overton Sharpshooter; Henry
Muller, Texas Volksblatt; Chas. M. Barnes, San Antonio Express; A. S. Whitehead,
Pilot Point Index ; H. P. Simonds, Cleburne Telegram ; O. Paget, Corsicana Cou-
rier ; Granville McPherson, Blanco Star-Vindicator; L. B. Russell, Comanche
Town and Country ; John Hoeny, Weatherford Sun ; W. E. Blythe, Mount Pleasant
112
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
News; Willie Spruance, Arlington World; J. E. Ellis, Paris News; Richard Flood,
Winnsboro Sentinel; H. C. Thompson, Floresville Chronicle; Edwin E. Overall,
Jefferson News ; Miss Virginia Gordon Rock, Woodville Eureka ; J. T. Crooks, Me-
dina County News; R. R. Claridge, Texas Stockman; W. T. Chinn, Dallas Herald;
J. M. Gibson, Mineral Wells Herald; P. H. Tansy, San Antonio Times; C. S. Phil-
lips, Beeville Bee ; W. C. Bowen, Cotulla Ledger ; Miss Lottie Lyons, Del Rio Dot ;
F. P. Holland, Texas Farm & Ranch; M. H. Clayton, Dallas Herald; W. P.
Caruthers, Corpus Christi Caller ; W. N. Parks, Medina County News ; Mark A.
Brown, Colorado Clipper ; C. B. Wandolhr, Sherman Courier ; H. W. Spear, Blanco
News; F. K. Nance, Farmersville Times.
B. F. Yoakum, "Traffic Manager," extended the follow-
ing invitation:
"In behalf of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Rail-
way, I take pleasure in inviting your Association to take
an excursion to Floresville and return. If acceptable, our
train will be at your service tomorrow, Thursday, at our
depot on South Flores street, at one o'clock p. m."
A verbal report of the action of the committee on
amendment of the libel law was made; and Dr. W. M. Yan-
d!ell also explained why the State Senate of the Nineteenth Legis-
lature refused to pass a law as recommended by the Asso-
ciation through their committee. The matter was referred
back to the committee for their further consideration. The
matter of advertising sheriff's sales, etc., was referred to
the same committee.
Fort Worth was elected as the next place of meeting
over Corsicana and Dallas. An appeal was received from
the Alamo Monumental Association asking the indorsement
and influence of the Texas Press Association. Sympathy
with the movement was expressed and support promised.
A memorial meeting in memory of former President Hal L.
Gosling was held at which eulogistic addresses were made by
several members and appropriate resolutions adopted.
A communication was received from R. M. Roberts of
"The Indian Journal" of Muskogee, Indian Territory, re-
calling the pleasant time he had enjoyed with Texas edi-
tors on an excursion to Cincinnati and asking if the rules
could not be so changed that he could become a member;
113
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
or failing, if it could not be so arranged that he could join
the excursion to Chicago ; or, if that could not be done, he
asked to be notified when the excursion would pass through
his town as he wished to meet again the friends he made
on the Cincinnati trip.
The following responded to roll call:
J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal ; J. B. Cranfill, Gatesville Sun ; Chas. Culmore,
Girl's National Reformer ; R. M. Collins, Decatur Post ; J. H. Davis, Franklin
Herald ; Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio Times ; C. A. Kessler, Linden Sun ; L. D. Lil-
lard, Fairfield Recorder; J. M. Moore, Cameron Herald; A. B. Norton, Dallas In-
telligencer; T. D. Rock, Woodville Eureka; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief ; W. L. Winter, San Antonio Light ; John G. Rankin,
Brenham Banner; H. C. Townsend, Colorado Clipper; J. E. Cooper, Georgetown
Sun ; L. L. Foster, Groesbeck New Era ; C. E. Gilbert, Abilene Reporter ; Frank
Grice, San Antonio Express; A. W. Gifford, San Antonio Light; T. B. Johnson,
San Antonio Light; J. P. Leslie, Van Alstyne Enterprise; T. P. Maddox, Navasota
Tablet ; O. O. Nation, Brazoria Independent ; F. N. Oliver, Lewisville Headlight ;
Henry Ryder-Taylor, San Antonio Merchant and Manufacturer; W. M. Timmerman,
Arlington World ; W. M. Yandell, Seguin Times ; E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enter-
prise ; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item.
Hon. Hamilton Stewart, lovingly called "Old State
Press" of the Galveston News, "made some appropriate
and interesting remarks on the State press."
L. D. Lillard offered the following which, after exended
discussion, was lost by a vote of 18 to 17:
"Whereas, the Texas Press Association is, to a great
measure, misunderstood and misrepresented as to being a
drinking and semi-dissipated body at its annual meetings ;
therefore, be it
"Resolved, That in all kindly regard for the feelings of
the Local Committee of Arrangements, we ask them to
please omit from the programme of this evening the visit
to the Lone Star Brewery."
T. P. Maddox of the Navasota Tablet was appointed
temporary sergeant-at-arms to notify new members of their
election and escort them to seats in the hall.
Officers were elected as follows:
President L. L. Foster, Groesbeck New Era;
First Vice President "Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio Times;
Second Vice President A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelligencer;
114
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Third Vice President E. G. Senter, Fort Worth Gazette;
Secretary J. B. Cranfill, Gatesville Sun;
Treasurer Tom B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Orator R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Essayist Enoch Breeding, Rockdale Messenger;
Poetess Miss Lottie Lyons, Del Rio Dot.
The secretary reported having collected and paid over
to the treasurer the sum of $159.30; and an expense account
of $10.60. He reported: Members session of 1885, 193;
honorary members, 3; admitted this session, 196; making a
total of 392. There were suspended for disqualifications, 46;
leaving a membership of 346. The treasurer reported re-
ceipts at $221.30, and disbursements $214.35, leaving a bal-
ance of $6.65 on hand.
Judge A. B. Norton read the annual essay, the subject
being "History of Journalism in our Nation and State,"
which was ordered incorporated in the minutes and is a
valuable contribution, covering as it does the history of
Texas newspapers from the first paper printed in Texas to
the date of its reading. The annual oration was by L. L.
Foster of the Groesbeck New Era.
Tom B. Johnson of the San Antonio Light offered the
following which was referred to the committee on resolu-
tions, but no report thereon from that committee appears
in the minutes :
"Whereas, It is not within the province of the Texas
Press Association to regulate, dictate to, or in any way
abridge the individual rights and opinions of its members
in matters of politics, religion or temperance, therefore be it
"Resolved, That no motion or resolution referring to
same shall be entertained by the Association when in con-
vention assembled, and all discussion or reference thereto
shall be strictly prohibited."
The excursion this year was to St. Louis and Chicago.
115
Eighth Annual Convention 1887
THE eighth annual convention was held in the city of
Fort Worth and was called to order on May 24, 1887,
by First Vice-President Wm. Ferguson, acting as president
in the absence of President L. L. Foster. He admonished
the members to "eliminate," at the outset, every element
which tended to drag in extraneous issues, and settle right
down to the real business of the organization as indicated
in the constitution."
On motion Mr. Ferguson was elected "permanent Presi-
dent of the Association."
The convention was welcomed by Mayor H. S. Broiles
in the name of the city of Fort Worth, and by Hon. T. J.
Powell on behalf of the city press. Mr. Powell "alluded to
the fact that the proud young city was in a measure the child
of its daily papers, and reviewed at length the history of
journalism in Fort Worth, starting with the first issue, on
July 4, 1876. He paid a high compliment to Captain B. B.
Paddock and his 'Tarantula Map,' published in the Fort
Worth Democrat on July 26, 1876, saying, that, at that time,
there was one railroad and that now -Captain Paddock was
the president of the last leg of the 'tarantula' as pictured
eleven years ago. He referred to the power of the local
press in shaping and developing a city and drew illustra-
tions from the record of the press. He advised the mem-
bers of the Association to work for their respective towns
and cities, but cautioned them (amidst a ripple of laughter)
not to forget, at all times, to labor for an 'even and sym-
metrical development' of the entire State. He drew, and
contrasted, the pictures of the town as it was eleven years
ago and the city of today, and said that this exemplified the
power of an enthusiastic local press, backed by an enthus-
116
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
iastic, liberal citizenship. He referred to the landmarks of
Texas journalism, dropping compliments upon the 'State
Press' (Colonel Hamilton Stuart of the Galveston-Dallas
News) whom he called a veritable 'old man of the sea/ en-
twined around the hearts of all Texas journalists. He spoke
feelingly of the late Hal Gosling whose death was a State
calamity, and of others."
Thorp Andrews welcomed the Association on behalf of
the business men of Fort Worth and to his generous words
of welcome response was made by J. P. Bridges of the
Luling Signal.
The following committees were announced :
Resolutions W. C. Bowen, W. L. Malone, J. C. Crisp,
W. A. Guthrie, J. H. Davis, E. E. Overall, C. E. Gilbert;
Membership A. C. Scurlock, R. E. Yantis, H. C. Town-
send, T. P. Maddox, W. A. Adair;
Revision of Roll R. M. Collins, F. H. Gaines, H. A. Kess-
ler, J. P. Bridges, S. R. Whitley;
Order of Business J. P. Bridges, F. H. Gaines, C. E. Gil-
bert.
The following members responded to the call of the roll :
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger ; W. A. Bowen, Austin Statesman ; O. B.
Colquitt, Terrell Star ; R. M. Collins, Decatur Post ; J. C. Crisp, Uvalde News ; O.
W. Dodson, Henderson News ; Richard Flood, Winnsboro Sentinel ; W. A. Guthrie,
San Angelo Standard ; J. M. Gibson, Mineral Wells Herald ; John Hoeny, Weather-
ford Sun; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light; Miss Lottie Lyons, San Antonio
Gossip; W. L. Malone, Fort Worth Gazette; F. N. Oliver, Pilot Point New Era;
A. D. Rust, McGregor Plaindealer; J. M. Shafer, Brownwood Bulletin; A. C.
Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle; A. A. H. Tolar, Abilene Reporter; S. M. Vernon,
Farmersville Times; S. R. Whitley, Overton Sharpshooter; R. M. Johnston, Hous-
ton Post; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal; J. B.
Cranfill, Waco Advance ; Charles Culmore, Girls' Reformer ; Miss Fannie Culmore,
Girls' Reformer; J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald; Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio
Times; C. E. Gilbert, Dallas Herald; F. H. Gaines, Paris News; W. C. Hill, Bell-
ville Times ; F. P. Holland, Dallas Farm and Ranch ; C. A. Kessler, Linden Sun ;
T. P. Maddox, Navasota Tablet; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; Henry Muller,
Texas Volksblatt, Brenham ; Edwin E. Overall, Jefferson News; E. G. Rust, Dallas;
Carey W. Styles, Meridian Citizen ; W. M. Timmerman, Arlington World ; B. M.
Vanderhurst, Texarkana Times; J. J. Spann, Santa Anna Sentinel; E. F. Yeager,
Waxahachie Enterprise; J. T. Walker, Terrell Star.
An invitation was received from the Press Association
of the State of Arkansas inviting the Texas Press Associa-
117
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tion to meet with that body in the city of Texarkana, on
May 4, 1888.
D. H. Swartz & Co., photographers, invited the mem-
bers to have their "negatives" taken, free of charge, for the
purpose of enabling the artist to make a group picture of
the editors. Prof. Alex Hogg, superintendent of the City
Schools of Fort Worth, invited the Association to visit the
schools in a body. The Baltimore and Ohio Telegraph Com-
pany offered the free use of its lines for the transmission of
private telegrams to all points reached by its wires. The
Western Union Telegraph Company tendered the free use
of its wires to all points reached by its lines. The Gulf,
Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Company tendered a free
excursion to Wichita, Indian Territory. The Pacific Ex-
press Company offered to carry, free of charge, the per-
sonal effects of any of the members to any point to be
reached on its line.
The secretary of the Colorado State Fair, to be held
in Fort Worth on October 27, 1887, extended an invitation
to the Association to visit the Fair and assured the mem-
bers of free courtesies.
A communication was received from the manager of the
Wetsern Newspaper Union, at Dallas, tendering the Asso-
ciation a free excursion to Dallas, to view the city and "the
Union's Den."
The executive committee for the year follows :
First District R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second District S. R. Whitley, Overton Sharpshooter;
Third District E. D. Dodson, Henderson News;
Fourth District E. E. Overall, Jefferson News;
Fifth District F. N. Oliver, Pilot Point News;
Sixth District E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Seventh District H. Stewart;
Eighth District W. C. Hill, Bellville Times;
JNin'th District G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer;
Tenth District J. C. Crisp, Uvalde News;
Eleventh District H. C. Townsend, Colorado Clipper.
118
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following were elected to membership :
M. M. Gough, Bowie Labor Sunbeam ; C. W. Cobb, Groesbeck New Era ; O. B. Col-
quitt, Terrell Star; Cash Sirpless, Sherman Register; Mrs. W. H. Foute, Ladies Messen-
ger, Houston ; A. Raglandjr., Daingerfield Tidings ; H. W. Morrison, Rockwall Success ;
J. K. Ashby, Fort Worth Masonic Journal ; Mel Kirkpatrick, Cuera Bulletin ; John W.
Dale, Alvord Budget ; Wm. Hamilton, Tyler Democrat Reporter ; Luther Clark, Dallas
Herald; T. R. Keaton, Hico Courier; J.T.Lewis, Temple Herald ; S. O. Moody, Fort
Worth Advertiser; James O. Jones, Kosse Cyclone; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Record;
Y. B. Dowell, Cisco Round-Up ; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror; P. H. Pardue,
Itasca Mail; Sam T. Jones, Sulphur Springs Enterprise; D. P. Haggard, Dallas
Advocate; E. S. Terry, Longview Cycle; B. R. Watts, Belden Monitor; N. T.
Burke, Nacogdoches Star-News ; H. D. Caldwell, Pilot Point Mirror ; W. T. Jones,
Terrell Review ; G. C. Fahm, Alvarado Bulletin ; W. T. Hawkins, Commerce Com-
mercial ; Miss Lou S. Bedford, Lone Star Magazine, Dallas; M. J. Nolan, Ft. Worth
South-West.
Former secretary C. E. Gilbert presented an account
showing that the printing of the minutes of the previous
annual convention had cost $192.80 and that he had received
only $90 therefor.
The committee to which was referred the resolution of
J. H. Davis, that the Association appoint a lobby to attend
the next meeting of the legislature and secure, if possible,
the passage of a law requiring sheriffs' sales to 'be adver-
tised, reported as follows :
''We realize the importance and justice of a law which
would require advertisements of public sales under judgment
or execution to be published in newspapers, rather than to
be posted on trees or bulletin boards ; and we believe that
such a change in the law would be more beneficial to the
public than to the publisher. We are in a position to see
and appreciate the fact that the real sufferers by this anti-
quated system are not heard from ; such advertisements are
frequently torn down by interested parties to prevent the
competition at sales, which the advertisement is intended
to secure for the benefit of the debtor. The illegitimate
profits of unscrupulous and designing sharks who make
their fortunes on the misfortunes of business men and
widows and orphans, whose property may be sold under
execution of judgment, without competition, are not known
and fully appreciated by the public. The ways and means
119
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
of the grasping mortgage companies, with agencies in many
parts of our State, in absorbing the farms of the State, at
heavy sacrifice of the farms to creditors, need only to be un-
derstood to demonstrate the evils of this system of adver-
tising forced sales; and certainly have not been understood
by the honest legislators of our State, who have up to this
time, turned a deaf ear to the appeals for a change in the
law. This is more than a plain business matter in which
the publisher is interested, and if we can demonstrate to the
legislature the evil of this law, and the necessity for a
change, it is our duty to do so. We realize the fact that
the evils of the law are not well known, and that shrewd
speculators and professional land-grabbers too often secure
an influence in our legislatures and, in this instance, by
representing this question as one which concerns only the
publisher.
"In view of the fact that the next session of the legis-
lature is nearly two years off and that ere that time we will
again meet in annual convention, we recommend that this
matter be continued for a fuller report and further action
at our next meeting; and that in the meantime each pub-
lisher be urged to collate from the record of his own county
data of actual occurrences wherein forced sales, by this un-
just manner of advertising, have been made, and property
sold for one-third, one-fifth, and often one-tenth of its real
value, with the victims of litigation and misfortune as the
losers. A change in this law would save hundreds of thous-
ands of dollars to the proper owners from the grasp of
land sharks. These unfortunate people are victims of our
own laws, because the law provides for the forced sale for
the benefit of the money-lenders, or creditors, and does not
protect the debtor."
A page of the minute book was dedicated and set apart
to the memories of Willie Spurance of the Arlington World
and Granville McPherson of the Blanco Star- Vindicator.
120
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
R. M. Johnston of the Houston Post, chairman of the
committee on the libel law, which was appointed at the last an-
nual convention, made a verbal report of the efforts made to se-
cure modification of the law. 'With other members of the
committee, he had attended the last session of the legisla-
ture and soon found that the further a newspaper man kept
away from there the better for him. Legislators whom he
had approached said they would readily vote for a law more
drastic and far reaching than the present law; but for a
modification, never. He, Johnston, would in the future vote
against the appointment of any committee to seek relief
from any legislature. If the newspapers of Texas were
being unjustly treated, he preferred placing the matter before
the people, and he had faith in the purity and honesty of the
Texas public to right any wrong. "If we expect a modifica-
tion of the libel law," said he, "we should show the defects
of the present one and an honest public opinion will give
it to us." He asked that this statement be received by the
Association as a report of the committee, and that the com-
mittee be discharged.
The following officers were elected :
President William Ferguson, San Antonio Times;
First Vice President W. L. Malone, Fort Worth Gazette;
Second Vke President J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal;
Third Vice President-^C. E. Gilbert, Dallas Herald;
Secretary J. B. Cranfill, Waco Advance;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Orator Carey W. Styles, Meridian Citizen;
Poetess Mrs. Rose Hartwi-ck Thorpe, San Antonio;
Essayist R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Chronicle.
On the third ballot, Dallas was selected as the next
place of meeting over Houston, Austin, Paris, Brownwood,
Texarkana, Rockwall, Fort Worth and Sherman.
A communication was received from the Texas Express
Company offering to carry, free of charge, the personal ef-
fects and packages of the members. A letter was received
from C. L. Frost of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway
121
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Company, tendering the editors, collectively or individually,
a free ride over that road at any time they desired.
Thanks were voted the Pacific and Texas Express
Companies, Western Union Telegraph Company, The Gulf,
Colorado & Santa Fe Railway Company, The Fort Worth
and Denver Railway Company, for free transportation of the
members, their packages and messages ; and special thanks
to A. T. McCarger, manager of the Western Newspaper
Union at Dallas, for a train furnished at his expense to take
the Association to Dallas and return to Fort Worth.
An assessment of one dollar per member was voted, to
pay the outstanding indebtedness of the Association and the
secretary's salary of $50. The treasurer reported a balance
on hand of $6.15. Secretary J. B. Cranfill donated his salary
of $50 to the Association, to help pay its debts.
The committee reporting the following:
"That it is the sense of this Association that we should
no longer lend encouragement to advertising agencies, unless
they be firms of long standing and are perfectly responsible,
and who never ask us to give them 'cut' rates on advertis-
ing space ; and, furthermore, we pledge ourselves to expose
all fraudulent advertising firms or individuals, as it may
come to our knowledge, for our mutual benefit and protec-
tion/'
J. C. Crisp of the Uvalde News offered the following:
"Whereas, There is no paper mill in Texas, and there
is annually consumed in the State an enormous quantity of
printing and other kinds of papers, upon which a vast amount
of money is unnecessarily expended in freights and other
charges ; be it, therefore,
"Resolved, That all members of this Association take the
matter into consideration and advocate, in person and
through their papers, the establishment and maintenance in
the State of a paper mill of capacity adequate to the de-
122
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
mands, especially of the press and printing industry of the
State."
The annual oration was delivered by R. M. Johnston
of the Houston Post.
Quite a discussion was provoked over the resolution,
offered at the last annual convention, seeking to amend the
constitution and reading as follows :
"Resolved, That Article III of the constitution of this
Association be amended by adding after the word 'periodical'
and before the word 'the,' the following : 'Provided, further,
That only one such editor or proprietor of a paper, as above
specified, that has been published not less than twelve
months next preceding the annual meeting of the Associa-
tion, shall be entitled to membership, and such application
shall be accompanied by the periodical of such applicant.' '
The resolution was lost.
The ladies of the Association and their escorts were
received at the residence of Mrs. W. A. Huffman, where they
were given a "varied and delightful" musical entertainment.
The matter of free passes was beginning to agitate the
editorial mind, and the secretary was moved to say in his
report :
"The only real difficulty that has confronted your sec-
retary was a law recently passed by the Congress of the
United States, called the Inter-State Commerce Bill. For
a while it was feared that passes could not be procured
for our members, but your secretary is most happy to re-
port that the editors of Texas are independent, if needs be,
of free railroad passes, and the prospective failure to secure
transportation did not frighten a solitary member from the
prospective pleasure of attending our annual reunion." The
secretary was able, it seems, to secure free transportation
over every road in the State except the Houston and Texas
Central, which "curtly, very curtly" refused to extend the
courtesies of that road.
123
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following were appointed as delegates to the Na-
tional Editorial Association, which was to meet in Denver,
Colorado, the following September: E. F. Yeager, W. L.
Malone, Hamilton Stuart, A. C. Scurlock, J. P. Bridges, L.
D. Lillard, J. T. Walker, W. A. Adair, B. C. Murray, J. B.
Cranfill, H. C. Townsend, R. M. Johnston, J. H. Davis, T.
P. Maddox, J. P. Leslie, S. M. Vernon, W. M. Timmerman,
T. B. Johnson, R. M. Collins, D. P. Haggard, W. W. West,
Carey W. Styles, C. E. Gilbert; G. P. Miller, Henry Muller,
John O. Ford, Samuel Fishburn, S. R. Whitley, N. B. Dowell,
A. A. H. Tolar.
The following were appointed a committee to revise the
constitution: W. N. Parks, W. A. Adair, J. P. Leslie, D.
P. Haggard and T. P. Maddox.
The excursion was into the Indian Territory, over the
Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway, through Gainesville
to Washita and the Arbuckle Mountains.
This convention is pronounced the "brightest, happiest,
and most cheering and fraternal session it (the Association)
has ever held."
124
Ninth Annual Convention 1888
HPHE ninth annual convention was held in the city of
1 Dallas and was called to order by President William
Ferguson on May 14, 1888.
The following members responded to call of the roll:
C. F. Altmann, Dallas Volksblatt ; J. B. Cranfill, Waco Advance; J. M. Con-
nor, Jr., Tyler Tribune; John Guthrie, Bandera Bugle; W. C. Hill, Bellville
Times ; Isaac H. Julian, San Marcos Free Press ; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Ban-
ner ; Edwin E. Overall, Jefferson News ; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle ; E.
F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise ; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Record ; E. S.
Terry; Longview Cycle; W. E. Blythe, Mount Pleasant News; J. F. Elliott, Dallas
Immigration Journal ; Richard Flood, Arlington News ; C. W. Geers, Denton Moni-
tor; George W. Jenks, Stephenville Empire; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; O. Paget, Corsicana Courier; H. Smythe,
Weatherford Times; R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Chronicle; Cash Sirpless, Sherman
Register; B. R. Watts, Belden Monitor; J. J. Callan, Coleman Voice; R. M. Col-
lins, Decatur Post; S. M. Carleton, Ennis Review; F. H. Gaines, Paris News;
John Hoeny, Weatherford Sun ; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post ; A. B. Norton,
Dallas Intelligencer; John G. Rankin, Brenham Banner; H. P. Simonds, Cleburne
Telegram ; G. C. Fahm, Alvarado Bulletin ; Sam T. Jones, Sulphur Springs Enter-
prise ; John W. Dale, Alvord Budget ; J. H. Davis, Mount Vernon Herald ; Wm.
Ferguson, San Antonio Times; C. E. Gilbert, Dallas Herald; F. P. Holland, Texas
Farm and Ranch ; Emmet Jones, Boerne Advance ; C. A. Kessler, Linden Sun ;
F. N. Oliver, Pilot Point New Era ; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item ; S. R. Whit-
ley, Overton Sharpshooter ; James W. Jones, Kosse Cyclone, H. W. Manson, Rock-
wall Success, H. D. Caldwell, Pilot Point Mirror.
After call of the roll, Colonel John F. Elliott, repre-
senting Mayor Connor, who was "unavoidably absent," wel-
comed the Association in behalf of the city of Dallas. The
response on behalf of the Association was delivered by R. M.
Johnston of the Houston Post.
The report of the delegates to the National Editorial
Association at Denver was made, with the request that the
sum of $35, paid by the delegates as membership fees, be
refunded. It was so ordered. Announcement was made that
the Texas delegation had secured the next convention of the
National Editorial Association, and that it would be "one
of the largest bodies of journalists ever assembled."
The following committees were announced :
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Revision of the Roll R. M. Collins, F. H. Gaines, C. A.
Kessler, J. P. Bridges, Jno. G. Rankin ;
Auditing R. M. Collins, F. N. Oliver, John Guthrie ;
Obituaries O. Paget, M. Davis, R. A. Musgrove ;
Resolutions J. U. Vincent, J. F. Elliott, John Hoeny,
J. O. Jones, W. E. Blythe.
S. R. Whitley of the Overtoil Sharpshooter offered the
following:
"Whereas, There is now a system of advertising through
middle men, known as Advertising Agencies, and that the
business as now conducted is detrimental to the publishers
of newspapers for want of uniformity and a little understand-
ing among the publishers ; therefore,
''Resolved, That the President appoint a committee of
five members who shall prepare a schedule of prices for what
is known as foreign advertisements at an equitable rate ; one
that shall be just to both advertiser and publisher, and shall
submit the same to this body for action on the same."
As the committee provided for, the President appointed :
S. R. Whitley, C. E. Gilbert, Cash Sirpless, J. J. Callan and
F. B. Robinson. The committee does not appear to have
made a report, but the matter of foreign advertising and
advertising agencies was discussed pro and con, until Mr.
Spann of Brownwood offered the following:
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that
it is unwise, unjust, and demoralizing for any member of this
Association to negotiate rates of advertising with agencies
of foreign patrons at a lower rate or on more advantageous
terms than said paper demands of home patrons for like
work, and that any variance as here suggested incurs the
disapproval of this Association."
Mr. Johnson of San Antonio offered the following sub-
stitute :
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association, and
its advice to the press of Texas, to put all advertising agents
126
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
on exactly the same basis as all other contractors for ad-
vertising." Finally, on motion of Mr. Vernon, the matter
was referred to a committee of three, with power to prepare
an agreement to be signed by the members of the Associa-
tion, and the chair appointed as said committee : Vernon,
Gilbert and Bridges.
The following new members were elected :
M. J. Cox, Forney Register; G. W. Humphries, Grandview Sentinel; J. D.
McKee, El Paso Herald; P. S. Browder, Southern Mercury, Dallas; S. H. Sayer,
Hubbard City News; J. B. Goode, Paris Good Things; J. A. Padon, Jacksonville
Boomer ; J. B. McGraw, Honey Grove Citizen ;Albert G. Stuart, Rockwall News ;
A. F. Baker, Lampasas News-Dispatch; Jos. Greer, Van Alstyne News; W. B.
Preston, Dallas Texas Witness ; J. C. Rathbone, Midland Staked Plain ; W. A.
Shaw, Texas Farmer ; J. M. Howell, Texas Farm and Ranch ; W. F. Black,
Standard Enterprise; E. M. Ainsworth, McGregor Observer; W. L. Hair, Bartlett
Headlight; W. Y. Chester, Blossom Prairie Bee; Joe T. Green, Lancaster Herald;
S. P. Evans, Van Alstyne News; G. W. Grossman, Embree Enterprise; C. F.
Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; Alf LaCross, Hallettsville Enterprise; J. F. Mc-
Cullough, Dallas Liberator; James Graham, Cleburne Chronicle; W. H. Graves,
Cleburne Tribune; C. W. Harned, Dallas Prohibition Advocate; J. U. Vincent,
Bosque Citizen; John Cullom, Garland News; J. S. Hart, El Paso Times; Thos E.
Boren, Panola Watchman ; J. C. Bigger, Dallas Texas Citizen ; R. C. Crane, Fisher
County Call; J. M. Knox, Texas Mesquiter; Frank Hoeny, Weatherford Sun; N. A.
Cravens, Willis Index ; John H. Copeland, Texas Tribune ; R. M. Chapman, Alva-
rado Heart and Hand ; A. D. Lipscomb, Crockett Economist ; J. P. Jones, Whitney
Messenger; Ed E. Berkshire, Dexter Signal; A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Democrat;
D. L. Beech, Gonzales Inquirer; Mrs. Julia A. Rust, Waco Plaindealer ; A. B.
Norton, Dallas Intelligencer; H. A. Ivey, Hallettsville Herald; J. A. Collins, Dixie
Land; R. W. H. Kennon, I.awndale Ledger; C. N. Ousley, Farm and Ran :h.
The President notified" the Association of the excursion
to Denver, Colorado, tendered by the Fort Worth and Den-
ver Railway Company. The Aransas Pass Railroad tendered
an excursion to Aransas Pass and a sail on the Bay.
Members of the Colorado State Press Association, who
were on an excursion to Texas, were escorted to seats and
were given a cordial welcome.
The treasurer reported that he had received nothing
from the secretary, or any other source, had paid out noth-
ing, and still had on hand the amount of $6.15, as per last
report. The secretary reported that he had collected $127.10
and paid out $167.10 which left a balance due him of $40.
127
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
El Paso was elected as the next place of meeting over
Rockport.
The following officers were elected :
President J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal;
First Vice President R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second Vice President H. Smythe, El Paso ;
Third Vice President G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer;
Fifth District S. M. Vernon, Farmersville Times;
Secretary R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Chronicle;
Treasurer Frank Mitchell, Greenville Banner;
Orator John H. Copeland, San Antonio Tribune;
Essayist E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Poetess Mrs. O. Paget, Corsicana.
Executive Committee:
First District F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Second District A. D. Lipscomb, Crockett Economist;
Third District E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Fourth District F. H. Gaines, Paris News;
Fifth District S. M. Vernon, Farmersville Times;
Sixth District E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Seventh District Mel Kirkpatrick, Cuero Bulletin;
Eighth District W. C. Hill, Bellville Times;
Ninth District J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Tenth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Eleventh District G. W. Jenks, Stephenville Empire.
The following delegates were appointed to the National
Editorial Association: A. B. Norton, E. F. Yeager, A. C.
Scurlock, L. D. Lillard, T. B. Johnson, J. C. Cooper, W. C.
Hill, J. U. Vincent, Wm. A. Fields, O. B. Colquitt, J. H.
Davis, F. N. Oliver, R. M. Johnston, R. M. Collins, R. E.
Yantis, J. P. Bridges, H. C. Townsend, E. Koebig, W. C.
Bowen, J. J. Callan, Wm. Ferguson, J. B. Cranfill, T. P.
Maddox, C. W. Harned, G. P. Miller, C. E. Gilbert, S. R.
Whitley, O. Paget, J. S. Hart, S. A. Fishburn, F. H. Gaines.
S. G. Spann of the Brownwood Appeal offered the fol-
lowing, which, however, was not disposed of, the motion to
table having been lost :
"Resolved, That this Association, recognizing the fact
128
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
that the libel law of this State, as it now stands, is not clear-
ly understood by the masses in its baneful effects upon pub-
lic policy, deems it eminently proper that the President of
this Association at this meeting shall appoint a committee
of five to memorialize the next legislature in the name of
justice and good government generally, and especially of the
entire membership of this Association, to so amend the libel
law as to enable the defendant to offer in justification of his
assertion the gravamen of the offense alleged, and that all
proceedings shall be instituted in the county where the paper
in which the objectionable language was published is located,
or in the county in which the responsible party resides."
R. E. Yantis read the annual essay, the subject being:
"The Country Press." The only paper read before this meet-
ing was .by J. P. Bridges of the Luling Signal on "News-
paper Advertising; the Relations Existing Between Publishers
and Advertising Agents."
Excursions were taken to Austin, Aransas Pass, and
Denver, Colorado.
The President announced the following standing com-
mittees :
Resolutions E. F. Yeager, F. H. Gaines, J. B. Cranfill,
H. A. Ivy, John H. Copeland, J. H. Davis;
Membership W. C. Hill, W. C. Bowen, G. P. Miller, T.
P. Maddox, M. W. Kirkpatrick ;
Revision of Roll F. B. Robinson, Frank Gaston, E. S.
Terry, S. A. Fishburn, C. A. Kessler ;
Order of Business B. C. Murray, H. W. Manson, J. H.
Davis.
129
Tenth Annual Convention 1 889
THE tenth annual convention was called to order in the
city of El Paso on April 29, 1889, by President J. P.
Bridges. The address of welcome on behalf of the city was
delivered by Judge J. F. Crosby and was responded to by
Former President Wm. Ferguson. The address of welcome
on behalf of the local press was delivered by Juan S. Hart.
Dr. W. M. Yandell announced that two coaches capable
of accommodating eighty people had been chartered for the
excursion to the City of Mexico; that if that number went,
the charge would be only ten dollars, being simply the Pull-
man fare ; and that it was the first time the Mexican Central
Railway Company had ever sent a free excursion over that
road.
On call of the roll the following responded:
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger ; W. C. Bowen, Cotulla Ledger ; D. L.
Beach, Gonzales Inquirer; Chas. Culmore, Reformer, Houston; H. D. Cadwell,
Gainesville Signal ; N. A. Cravens, Jr., Willis Index ; John W. Dale, Springtown
News ; Mrs. Laura E. Foute, Houston Ladies' Messenger ; John Guthrie, San An-
gelo Standard ; Mark Hamilton, Tyler Democrat and Reporter ; Frank Hoeny, Weather-
ford Sun ; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post ; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light ;
A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Democrat ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald ; J. F.
Mitchell, Greenville Banner; D. J. Moffitt, Pilot Point Post-Mirror; W. H. Neel,
Dublin Telephone; E. E. Overall, Jefferson Iron News; J. A. Padon, Palestine
Advocate; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item; A. D. Rust, Waco Plaindealer;
S. H. Sayer, Hubbard City News; R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Chronicle; J. P.
Bridges, Luling Signal ; T. E. Boren, Carthage Watchman ; J. B. Cranfill, Waco
Advance ; S. M. Carleton, Ennis Review ; J. M. Connor, Daingerfield Herald ; J. H.
Copeland, San Antonio Tribune; Wm. Ferguson, San Antonio Times; J. S. Hart,
EJ1 Paso Times ; John Hoeny, Abilene Reporter ; Frank P. Holland, Texas Farm
and Ranch ; G. W. Jenks, Stephenville Empire ; R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera
Glass; J. M. Knox, Mesquite Mesquiter ; L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder; R. A.
Musgrove, Sweetwater Record ; T. P. Maddox, Navasota Tablet ; Geo. M. Martin,
Pleasanton Monitor; F. N. Oliver, Oak Cliff Weekly; O. Paget, Corsicana Cou-
rier; P. H. Pardue, Itasca Mail; E. G. Rust, Land and Immigration Journal,
Dallas; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas; H. C. Townsend, Colorado City
Clipper; E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise.
During a recess the members of the Association were
presented with "button-hole bouquets" by Misses Marie
130
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Shelton, Belle Moore, Victoria Wood, and Florence Beall,
four charming young ladies of El Paso.
An invitation was received from the Arkansas State
Press Association, inviting the Texas Press Association to
send one or more delegates to their next annual convention.
A similar invitation was received from the Missouri State
Press Association.
The following committees were announced :
Membership W. C. Bowen, C. F. Lehmann, W. A.
Adair, T. E. Boren ;
Revision of Roll E. F. Yeager, J. F. Mitchell, D. L.
Beach, S. M. Carleton, H. D. Cadwell ;
Resolutions E. F. Yeager, R. A. Musgrove, J. B. Cran-
fill, J. H. Copeland, Juan S. Hart, Wm. Ferguson;
Memorial Juan S. Hart, J. B. Cranfill, Dr. W. M. Yan-
dell.
The Board of Directors of the North Texas Insane
Asylum returned thanks for papers and periodicals sent that
institution by members of the Association and others, saying
that any further donations of that kind would be thankfully
received and publicly acknowledged.
Fred B. Robinson of the Huntsville Item was appointed
assistant secretary.
The following new members were elected, the secre-
tary casting the vote of the Association on each name as
called :
M. M. McFarland, Limestone New Era ; L. C. Demaree, Overton Sharpshooter ;
J. A. C. Kemble, Waxahachie Democrat; Henry Reese, Jr., Gonzales Inquirer;
Miss Ruth Cook, Greenville Zontas ; John M. Connor, Waco Trade Review ; J. C.
Crisp, Hillsboro Reflector ; J. S. A. Stevens, Burnet Bulletin ; D. W. Barnhill,
Uvalde News; J. C. Son, Palo Pinto Star; Chas. L,ongnemare, El Paso Bulletin;
J. O. Hamilton, El Paso Times; L. L. Beech, Houston Echo; W. B. Teagarden,
Mineola Monitor ; W. T. S. Keller, San Angelo Enterprise ; R. Rule, El Paso
Herald ; Chas. -\. Edwards, New Birmingham Times ; Forest T. Morgan, Quanah
Eagle ; Mrs. C. Bryarly, Timpson Times ; J. C. Reubell, Whitewright Plow and
Hammer ; O. F. Dornblaser, Grandview Sentinel ; Wm. Blakeslee, Hallettsville
New Era; Wm. Iv. Newman, Waller County Courier; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star;
F. E. Larimer, Cisco Round-Up ; J. E. Davis, Reagan Herald ; M. F. Beaumont,
Hillsboro Mirror; I. V. Jolly, Rusk Standard Enterprise; Mrs. M. R. Walton,
131
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Fort Worth Gazette ; Geo. A. Speck, El Paso Tribune ; J. T. Stark, Orange Tri-
bune; Mark Riley, Brakett News; C. W. Geers, Jr., Denton Monitor; Miss M. K.
Conyngton, Houston Ladies' Messenger; R. E. Connor, Daingerfield Record; P. M.
McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin ; T. L,. Kinsey, Gatesville Star.
The memorial committee presented resolutions in regard
to the death of H. Smythe of El Paso, which were spoken
to by several members who eulogized the deceased. These
resolutions were adopted by a rising vote.
R. M. Johnston of the Houston Post offered the follow-
ing which was laid on the table subject to call:
"Whereas, The twenty-first legislature of Texas having
failed to respond to a very general demand of the press of
the State for relief from the present unfair libel law;
. "Resolved, That the Texas Press Association views with
regret this failure of the law-making power to give to the
press the benefit of a fair, just, and equitable law on the
subject of libel.
"Resolved, That a special committee of three members
be appointed to take into consideration this subject and re-
port at the next annual meeting such matter as may to such
committee seem proper."
(There does not appear to have been any action on this).
L. D. Lillard of the Fairfield Recorder submitted the
following :
"Whereas, It is susceptible of demonstration that the
general press of our State, regardless of whether they are
home print or auxiliary papers, do not receive that benefit
from foreign advertising which they might receive by a co-
operation of interests and union of purposes; and,
"Whereas, It can be shown that said co-operation of
publishers can be effected with correspondingly beneficial
results, regardless of the style of paper they may prefer to
issue; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That a committee of seven be appointed to
report to this Association, at its present session, the advis-
ability of a co-operative union of the Texas newspaper pub-
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
lishers; and, also, a plan whereby they may receive from
their advertising columns a much greater benefit than it is
possible for them to now receive by reason of the circum-
stances operating against them."
The resolutions were referred to a committee consisting
of L. D. Lillard, R. E. Yantis, J. H. Copeland, T. B. Johnson,
T. P. Maddox, Mark Riley and W. A. Shaw, which reported
as follows :
"We find, from the limited time that we have had at
our disposal in consequence of attending the places of in-
terest visited by the Association, we have not been able to
formulate a full or elaborate plan of co-operation whereby
we, as publishers, can unite for mutual .protection and bene-
fit.
"In considering this question, we recognizze that it is
not the province of this Association to bind its members
to the support of any plan or organization, and that its
action can be advisory only. Therefore, we have not deemed
it expedient to try to submit any plan of organization with
elaborate details, knowing that whatever enterprise may be
established must commend itself to the judgment of every
individual publisher.
"We are, nevertheless, firmly convinced from hearing
plans outlined by several men of fine business qualifications,
that a co-operative union as contemplated can be formed
on such a basis of equity and reciprocity as will at once
commend itself to every Texas publisher and appeal to his
every feeling of pride and self-interest for his voluntary sup-
port.
"Therefore, in order to place this Association on record
as desiring the fullest freedom in the management of our
business affairs, we submit the following resolutions :
"Resolved, That while the Texas Press Association has
no feeling of enmity as a body, or individually, against any
establishment with whom it has publishing relations, yet we,
133
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
as a body, will look with favor upon the organization of any
kind of co-operative publishing and advertising company
that will be in a measure under the contract of its patrons,
and operated so as to give each publisher co-operating with
it the fullest measure of benefit to be derived from it.
"Resolved, That while we regard the publisher's busi-
ness as one of common interest to all, whether members of
this Association or not, w r e ask and invite every publisher
not a member of the Texas Press Association to join with us
in a co-operative enterprise that we feel can be made a per-
fect success, if we will but band together in a common union
of publishing and advertising interests.
"Resolved, Further, that a standing committee of five
be appointed to submit to the general press of the State a
plan of co-operation as contemplated in this report."
The annual oration was delivered by John H. Copeland
of San Antonio. Mrs. Nellie Paget of Corsicana being un-
able to attend the convention, her poem, "The Press," was
read by J. B. Cranfill of the Waco Advance. The annual
essay, "Journalism The Press as a Factor of Civilization,"
was read by E. W. Harris of the Greenville Herald.
The officers elected were :
President R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
First Vice President R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Chronicle;
Second Vice President Juan S. Hart, El Paso Times;
Third Vice President J. F. Mitchell, Greenvilk Banner;
Secretary Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light.
Executive Committee:
First District N. A. Cravens, Jr., Willis Index;
Second District C. A. Edwards, New Birmingham Times;
Third District W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
Fourth District F. H. Gaines, Paris News;
Fifth District S. M. ernon, Farmersville Times;
Sixth District E. F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Seventh District R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass;
Eighth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
134
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Ninth District A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Democrat;
Tenth District W. M. Ferguson, San Antonio Times;
Eleventh DistrictJohn W. Dale, Springtown Newsdealer;
Poetess Mrs. Mary Hunt Odom, of Abilene;
Orator W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas;
Essayist J. B. Cranfill, Waco Advance.
The members were taken in carnages, provided by the
citizens of El Paso, around the city and then across the Rio
Grande river to the city of Juarez, where they were wel-
comed by the mayor of that city and the officials of the
Mexican custom house. Later the editors were given a
banquet in the new custom house building and were then
driven to the home of Dr. Alexander "where another pleasant
surprise was in waiting." At night "a grand banquet was
tendered the editors at the Grand Central Hotel."
The following was adopted :
"Resolved, That an explicit statement be made and
printed in the minutes clearly stating the qualifications for
membership in the Texas Press Association."
The committee on membership recommended that Article
III of the constitution be so amended as to read :
"All bona fide proprietors or editors of newspapers or
periodicals published in Texas, not less frequently than once
a month, and which have been in existence not less than six
months, shall be entitled to membership in this Associa-
tion ; provided, said applicant has been connected with said
publication, either as editor or proprietor for a period of not
less than three months ; provided, further, that this article
shall not be so construed as to debar acknowledged profes-
sional newspaper men who are members of this Association,
but temporarily out of the business or employment and not:
engaged in other business."
The initiation fee was fixed at $5 and the annual dues
at $2. The treasurer reported $207 on hand.
The following submitted by W. A. Adair of the Marshall
Messenger was adopted :
135
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"Whereas, A majority of the members of this Associa-
tion are greatly inconvenienced at being away from their
business on the first of the month ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That future annual meetings of the Texas
Press Association be held on a date not earlier than the 4th
and not later than the 15th of May."
The secretary was ordered to have the printed proceed-
ings of the Association for the preceding ten years bound
in book form, and was authorized to draw on the treasurer
for any sum not exceeding $5 to pay for same.
The following standing committees were announced :
Resolutions J. B. Cranfill, O. Paget, W. A. Shaw, J. F.
Mitchell, H. C. Townsend, C. Culmore, Mrs. W. H. Foute ;
Membership J. P. Bridges, A. C. Scurlock, L. D. Lillard,
W. C. Bowen, T. P. Maddox, Mrs. M. R. Walton;
Revision of Roll John H. Copeland, E. W. Harris, C.
F. Lehmann, G. W. Jenks, Miss V. G. Rock;
Order of Business Frank Holland, John Hoeny, E. E.
Overall, F. N. Oliver, Mrs. R. S. Bryarly.
W. A. Guthrie of the San Angelo Standard offered the
following, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the warmest, most earnest thanks of
this Association be tendered Mrs. H. Smythe for her labors
in behalf of its entertainment and amusement. I am sure
that in the future, when we look back at the glorious time
we have spent in the city whose head is pillowed on the
Rocky Mountains, whose large, generous heart beats in an
atmosphere that must 'be prepared in heaven, and whose
feet are laved by the Rio Grande, the figure of Mrs. H.
Smythe will occupy a prominent place in the foreground
of one of the most delightful pictures that can never be
effaced from our memories."
The excursion was to the City of Mexico.
The following delegates to the National Editorial Asso-
ciation were appointed : W. A. Adair, R. A. Musgrove, H.
136
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
C. Townsend, Chas. Culmore, J. C. Crisp, Mrs. W. H. Foute,
R. E. Yantis, A. M. Kennedy, O. Paget, J. B. Cranfill, J. H.
Copeland, John Hoeny, G. M. Martin, F. B. Robinson, Juan
S. Hart, E. W. Harris, L. D. Lillard, N. A. Craven, F. P.
Holland, T. P. Maddox, E. F. Yeager, J. P. Bridges, F. N.
Oliver, J. V. Stark, R. M. Johnston, S. M. Carleton, L. L.
Beach.
137
Eleventh Annual Convention 1890
THE eleventh annual convention was held in Turner Hall
in the city of Houston and was called to order by Presi-
dent R, M. Johnston on May 6, 1890. Honorable Henry
Scherffius, Mayor of Houston, welcomed the editors on be-
half of the city. He was followed by William D. Cleveland
who delivered the address of welcome on behalf of the
citizens and business men of Houston. Response to the ad-
dresses of welcome was made by Colonel W. L. Malone of
the Fort Worth Gazette.
Call of the roll showed the following members present :
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger ; Dr. L. Beach, Houston Echo ; Peyton
Brown, Austin Statesman ; W. E. Blythe, Mt. Pleasant News ; W. C. Bowen,
Cotulla Ledger; Mrs. C. Bryarly, Center Star-News; S. M. Carleton, Ennis Re-
view ; Miss M. K. Conyngton, Houston Ladies' Messenger ; J. H. Copeland, San
Antonio Tribune ; M. J. Cox, Merkel Mail ; Chas. Culmore, Houston Reformer ;
J. W. Dale, Springtown Newsdealer ; Chas. A. Edwards, New Birmingham Times;
W. F. Foster, Canton Telephone; W. P. Caines, Austin Statesman; W. A. Guthrie ;
ban Angelo Standard; J. S. Hart, El Paso Times; R. W. Haltom, Nacogdoches
Chronicle; G. W. Jenks, Stephenville Empire; R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera
Glass ; J. O. Jones, Calvert Courier ; I. H. Julian, San Marcos Free Press ; A. M.
Kennedy, Mexia Democrat ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald ; W. L. Malone,
Ft. Worth Gazette ; H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success ; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville
Banner; F. M. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater
Record; A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelligencer; O. Paget, Galveston Printer; J. G.
Rankin, Brenham Banner ; J. C. Reubel, Whitewright Plow and Hammer ; L. D.
Rock, Woodville Eureka; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle; A. G. Stuart, Rock-
wall News; S. M. Vernon, Farmersville Times; B. R. Watts, Belden Monitor; J.
L. Watson, Houston Post ; D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News ; D. L. Beech, Gonzales
Inquirer; W. C. Blakeslee, Hallettsville New Era; T. E. Boren, Carthage Watch-
man ; W. F. Brittingham, Fort Worth Gazette ; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal ;
John M. Connor, Ft. Worth Mail; W. D. Cox, Bryan Pilot; N. A. Cravens, Jr.,
Willis Index ; John H. Cullom, Garland News ; Mrs. Fannie Culmore, Houston
Reformer; O. F. Dornblaser, Grandview Sentinel; S. P. Evans, Van Alstyne News;
Mrs. Laura E- Foute, Ladies' Messenger, Houston; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star;
M. L. Hair, Bartlett Headlight; John Hoeny, Jr., Abilene Reporter; H. A. Ivy,
Waco News ; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post ; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light ;
H. P. Jones, Whitney Messenger ; W. T. S. Keller, San Angelo Enterprise ; F. E.
Larimer, Cisco Round-Up; L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder; T. P. Maddox,
Navasota Tablet; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer; M. M. McFarland, Limestone
New Era; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; W. H. Neel, Dublin Telephone; J. A.
Padon, Palestine Advocate; P. H. Pardue, Itasca Mail; Henry Reese, Jr., Gon-
138
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
zales Inquirer ; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item ; Miss V. G. Rock, Woodville
Eureka; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas; H. C. Thompson, Flaresville
Chronicle; Mrs. M. R. Walton, Ft. Worth Gazette; S. R. Whitley, Austin Globe ;
Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise.
The executive committee made the following recommen-
dations :
"1. The exercise of greater care by the committee on
membership in passing on applications for membership, and
in the election of members by the Association, with a view
to protecting both the Association and parties extending
courtesies to same.
"2. The wiping out of the honorary roll of membership
carried in the past years, and that in the election of honorary
members in future such election hold for one year only.
"3. That in future only the number of delegates en-
titled to seats in the National Editorial Association be se-
lected, and that the President have the power to appoint
same."
In the matter of a libel law, the committee offered for
the consideration of the Association the following sugges-
tions for a bill it considered equitable and just to all parties
concerned :
"In any action for damage for libel, if it appears that
the matter complained of was proper for public information,
no recovery of exemplary damage shall be had against any
defendant unless he is shown to have acted with malice in
making publication.
"The publication of the following matters shall be privi-
leged, when there is reasonable ground for belief in the truth
of the same; unless it appear that such publications are
prompted by malice in the parties defendant :
"1. The official actions of officers proceeding under
legal process.
"2. Matters concerning the fitness of candidates for
public offices, or concerning the official conduct of occupants
of public offices.
139
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"3. Matters concerning public abuse or nuisance of any
kind whatsoever.
"4. Matters relating to the gross turpitude or immor-
ality on individuals, of such a nature as to corrupt or debase
public morals.
"5. Matters concerning trade and finance in which the
public have an interest.
"No recovery shall be had for the publication in good
faith, with reasonable ground for belief in the truth of the
same, or any matters included above; provided the pub-
lisher of the matter complained of, on being requested by
the party complaining, gives promptly by publication as
much prominence and publicity to any statement of reason-
able length and couched in respectable language that may
be summitted to him by the latter, as was given to the mat-
ter complained of.
"Suits for damages for libel may be brought in the
county of the residence of the plaintiff or defendant, and
there only; and but one recovery shall be had involving the
same parties, plaintiff and defendant, for one issue, edition
or publication of a libel."
After lively discussion, the report was adopted as pre-
sented. Later, on motion of R. M. Johnston of the Houston
Post, reconsideration of the motion by which the report was
adopted was had and sections 4 and 5 were ordered stricken
out.
The following new members were elected :
W. L. Campbell, Bellville Standard; J. P. Nail, Gatesville Star; W. F.
Clanahan, South-East Texas Journal ; Wm. Bennett, Trinity Watchman and
Graphic; T. M. Woods, Rockdale Democrat; W. D. Adams, Forney Tri-
bune ; John M. Green, Yoakum Graphic ; E. Doremus, Dallas News ; D. P.
Rock, Woodville Eureka; W. C. Easterling, Del Rio Record; J. T. Robin-
son, Morris County News; F. A. Venny, Temple Sun; J. T. Browning,
Parsonage Press, LaGrange ; John J. Haggerty, Bellville Standard ; J. W.
Crayton, Royse City Alta ; T. C. McFarland, Limestone New Era; H. V.
Hamilton, Tyler Democrat-Reporter; H. J. Strickfaden, Clay County Chieftain; F.
B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin;. E. G. Lowe, Dallas News; W. F. Beck, Weatherford
Constitution; E. B. Walker, Gainesville Register; Mrs. Eula Nail, Gatesville Star;
W. B. Page, Crockett Courier; O. W. Bradley, Harrold Telephone; J. Y. Schenck,
140
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Lone Oak News; W, C. O'Bryan, McGregor Observer; A. C. Valdez, San An-
tonio El Heraldo; G. W. Rose, Cisco Round-Up; W. W. Dexter, Ft. Worth Trade
Review ; W. M. Imboden, Cherokee Herald, Rusk.
An invitation was received from Major Robert Burns,
secretary of Hood's Texas Brigade, to attend the annual re-
union of that organization to be held at Hempstead on June
27, 1890. The editors were invited to attend the Teachers'
State Association to be held in Galveston beginning June
24, 1890. The Texas Spring Palace at Fort Worth extended
an invitation to the Association.
A. M. Kennedy of the Mexia Democrat offered the fol-
lowing:
"That the President be and is hereby authorized to ap-
point a committee of five, of which the President shall be ex-
officio chairman, who shall memorialize, and take such other
action as they may deem proper, to secure the enactment
by the Twenty-Second Legislature of a libel law embodying
the statement of and in accordance with the suggestion made
by the executive committee in its report."
The annual oration was delivered by W. A. Shaw of the
Texas Farmer. Mrs. Mary Hunt McCaleb Odom of Abi-
lene read the annual poem : "The Lone Star State." State
Superintendent O. H. Cooper addressed the convention on
the subject of Education.
Papers were read as follows:
J. F. Mitchell "How to Build Up and Maintain a News-
paper Circulation;"
W. A. Adair "The Influence of Patent Outsides on the
Weekly Press;"
John M. Connor "Newspaper Financiering."
The following offered by William Bennett of the Trinity
Watchman was adopted:
"Inasmuch as a majority of the Texas newspapers ad-
vertise more or less for foreign medicine and other com-
panies, and as much of this advertising matter consists of
stereotype fixed upon wooden bases, and as the said bases
141
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
become swollen and unfit for any use whenever they come in
contact with water, thereby causing the publisher much trou-
ble and annoyance, the undersigned respectfully makes the
motion that the press of Texas in convention assembled re-
solve to use its influence in discouraging the use of this mat-
ter and encourage as far as possible the making of all for-
eign advertisements on metal bases."
L. D. Lillard of the Fairfield Recorder offered the fol-
lowing which, after lively discussion, carried by the required
two-thirds vote:
"That Article III. of the Constitution be amended so as
to read :
"All bona fide proprietors or editors of newspapers or
periodicals published in Texas not less frequently than once
a month, and which have been in existence not less than
three months, shall be entitled to membership in the Asso-
ciation ; provided said applicant has been connected with
said publication, either as editor or proprietor, for a period
of not less than three months; provided, further, that this
article shall not be so construed as to debar professional
newspaper men who are members of this Association, but
temporarily out of business or employment and now engaged
in other business."
W. D. Cox of the Bryan Pilot offered the following
which, along with the motion to reconsider, was declared
lost:
"Be it resolved, That section 6 of the by-laws be amend-
ed so as to read :
"The secretary shall notify all members of their arrears
and if, after notification in writing, payment is not made
within ninety days such member shall be stricken from the
roll and not entitled to the rights and privileges of the Asso-
ciation again until all past dues and a fee of one dollar for
re-instatement of said member shall be paid. And no per-
son shall be entitled to wear a badge or be allowed to oc-
142
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
cupy a seat upon the Association floor who has not pre-
sented to the committee on membership his written receipt
from the secretary for the past year's dues, or a properly
signed application for membership accompanied by the re-
quired fee; provided, this shall not exclude the presence from
the hall of regularly elected honorary members, or the Asso-
ciation's guests for the meeting."
A. C. Scurlock, L. D. Lillard and T. B. Johnson were
appointed the Committee on Printing. The secretary re-
ported $328 collected from fees and dues.
W. A. Shaw of the Texas Farmer read a paper, pre-
pared by Frank P. Holland of the Farm and Ranch, which
was a brief digest of the libel law then prevailing. Shaw
declared himself opposed to any change in the law. The
other side of the question was championed by R. M. John-
ston, E. G. Senter, Frank Doremus, Charles Culmore, Charles
A. Edwards, H. A. Ivey and John H. Copeland.
S. M. Vernon offered the following which failed to carry:
"That we, the members of the Texas Press Association,
mutually agree that henceforth we will control every inch
of advertising in our respective papers, and that we will de-
mand a price within at least twenty per cent of our regular
rate from all foreign advertisers."
President Johnston announced that arrangements had
been made for an excursion to the Spring Palace at Fort
Worth ; that he had also perfected arrangements for an ex-
cursion to New Orleans, Birmingham (Alabama), Atlanta
(Georgia), and other points in the Southeast; but that, ow-
ing to recent heavy rains and washouts, the railroad people
were afraid to undertake the matter and that the excur-
sion had been abandoned.
The following offered by W. E. Foster of the Canton
Telephone was adopted:
"Whereas, The present clause in our Constitution re-
quiring the secretary to notify members in writing regarding
143
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
the payment of dues, at least ninety days before the meet-
ing of our Association, to make them subject to suspension,
is and always has been practically a dead letter; therefore,
be it
"Resolved, By this Association that all dues of its mem-
bers are payable in advance, annually. All members who
fail to comply with this requirement and are two years in
arrears, after sixty days previous notice by the secretary
shall be suspended. That it goes into effect at its adoption
as a constitutional amendment."
The following officers were elected :
President Juan S. Hart, El Paso Times;
First Vice President J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner;
Second Vice President W. L. Malone, Fort Worth Gazette;
Third Vice President N. A. Cravens, Willis Index;
Secretary John M. Connor, Fort Worth Mail;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light.
Executive Committee:
First District R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second District W. B. Page, Crockett Courier;
Third District E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Fourth District J. T. Robinson, Daingerfield News;
Fifth District A. G. Stuart, Rockwall News;
Sixth District F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin;
Seventh District O. Paget, Galveston Printer;
Eighth District C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Ninth District G. P. Miller, Corsicana Observer;
Tenth District J. H. Copeland, San Antonio Tribune;
Eleventh District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
Corsicana was chosen over Fort Worth as the next place
of meeting. L. D. Lillard, A. C. Scurlock and G. P. Miller
were appointed a committee to select an orator and a poetess
for the next annual convention.
1-11
Twelfth Annual Convention 1891
THE twelfth annual convention convened in the City Hall
in the city of Corsicana on May 12, 1891, and was called
to order by President Juan S. Hart of the El Paso Times.
The invocation was by Rev. Jerry Ward, pastor of the
Presbyterian Church. Mayor J. F. Stout then introduced
Hon. Roger Q. Mills who had been selected by the citi-
zens of Corsicana to deliver the address of welcome. Re-
sponse to the address of welcome was by President Juan
S. Hart.
On call of the roll the following members responded:
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger; William Bennett, Killeen Herald; T. E.
Boren, Panola Watchman ; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal ; J. H. Copeland,
San Antonio Tribune ; John H. Cullom, Garland News ; Charles A. Edwards, re-
tired ; C. E. Gilbert, Dallas Times-Herald; R. W. Haltom, Nacogdoches Chronicle;
John Hoeny, J<r., Abilene Reporter; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post; T. B. John-
son, San Antonio Light; A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Democrat; H. W. Manson,
Rockwall Success ; G. P. Miller, Corsicana ; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville
Banner; J. P. Nail, Gatesville Star; E. E. Overall, Jefferson Iron News r J. C.
Reubell, Whitewright Plow and Hammer ; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item ;
G. W. Rose, Cisco Round-Up ; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas ; A. G. Stuart,
Rockwall News; Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise; Geo. M. Martin, Pleasanton
Monitor; S. M. Ca/rleton, Ennis Review; J. J. Haggerty, Bellville Standard; Mrs.
Eula Nail, Gatesville Star; J. T. Stark, Orange Tribune; W. B. Page, Crockett
Courier; A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelligencer; F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin; Wm.
C. Blakeslee, Hallettsville New Era; O. W. Bradley, Harrold Telephone; John M.
Connor, Waco Day; M. J. Cox, Merkel Mail; J. W. Dale, Springtown News-
dealer; F. H. Gaines, Paris News; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; Juan S. Hart,
El Paso Times; F. P. Holland, Dallas Farm and Ranch; R. C. Johnson, Galveston
Opera Glass; J. O. Jones, Mexia Ledger; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror; F. M. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin;
B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; W. H. Neel, Dublin Telephone; P. H. Pardue,
Waxahachie Democrat; J. T. Robinson, Daingerfield News; D. P. Rock, Woodville
Eureka; Miss V. G. Rock, Woodwille Eureka; J. C. Son, Palo Pinto Star; T. M.
Woods, Rockdale Democrat; H. P. Jones, Milford Courier; W. C. Easterling, Del
Rio Record; H. J. Strickfaden, Henrietta Chieftain; A. C. Valdez, San Antonio
El Heraldo; Mrs. C. Bryarly, Center Star-News; W. E. Foster, Canton Telephone;
N. A. Cravens, Willis Index.
The following standing committees were appointed :
Membership W. A. Adair, C. A. Edwards, J. W. Dale,
J. H. Cullom, F. H. Gaines;
145
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Revision of Roll W. A. Shaw, John Hoeny, Jr., H. W.
Manson ;
Constitution and By-Laws A. M. Kennedy, A. G.
Stuart, P. H. Pardue;
Resolutions J. F. Mitchell, T. B. Johnson, R. C. John-
son;
Memorials G. P. Miller, J. H. Copeland, W. E. Gilliland.
The following were elected to membership, the vote
being by ballot, objection having been made to a suspension
of the rules that they might be declared elected by viva voce
vote on the recommendation of the committee on member-
ship, and also that the rules be suspended and the secretary
be instructed to cast the vote of the Association:
James A. Greer, Thornton Herald; A. W. Buchanan, Bryan Pilot; G. A. Me-
Naughton, Hays County Times ; Charles F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise ; J. E.
McFarland, Jacksonville Banner; L,ee Satterwhite, Wortham Democrat; S. H. Mc-
Bride, Aransas Harbor Herald ; Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal ; W. A. Fields,
Hillsboro Reflector; W. F. Colquitt, Corsicana Democrat; D. C. Colp, Iowa
Park Texan; G. W. Baker, Hubbard City News; W. B. Newton, Vernon Texan;
G. F. Pierson, Clay County Chieftain; Mrs. J. Von Haxthausen, Texas Zeitung;
H. W. Brown, Glen Rose Herald; F. B. Pierce, San Angelo Enterprise; L. C.
Clifton, Farmersville Times; H. E. Wilson, Taylor Texan.
The executive committee reported :
1. "* * * that we have had lithographed elegant certi-
ficates for membership, which will be issued to members
upon application to the secretary.
2. "Also that we have arranged an excursion for the
members of the Association upon the adjournment of the
present convention as follows : Leaving Corsicana over the
St. L. A. & T. Ry., Friday morning, May 16, to Waco;
thence, over the M. K. & T. Ry., to Taylor; thence, over
the I. & G. N. Ry., to San. Antonio, arriving in that city
Friday evening. The excursionists will remain in San An-
tonio Saturday at the invitation of the citizens and then
proceed over the S. A. & A. P. Ry. to Rockport, returning
at the option of those participating in the trip. From Rock-
port the party will make an excursion of one day to Aransas
Harbor by special invitation of Governor T. B. Wheeler.
146
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
3. "Your committee would report that it requested the
entertainment committee of the citizens of Corsicana to make
no provisions to liquidate the hotel bills of members attend-
ing the annual convention, and would recommend that in
future the same policy be pursued, to preserve the dignity
of the profession and thus place us on the same footing with
other State organizations.
4 and 5. "Your committee would further recommend
that all past presidents be made life members of the Asso-
ciation. That the secretary and vice-presidents be made ex-
officio members of the executive committee.
6. "That the incoming president be required to an-
nounce his appointment of delegates to the National Editorial
Association before the final adjournment of the annual con-
vention so that due time may be had to secure them trans-
portation to the place of meeting.
7. "Your committee further recommends instead of the
present cumbersome method of securing transportation for
delegates to the place of holding the convention, which re-
quires a great amount of labor from the secretary, that a
transportation committee be created consisting of the presi-
dent and secretary, who shall arrange with the general pas-
senger agents of the various roads of Texas for the trans-
portation of delegates, notifying the members of the terms
of such arrangement ; and the secretary shall file with each
general passenger agent a roll of the Association ; after
which, each member shall make his own application direct
to the general passenger agents."
It was moved by W. C. Blakeslee that so much of the
report as related to programme be adopted. This carried
and the consideration of the balance of the report was made
the special order for a later hour. When the report was
taken up, it was decided to act upon it by sections. Sections
one and two were adopted without discussion. Section three
(relating to hotel bills) provoked much discussion. After
147
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
several amendments had been made, and lost, F. B. Baillio
of the Alvarado Bulletin moved the adoption of the substi-
tute offered by John H. Cullom of the Garland News "that
it to be adopted in-so-far as relating to this convention, but
to have no binding force on future conventions." A. M.
Kennedy moved the previous question and the Cullom sub-
stitute was defeated 28 to 17. John H. Copeland of the
San Antonio Tribune moved to table section three, which
was done 36 to 26. The motion of R. M. Johnston to re-
consider was met by a motion of John W. Dale of the Spring-
town Newsdealer to lay the motion to reconsider on the ta-
ble, which was done 34 to 17. Sections four, five and six
were adopted. Section seven, on motion of John H. Cope-
land, was laid on the table.
A communication was received from President W. C.
Connor of the Texas State Fair at Dallas thanking the edi-
tors for their liberal support of that institution in the past,
soliciting a continuance of their good offices, and inviting
them to attend the next Fair especially on Press Day.
Mention should have been made in the records of the
Eleventh Annual Convention, held in the city of Houston, of
the movement inaugurated at the suggestion of Judge A. B.
Norton (on the return of the Association from a visit to the
battle field) inviting agitation on the part of the press of
Texas to have the State purchase the battle-ground of San
Jacinto and make of it a State Park, preserving it as sacred
soil soil that had been baptized and dedicated by the blood
of patriots shed in defense of liberty. After a statement at
this convention of the movement and its purposes, Judge A.
B. Norton, W. A. Fields, R. M. Johnston, A. C. Scurlock,
J. T. Robinson and W. B. Page were appointed a committee
to memorialize the Legislature on that subject.
San Antonio was elected as the next place of meeting
over Austin, Waco, Abilene and Dallas. The annual poem
by Mrs. Willa Lloyd Jackson of Dallas was read by A. M.
148
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Kennedy of the Mexia Democrat. The following papers ap-
pear in the printed proceedings : "What Rule Should Guide
a Publisher in Fixing His Advertising Schedule?" O. Paget;
"The Best Training for Newspaper Men." J. P. Bridges.
The following officers were elected:
President J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner;
First Vice President J. H. Copeland, San Antonio Tribune;
Second Vice President A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
Third Vice President W. A. Fields, Hillsboro Reflector;
Secretary F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Executive Committee:
First District D. P. Rock, Woodville New Era;
Second District W. M. Imboden, Riisk Herald;
Third District W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
Fourth District F. H. Gaines, Paris News;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District J. H. Cullom, Garland News;
Seventh District R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass;
Eighth District Henry Reese, Gonzales Inquirer;
Ninth District F. B. Whipkey, Corsicana Light;
Tenth District C. A. Edwards, Austin Iconoclast;
Eleventh^ District John Hoeny, Jr., Abilene Reporter.
The following were elected to the National Editorial
Association to be held at St. Paul, Minnesota in July:
As Ex-Officio Delegates A. B. Norton, B. C. Murray,
N. A. Cravens (third vice president of the National Editorial
Association), J. F. Mitchell, F. B. Robinson; and, as Regular
Delegates J. M. Connor, A. G. Stuart, C. F. Lehmann, F.
B. Baillio, J. H. Copeland, W. B. Page, John Hoeny, Jr., F.
P. Holland, F. H. Gaines, J. W. Dale, T. P. Maddox, Charles
A. Edwards, R. C. Johnson, J. L. Watson, J. S. Hart, A. M.
Kennedy, J. C. Son, A. C. Valdez, W. A. Shaw, E. W. Harris.
The following was offered by A. M. Kennedy of the
Mexia Democrat and was adopted by a vote of 25 to 15:
"Be it Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association
that all notices of properties sold under execution, or of the
sale of estates belonging to minors should be published in
149
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
some newspaper, instead of being 'posted' in three alleged
'public places in the county.' And further, that we recom-
mend that the members of this Association agitate and dis-
cuss the question in their respective journals."
The executive committee was instructed to purchase a
ballot box and balls and also a gavel for the use of the presi-
dent. Gold headed- canes were presented to Retiring President
Johnston and Retiring Secretary John M. Connor. Special
thanks were extended George M. Bailey, special reporter ;
H. M. Pease, special artist ; and the Dallas News for the
complete and extensive reports of the convention.
150
Thirteenth Annual Convention 1892
THE thirteenth annual convention of the Txeas Press As-
sociation was called to order by President J. F. Mitchell
on the 19th day of April, 1892, in Rische's Opera House in
the city of San Antonio. Rev. H. S. Thrall of San Antonio
invoked Divine blessing. The address of welcome was de-
livered by Colonel H. B. Andrews of San Antonio, the re-
sponse being made on behalf of the Association by President
Mitchell. Former President J. P. Bridges also responded
on behalf of the Association.
On call of the roll the following responded :
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger; D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News; Wm. Ben-
nett, Killeen Herald; W. E. Blythe ; Mt. Pleasant News; O. W. Bradley, Arlington
Herald ; W. H. Brown, Glen Rose Herald ; Mrs. C. Bryarly, Center Champion-
Press ; Mrs. L. C. Clifton, Farmersville Times; J. H. Copeland, San Antonio
Tribune; W. D. Cox, Bryan Eagle; Chas. Culmore, Houston Reformer; Chas. A.
Edwards, Austin Iconoclast; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; H. V. Hamilton, Jr.,
Tyler Democrat and Reporter; Mrs. I. Von Haxthausen, Houston Zeitung ; R. M.
Johnston, Houston Post; J. O. Jones, Mexia Ledger; I. V. Jolly, Decatur Church
and Home; D. C. Kolp, Iowa Park Texan; T. P. Maddox, Navasota Tablet; Geo.
M. Martin, Pleasanton Monitor ; J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner ; John E> Mc-
Farland, Jacksonville Banner; F. M. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin; B. C.
Murray, Denison Gazetteer; A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelligencer; P. H. Pardue,
Waxahachie Democrat ; J. G. Rankin, Rrenham Banner ; J. C. Reubell, White-
wright Plow and Hammer ; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item ; Miss V. G. Rock,
Woodville Eureka ; G. W. Rose, Cisco Round-Up ; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer,
Dallas; A. C. Valdez, San Antonio El Heraldo ; Mrs. M. R. Walton, Ft. Worth
Gazette; James Williams, Denton Chronicle; F. B. Whipkey, West Times; Chas.
F. Yeager, Waxahachie Enterprise ; W. D. Adams, Forney Tribune ; D. L. Beach,
Gonzales Inquirer; W;m. C. Blakeslee, Hallettsville New Era; T. E. Boren, Panola
Watchman ; J. P. Bridges, Luling Signal ; J. T. Browning, Cameron Press ; A. W.
Buchanan, Bryan Pilot ; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal ; Mrs. Laura E. Foute,
Gulf Messenger, San Antonio ; John H. Cullom, Garland News ; Mrs. Fannie Cul-
more, Houston Reformer ; S. P. Evans, Van Alstyne News ; R. W. Haltom, Nacog-
doches Chronicle; Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal; F. P. Holland, Texas Farm
and Ranch; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light; H. P. Jones, Milford Courier; Sam
T. Jones, Uvalde News; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; H. W. Manson,
Rockwall Success ; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror ; S. H. McBride, Aransas
Harbor Herald; Geo. A. McNaughton, Hays County Times; D. J. Moffitt, Pilot
Point Post-Mirror; W. H. Neel, Central Texas Journal, Stephenville ; E. E.
Overall, Texas Iron News and Industrial Record; G. F. Pierson, Clay County
Chieftain; Henry Reese, Jr., Gonzales Inquirer; Mark Riley, Brackett News; L. D.
151
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Rock, Woodville Eureka; Hamilton Stuart, Galveston News; A. C. Scurlock, Cle-
burne Chronicle; J. C. Son, Palo Pinto Star; F. A. Venney, Temple Sun; H. E.
Wilson, Taylor Texan ; Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise.
Committees :
Revision of Roll J. H. Cullom, W. D. Cox, A. C. Scur-
lock, R. W. Haltom, O. W. Bradley.
Finance T. E. Boren, C. A. Kessler, S. M. Carleton,
C. Culmore, Perry Hawkins;
Membership J. P. Bridges, W. Bennett, W. E. Gilliland,
G. W. Jenks, H. P. Jones;
Constitution B. C. Murray, W. E. Blythe, T. B. John-
son, J. G. Rankin, A. C. Valdez.
The executive committee reported that acting under sec-
tion 8 of the by-laws it had expelled a member from the
Association for having disposed of transportation furnished
him by the railroad as a delegate to the National Editorial
Association. The executive committee further reported that
an excursion to Corpus Christi and Rockport at the close
of the convention had been arranged by the citizens of San
Antonio, through the liberality of the San Antonio and
Aransas Pass Railway.
The following were elected to membership:
A. W. Riley, Wills Point Chronicle; J. M. Kennedy, Marlin Democrat; Will
H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin; A. S. Crisp, Cuero Star; J. D. Slawson, Killeen
Herald ; J. E. Vernor, Goldthwaite Mountaineer ; E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen ;
F. C. Thompson, McKinney Democrat ; M. M. McLean, Williamson County Sun ;
Thos. W. Perkins, Wylie Rustler; P. O. Wilson, Taylor Texan; J. V. Watkins,
Western Argus ; N. G. Watts, Omaha Siftings ; B. M. Baker, Colorado Citizen ;
J. G. Murphy, San Angelo Standard; W. O. Peery, Benjamin Reporter; L. A.
Obregon, El Cronista Mexicana ; Wm. Foster, Wise County Messenger; G. W.
Coleman, Henrietta Independent ; J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit ; R. L.
Livingston, Piano Star ; Frank M. Sewell, Winnsboro Messenger ; F. A. Lockhart,
Pittsburg Gazette ; N. P. Houx, Hempstead News ; M.rs. J. W. Williamson, Co-
lumbia Journal, Ft. Worth ; Chas. M. Barnes, San Antonio Democrat ; R. W. Cole-
man, San Antonio Truth; Frank Vernon, Cisco Round-Up; Mrs. Julia Truitt
Bishop, Austin Statesman ; S. F. Perry, Florence Reporter ; George Robinson, Bel-
ton Journal ; R. Wilson, Lockhart Register ; Edgar Schramm, Texas Staats Zei-
tung; Thos. M. McDonnell. Sunset Signal; J. S. Penn, Jr.. Laredo Times; W
H. Orr, Itasca Mail; T. C. Chambers, Liberty Vindicator; S. A. Foote, Whartor
Spectator; Frank P. Brady, Galveston News.
Invitations were accepted to visit Corpus Christi, Rock-
port and Velasco. The management of the Houston Post
152
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
invited the Association to visit the Post building and in-
spect their new type-setting machinery and partake of their
hospitality, while in Houston enroute home from Velasco.
Frank P. Holland delivered the annual oration, his sub-
ject being: "Practical Business Methods in the Advertising
Department." He was followed by A. C. Scurlock of the
Cleburne Chronicle who made an address on the subject:
" Advertising in the Country Weekly." These subjects were
discussed by J. P. Bridges of the Luling Signal, T. J. Mid-
dleton of the Waxahachie Mirror, J. H. Cullom of the Gar-
land News and W. H. Orr of the Itasca Mail. Mrs. R. S.
Bryarly also spoke to the subject.
T. J. Middleton of the Waxahachie Mirror offered the
following, which was referred to the committee on resolu-
tions :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association earnestly
recommends to those of its members using the ready print
plan to reject all advertisements, except such as they them-
selves furnish, giving this plan a trial for at least one year."
S. M. Vernon being absent, his paper, "The Country
Weekly," was read by John H. Cullom. Mrs. Julia Truitt
Bishop presented a paper on "The General Tone of the
Country Weekly." P. H. Pardue delivered an address upon
the subject, "Country Weekly." Mrs. R. S. Bryarly read a
paper on the subject, "The Model Country Weekly." Wil-
liam Ferguson of the San Antonio Democrat talked upon
"Newspaper Controversies and Personal Journalism." He
was followed by R. M. Johnston who discussed Mr. Fer-
guson's theme. A paper was read by Sam T. Jones of the
Uvalde Herald on the same subject.
Secretary Fred B. Robinson stated in his report that
more interest had been manifested in the Association during
the past year, and more new members enrolled at this meet-
ing, than at any preceding annual convention.
J. P. Bridges of the Luling Signal offered this resolu-
153
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tion which was unanimously adopted : "That the members
of the Texas Press Association, appreciating the misfor-
tunes of those confined in the Southwestern Insane Asylum
at San Antonio, agree to mail, regularly, copies of their
papers to the reading room of that institution, and to aid
through their papers in securing donations for the Asylum
library."
A resolution by W. D. Cox of the Bryan Eagle extend-
ing sympathy to the San Antonio Democrat which had twice
suffered complete destruction of its plant by fire, and com-
mending the "gigantic efforts they have made to maintain
a clear and bright paper and the admirable manner in which
they have succeeded," was unanimously adopted.
Fifty dollars was voted for the benefit of the Printers'
Home at Colorado Springs.
The following appeal for aid was read and an appro-
priation of $50 was made in answer thereto :
"To the People of Texas."
"For three years the counties of Starr, Hidalgo, and por-
tions of Zapata and Duval have been subjected to a drouth
of such severity as to render the production of the necessaries
of life impossible.
"The season for planting is passed and we are entering
upon the fourth year of distress with no hope of relief unless
rain can be obtained in the month of June, thus securing a
light fall crop.
"The loss of stock, the depreciation in values of all kinds
of property, the inability of ranchmen to procure money for
payment of taxes, a depleted county treasury, the prevalence
of smallpox through a section extending from San Ignacio
in Zapata county to Rio Grande City in Starr county, and
the baleful effects of the Garza revolution, all combined, have
produced a destitution hitherto unknown. Some of the peo-
ple are using the fresh flesh of cattle that have died from
154
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
disease or starvation .and others are drying the meat for fu-
ture use.
"The famine district contains a population estimated at
fifteen or twenty thousand persons; it is safe to say that
one-fifth of this number require assistance, while the re-
sources of the balance of the population are only adequate
to maintain themselves and families.
"In vain we have appealed to the State for aid, and we
now appeal to the charitable for contributions of corn, sup-
plies and such other aid as they feel disposed to give.
"We respectfully ask that the press throughout the
State give at least one insertion of this appeal."
The following offered by W. A. Shaw of the Texas
Farmer was adopted :
"Whereas, The railroads centering in Texas, and the
Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railway in particular, have done
and are doing much towards attracting immigration and
capital to our State, by scattering broadcast over the coun-
try valuable descriptive and statistical literature, prepared
with much care and published and circulated at great cost
to said railroads ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the press of Texas endorse the course
of said roads in the prosecution of this work, and heartily
co-operate with them to the end that the great natural re-
sources of Texas may be developed and utilized."
The annual poem, dedicated to San Antonio, the original
composition of the talented Miss Virginia Gordon Rock of
the Woodville Eureka, was received with much applause.
T. J. Middleton of the Waxahachie Mirror read a paper on
"The Public and the Press."
The following officers were elected :
President John H. Copeland, San Antonio News;
First Vice President A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
Second Vice President Frank P. Holland, Farm and Ranch,
Dallas;
Third Vice President W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
155
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Secretary Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Treasurer Tom B. Johnson, San Antonio Light.
Executive Committee:
First District R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second District Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District J. F. Mitchell, Greenville Banner;
Fourth District F. H. Gaines, Paris News;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas;
Seventh District J. D. Shaw, Independent Pulpit, Waco;
Eighth District J. C. Son, Palo Pinto Star;
Ninth District Mrs. Julia Truitt Bishop, Home Corner, Aus-
tin;
Tenth District Hamilton Stuart, Galveston News;
Eleventh District Sam T. Jones, Uvalde Herald;
Twelfth District R. W. Coleman, San Antonio Truth;
Thirteenth District^Mrs. M. R. Walton, Ft. Worth Gazette.
A gold headed cane was presented to Retiring President
Mitchell. Strong resolutions in regard to the killing of W.
C. Bowen, editor of the Cotulla Ledger, and denouncing "the
strange verdict of an American jury" were adopted. Dallas
was elected as the next place of meeting over Llano and
Galveston, Houston having been withdrawn.
The following were appointed delegates to the National
Editorial Association to be held at San Francisco, California :
Mrs. L. E. Foute, A. B. Norton, F. Brady, J. L. Watson,
Alex Wynne, J. C. Reubell, J. D. Slawson, G. W. Rose, W.
H. Neel, A. C. Valdez, G. M. Martin, F. M. McCaleb, W. D.
Cox, J. H. Copeland, B. C. Murray, N. A. Cravens, T. B.
Johnson, F. P. Holland, E. E. Overall, G. M. Lassater, Mrs.
M. R. Walton, R. W. Coleman, F. B. Robinson.
Excursions were made to Rockport, Aransas Pass and
Velasco. Gold headed canes were presented to W. A. Bowen
and C. A. Edwards by the excursionists.
156
Fourteenth Annual Convention 1893
THE fourteenth annual convention was held in the city of
Dallas beginning May 9, 1893. It was called to order
in the City Hall by President Copeland of the San Antonio
Chronicle. The address of welcome was by Dr. A. M. Coch-
ran, acting for Mayor Connor who was unable to be present.
President Copeland responded to the address of welcome.
At roll call the following responded :
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger ; F. B. Baillio, Cleburne Review ; D. L.
Beach, Gonzales Inquirer ; Wm. C. Blakeslee, Hallettsville New Era ; Mrs. C.
Bryarly, Center Champion Press; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal; Mrs. L. C.
Clifton, Farmersville Times ; J. H. Copeland, San Antonio Chronicle ; A. S. Crisp,
Cuero Star; W. D. Cox, Bryan Eagle; Chas. Culmore, Houston Daily Press; J. W.
Dale, Iowa Park Texan ; W. W. Dexter, Ft. Worth Trade Review ; O. F. Dorn-
blaser, Grandview Sentinel ; Chas. A. Edwards, Velasco Times ; W/m. Foster, Decatur
Messenger; F. H. Gaines, Paris News; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; Perry Haw-
kins, Taylor Journal ; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post ; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio
Light; D. C. Kolp, Iowa Park Center; L. D. Lillard, Fairfield Recorder; W. L.
Malone, Fort Worth Gazette ; Geo. M. Martin, Pleasanton Monitor ; T. W. Mc-
Connell, Sunset Signal ; Geo. A. McNaughton, Hayes County Times ; J. G. Murphy,
San Angelo Standard; A. B. Norton, Dallas Intelligencer; E. E. Overall, Stock-
man and Farmer, San Antonio ; O. Paget, Merchants and Manufacturers' Journal,
Dallas; P. H. Pardue, Waxahachie Democrat; E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen-Demo-
crat; Mark Riley, Brackett News; J. C. Reubell, Wolfe City Sun; J. D. Shaw,
Waco Independent Pulpit ; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas ; F. C. Thompson,
McKinney Democrat; S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief; N. G. Watts, Omaha Sift-
ings ; R. Wilson, Lockhart Register, Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise ; W. D.
Adams, Forney Tribune; D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News; Mrs. Julia Truitt Bishop,
Austin Home Corner; O. W. Bradley, Arlington Herald; J. B. Cranfill, Baptist
Standard, Waco; S. M. Carleton, Ennis Review; G. W. Coleman, Henrietta Inde-
pendent; N. A. Cravens, Willis Index; M. J. Cox, Midland Gazette; J. H. Cullom,
Garland News ; Mrs. Fannie Culmore, Houston Daily Press ; J. H. Davis, Sulphur
Springs Alliance Vindicator; F. Doremus, Dallas News; W. C. Easterling, Del
Rio Record; S. P. Evans, Van Alstyne News; W. E. Foster, Canton Telephone;
C. E. Gilbert, Dallas Times-Herald; E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald; F. P. Hol-
land, Farm and Ranch; R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass; J. O. Jones,
Mexia Ledger; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; F. A. Lockhart, Pittsburg
Gazette; H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror;
J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner ; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer ; W. H.
Neel, Dublin Leader; W. H. Orr, Itasca Mail; J. A. Padon, Longview Clarion;
J. S. Penn, Laredo Times; T. W. Perkins, W T ylie Rustler; G. F. Pierson, Henrietta
Chieftain ; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Review ; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville
Item ; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle ; H. J. Strickfaden, Henrietta Herald ;
A. C. Valdez, San Antonio El Heraldo ; Mrs. M. R. Walton, Fort Worth Gazette;
157
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
H. E. Wilson, Taylor Texan; James Wlilliams, Denton Chronicle; Chas. F. Yeager,
Waxahachie Enterprise.
The following committees were appointed :
Resolutions]. H. Davis, H. P. Jones, D. L. Beach, Alex
Wynne, E. W. Harris;
Revision of Roll W. A. Adair, Mrs. C. Bryarly, R. Wil-
son, R. A. Musgrove, G. A. McNaughton, F. M. McCaleb ;
Membership W. A. Shaw, Mark Riley, H. W. Manson,
C. F. Lehmann, Perry Hawkins ;
Constitution P. H. Pardue, T. W. Perkins, J. B. Cran-
fill, A. C. Valdez, M. J. Cox, W. E. Gilliland ;
Finance R. M. Johnston, Mrs. Julia Truitt Bishop, T. J.
Middleton, C. F. Yeager, B. C. Murray ;
Memorials O .Paget, Mrs. M. R. Walton, H. D. Cad-
well, O. F. Dornblaser, J. D. Shaw.
An invitation from the Dallas News was received, in-
viting the editors to visit its plant and witness the operation
of its new Inset press.
The executive committee reported its belief that the in-
terests and finances of the Association were in splendid con-
dition. It also stated that an excursion at the close of the
convention had been arranged to the \Vorld's Columbian
Exposition at Chicago. This was accomplished through the
efforts of a sub-committee appointed for the purpose, con-
sisting of Frank P. Holland, W. A. Shaw, A. C. Scurlock
and the secretary. The route selected was via the Texas
and Pacific, Iron Mountain and Wabash railways.
The secretary reported $602 collected as fees and dues.
The treasurer's report showed $626.25 collected and $424.10
expended, leaving a balance of $202.15 on hand. The treas-
urer further reported that his report did not include the
$602 paid him by the secretary at this meeting; that after
deducting $284,60 for the expenses and appropriations voted
at this convention there would remain a balance of approxi-
mately $519.55.
The following were elected to membership :
158
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
J. R. Briggs, Dallas Health Journal ; J. L. Wilson, Sherman Courier ; S. A.
Fishburn, Dallas Sunday Sandwich ; W. S. Arnold, Lampasas Dispatch ; J. R. Rose,
Texas and Southwestern Railroad Guide ; Mrs. Olive B. Lee, Current Topics, Dal-
las ; S. R. Boyd, Hubbard Pick and Pan; R. B. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Ocie Speer, Roby Call; W. L. Sargent, Courier Observer, Corsicana ; Mrs. Annie
bmythe, Longview Clarion ; Robert Carver, Greenville Banner ; R. W. Hearn, Bre-
mond Star; W. M. Warlick, Arlington Democrat; Pitt Henslee, Merkel Mail; G.
E. Bovee, Abilene Gossip ; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise ; Geo. H. Black,
Lafayette Iron Record; M. M. Williams, Taylor Sentinel; D. O. Lively, Dallas
Times-Herald ; Marcus Boren, Carthage Watchman ; John F. Houx, Hempstead
News ; Mark Hamilton, Tyler Democrat and Reporter ; A. L. Kemper, Comanche
Exponent ; L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Port Lavacaen ; T. S. Hamilton, Italy News ;
H. H. Childers, Waco Day-Globe; Henry Hutchins, Austin Evening News; Milton
Park, Dallas Mercury ; Chas. Boner, Montague Democrat ; T. J. Carraway, Nacog-
doches Star-News; John Church, McKinney Examiner; J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo
Springs Javelin; Lee J. Rountree, Kyle Star-Vindicator; L. A. McCollister, Gordon
Courier ; Joe Taylor, Clarksville Times ; Rosser Thomas, Hillsboro Reflector ; D. S.
Mayes, Whitney Messenger; W. S. Givens, Hillsboro Register; L. Blaylock, Texas
Christian Advocate ; Ed J. Keist, Dallas Guide ; J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone ;
A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Light ; R. W. Martin, Gatesville Messenger ; G. B. Har-
ris, Bruceville Herald ; Chas. W. Gordon ; Franklin Central Texan ; Miss May
Foster, Laredo News ; J. S. Poyner, Bartlett Democrat ; Eugene Moore, Stephen-
ville Empire ; G. O. Hunter, Sherman Democrat ; B. L. Cornwell, Midlothian
Argus ; W. W. Anderson, Velasco World ; W. J. Douglass, Victoria Review ; John
R. Hedges, Dallas News ; Daniel Cruz, San Antonio El Haraldo.
On motion of the secretary permission was given Mrs. Isa-
dore Miner to transfer her membership from the Michigan
to the Texas Press Association.
Frank P. Holland offered the following which was adopt-
ed :
"Recognizing the importance of educating and encourag-
ing the people of Texas to beautify and make comfortable
their homes, we, the members of the Texas Press Association,
hereby pledge ourselves to lend our influence in advancing
the horticultural development of Texas. The object of the
State Horticultural Society is to encourage this development,
and we hereby request every member of the Press Associa-
tion to give notice through his paper of the meeting of the
State Horticultural Society, to be held at Rockport, on June
20, next."
A communication was received from Charles A. Mc-
Lean, mayor of Laredo, inviting the Association to hold its
next meeting in that city. Colonel John N. Simpson, presi-
159
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
dent of the Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition, invited
the editors to visit the Fair grounds at 4 p. m., Thursday,
where a "spread" would be prepared.
W. A. Shaw, F. P. Holland, John H. Cullom and W. E.
Gilliland were appointed a committee to devise ways and
means of assisting Frank Vernon of the Cisco Round-Up in
his affliction and distress and report their findings to the
Association on the morrow, which they did as follows:
"We, your committee appointed to recommend the best
method of assisting our fellow member, Frank Vernon of the
Cisco Round-Up, whose office was recently destroyed and
himself and wife seriously injured by a destructive cyclone,
beg leave to report as follows :
"We recommend that a donation of $100.00 in cash be
made from the treasury to Bro. Vernon, and that a com-
mittee of two be appointed to solicit personal subscriptions
for his benefit, the committee to be composed of W. E. Gilli-
land and S. M. Vernon."
T. J. Middleton moved that $300 additional be donated
to Mr. Vernon, but the motion failed to carry.
Papers were read by Mesdames Julia Truitt Bishop, R. S.
Bryarly, and M. R. Walton on "Woman's Achievements and
Inspirations in Journalism."
Mrs. A. H. Mohl of the Houston Post made an address
in regard to woman's connection with the press, and an-
nounced that the ladies engaged in journalistic and literary work
in the State would meet in the parlors of the Winsor hotel at 3
p. m., for the purpose of organizing a press association of
their own.
Perry Hawkins of the Taylor Journal made an address
on the subject of "Women in the Field of Journalism" in
which he referred very tenderly and lovingly to the ladies
and said they had proved a success in everything they had
so far attempted, and the field of journalism was no excep-
tion. But he did not believe they had received the encourage-
160
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
meiit their abilities deserved. He said his exchanges which
had female writers were always the first read. He, however,
discouraged the movement on foot to organize a separate
association of the women, asserting that their presence at the
conventions of the men had a tendency to banish wine from
the banquets.
W. A. Shaw of the Texas Farmer made an address on
"The Newspaper Man as a Legislator" and said, in sub-
stance, that the newspaper man who runs for office has not
the proper conception of the high calling of journalism. If
the office sought the man the case might be different, but the
office never seeks. The editor who has not behind his busi-
ness a conviction of duty to his patrons is unworthy to be
called an editor, and it would perhaps be better if he did not
run for the legislature. He thought the editor could do more
good by staying at home and editing his paper in a fearless
and independent manner than by going to the legislature,
since he can through his paper compel a better administra-
tion of public affairs from constable up to president, and
thus bring about a better civilization, "which the Lord knows
is sadly enough needed," while as a legislator he can do no
good whatever.
President Copeland announced to the Association an
invitation to attend the meeting of the woman suffragists at
the Knights of Pythias hall. R. M. Johnston of the Houston
Post did not object to acceptance of the invitation if the
object and intention of it was that the Association was to
attend merely as spectators. Judge A. B. Norton of Nor-
ton's Intelligencer said, "the dearest of all objects is woman;"
and as such an invitation had been extended, he moved it
be accepted with thanks.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
First Vice President Frank P. Holland, Texas Farm and Ranch,
Dallas;
Second Vice President W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
161
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Third Vice President John H. Cullom, Garland News;
Secretary Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light.
Executive Committee:
First District N. A. Cravens, Willis Index;
Second District Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District E. W. Harris, Clarksville Herald;
Fourth District J. J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District Frank Doremus, Dallas News;
Seventh District J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit;
Eighth District S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief;
Ninth District J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Tenth District C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Eleventh District A. S. Cri'sp, Cuero Star;
Twelfth District J. G. Murphy, San Angelo Standard;
Thirteenth District H. J. Strickfaden, Henrietta Herald.
Mrs. Nellie Paget, at earnest solicitation, had prepared
an original poem for the occasion, but being unavoidably ab-
sent, the poem was read by her husband, O. Paget. The sub-
ject, "Light The Press." A paper was read by O. F. Dorn-
blaser of the Grandview Sentinel on the "Duties of the
Press."
Keist & Myers announced that they were publishing
a paper, "The Guide," in the interest of the craft and offered
to publish free all communications and matters pertaining
to the Association and solicited from members all matter
bearing upon the good and welfare of the craft.
W. E. Gilliland, for the committee on Constitution and
By-Laws presented the following:
"Resolved, That the Constitution and By-Laws of this
Association be so amended as to read as follows :
"Article III. All bona fide proprietors or editors of
newspapers or periodicals published in Texas, not less fre-
quently than once a month, and which have been in existence
not less than three months, shall be entitled to membership
in the Association; provided, said applicant has been con-
nected with said publication, either as editor or proprietor,
162
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
for a period of not less than three months; provided, further,
that this article shall not be so construed as to debar ac-
knowledged professional newspaper men, who are members
of this Association, but temporarily out of the business or
employment and now engaged in other business, from being
placed on the honorary membership roll of this Association,
and from being restored to full membership, by returning
to active newspaper work, without further action of this
body ; provided, that regular dues shall be collected from such
honorary members upon their return to the Association for
the full time as if an active member; and, further, that mem-
bers so temporarily retiring shall immediately inform the sec-
retary of the Association of said retirement, and also of his
return to active work. The election for membership shall
in all cases be by ballot three black ballots shall reject
and no motion shall be made to evade this provision. And,
provided, further, all ex-presidents of this Association shall
be eligible to membership in this Association."
After inserting, on motion of L. D. Lillard, the word
"subscription" before the word "newspapers," the report was
adopted.
The Committee on Resolutions submitted a resolution
which provided that members of the Association who are not
actively engaged in newspaper work, or who are not so
situated as to be able to render quid pro con to railroads for
courtesies extended on account of membership in the Asso-
ciation, should not be entitled to such courtesies.
President Copeland said the resolution was out of or-
der, that the Constitution prescribed who were eligible to
membership, and members of the Association were all
equally entitled to courtesies. Perry Hawkins was of opinion
that when a member of the Association in good standing
makes application to the railroads for transportation, the
railroads grant it on the reciprocity idea and expect to be
paid in advertising; when a man, whose connection with
163
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
newspaper work is transient, becomes a member of the Asso-
ciation, and because of such membership requests courtesies
which he is not able to return, then to that extent the or-
ganization is compromised. He concluded: "I do not favor
the idea of getting something for nothing." D. C. Kolp op-
posed the resolution on the ground that: "If we are mem-
bers we are members ; and the Constitution is broad enough
and explicit enough to protect the Association." He con-
sidered the resolution in the nature of "class legislation."
In support of the resolution Frank P. Holland said: "The
railroads extend these courtesies to the press because they
expect to get paid for them in advertising. This Association
does not want to accept anything that it can not pay for;
whenever it does, then I am no longer a member." R. Wil-
son of the-Lockhart Register indorsed Holland's position.
The resolution was adopted unanimously.
B. L. Cornwell of the Midlothian Argus announced that
Ellis county, with the largest weekly press of any county in
the State, had a flourishing county press association. It
was announced that Montague .county, with nine weekly
papers, had a similar organization. Fort Worth was elected
as the next place of meeting over Waco, Laredo and Lam-
pasas.
Frank P. Holland addressed the convention on "The
Press and the World's Fair, and How to Make the Most of
Our Time There."
A resolution was adopted pledging the Association, in
the future as- in the past, to give unqualified indorsement
and support to the Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition ;
and to urge upon the people of the entire State the imperative
necessity of their hearty co-operation and support.
The following was adopted, unanimously:
"Whereas, A combination or trust of twenty-three type
founders has been formed in this country which, according
to the statement of its western manager, failed of being an
164
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
absolute monopoly only because of the failure of its proprie-
tors to induce three or four type founders to join it; and
"Whereas, We believe the said organization to be an il-
legal body, hostile alike to the laws of the land and to the in-
stincts and best interests of the people, since its evident pur-
pose, self-confessed in its prospectus issued for the purpose
of inducing investors to purchase stock, is to largely ad-
vance prices of printers' material; and
"Whereas, There is in Chicago one large type foundry,
and in New York and Philadelphia three other independent
foundries which have refused to join this trust; therefore,
be it
"Resolved, That we pledge to the independent foundries
our support in their fight against the combination, so long
as they shall maintain their independent attitude ; and that
we will, with our patronage and, so far as we can influence
it, with the patronage of our craft in general, uphold them
and rebuke the trust for this attempt to take our business by
the throat and to extort from us exorbitant rates for their
goods; and be it further
"Resolved, That so long as the independent foundries
do not advance prices but meet us in a fair spirit of con-
cession, we will not be induced by temporary large reduc-
tions in prices on the part of the trust to thus aid them in
crushing out opposition and establishing a monopoly."
A resolution was adopted expressing appreciation of the
great work Dr. R. C. Buckner was accomplishing in provid-
ing a home for and educating dependent orphans, and ask-
ing the members of the Association to give as much space
as possible in the interest of Buckner's Orphans Home.
The entertainment at the Fair Grounds was a pleasant
affair, punctuated by eloquence and a good time generally.
Memorial resolutions were adopted in memory of J. P.
Bridges, R. W. Coleman, J. F. Mitchell, Miss Virginia Gor-
don Rock and J. J. Haggarty.
165
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The motion of Perry Hawkins that $50 be donated out
of the Association treasury to Buckner's Orphans Home be-
ing opposed, the motion was withdrawn after several amend-
ments had been offered. Thereupon Frank P. Holland stated
that he had incurred an expense of fully $50 in arranging
for the Chicago excursion and requested that said sum be
granted him from the treasury. Warrant for same having
been issued, Holland said he would donate the amount to
the Home. W. A. Shaw said he approved Holland's lib-
erality but protested against any credit being given therefor
to the Association. It was finally decided that Holland could
donate the money, but not in the name of the Association.
On motion of B. C. Murray the following was adopted:
"Amend second line of Article III of the Constitution
so as to hereafter read as follows : 'And an annual due of
$1' instead of an annual due of $2."
The following were appointed as delegates to the Na-
tional Editorial Association : Frank P. Holland, A. B. Nor-
ton, J. L. Watson, C. F. Lehmann, A. C. Valdez, S. M. Ver-
non, Alex Wynne, W. S. Arnold, Will H. Sargent, E. S.
Peters.
The excursion was to the WorlcTs Fair at Chicago and
was said to have been the most largely attended and one of
the most enjoyable ever taken by the Association.
166
Fifteenth Annual Convention 1894
THE fifteenth annual convention was held in the City
Hall in Fort Worth beginning June 26, 1894. It was
called to order by President A. C. Scurlock of the Cleburne
Chronicle. The invocation was by Rev. M. W. Daggett of
Fort Worth. The address of welcome was delivered by
George B. Loving of the Fort Worth Live Stock Journal.
Response to the address of welcome was by President Scur-
lock.
On call of the roll the following responded :
W. A. Adair,' Marshall Messenger ; L. Blaylock, Texas Christian Advocate ;
Robert Carver, Greenville Banner ; J. B. Cranfill, Waco Baptist Standard ; W. D.
Cox, Temple Tribune; Chas. Culmore, Houston Daily Press; J. W. Dale, Denton
Baptist Visitor; F. Doremus, Dallas News; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; J. S. Hart,
El Paso Times; John Hoeny, Jr., Abilene Reporter; R. M. Johnston, Houston
Post ; I. V. Jolly, Lewisville Our Church Helper ; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Light ;
E. J. Keist, Dallas Publishers Guide ; D. O. Lively, Dallas Dispatch ; Mrs. Isadore
Miner, Dallas News; S. H. McBride, Victoria Advocate; W. B. Newton, Vernon
Texan; Milton Park, Dallas Mercury; T. W. Perkins, Wylie Rustler; G. F.
Pierson, Fort Worth Gazette ; J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner ; Lee J. Rountree,
Kyle Star- Vindicator ; W. L. Sargent, Corsicana Observer; A. C. Scurlock, Cle-
burne Chronicle; Mrs. A. E. Smythe, Dallas - ; J. L. McCaleb; Carrizo
Springs Javelin; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Review; H. J. Strickfaden, Henrietta
Herald; F. C. Thompson, McKinney Democrat; A. C. Valdez, San Antonio El
Heraldo; Mrs. M. R. Walton, Fort Worth Gazette; R. Wilson, Lockhart Register;
Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise ; F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin ; H. D. Cad-
well, Gainesville Signal ; B. L. Cornwell, Midlothian Argus ; M. J. Cox, Mesquite
Mesquiter ; John H. Cullom, Garland News ; Mrs. Fannie Culmore, Houston Daily
Press ; W. W. Dexter, Houston Trade Review ; W. J. Douglass, Yoakum Graphic ;
R. W. rtaltom, Nacogdoches Chronicle ; Pitt Henslee, Merkel Mail ; F. P. Holland,
Texas Farm and Ranch; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light ; H. P. Jones, Milford
Courier; A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Ledger; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald ;
H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror; W. H.
Neel, Dublin Leader; P. H. Pardue, Waxahachie Democrat; S. F. Perry, Florence
Reporter; E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen-Democrat; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne
Enterprise; G. W. Rose, Cisco Round-Up ; Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
J. Y. Schenck, Caddo, I. T., Banner; J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit;
J. C. Son, Palo Pinto Star; L. A. McCollister, Gordon Courier; Eugene Moore,
Stephenville Empire ; Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times ; Frank Vernon, Cisco
Round-Up; S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief; W. M. Warlick, Dallas Democrat;
James Williams, Denton Chronicle.
The following committees were appointed:
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Membership C. F. Lehmann, J. G. Rankin, H. J. Strick-
faden, W. J. Douglas ;
Constitution and By-Laws R. M. Johnston, F. B. Bail-
lio, H. P. Jones, W. W. Dexter, Lee J. Rountree ;
Resolutions R. Wilson, J. D. Shaw, H. D. Cadwell,
R. W. Haltom, John Hoeny, Jr. ;
Revision of Roll W. E. Gilliland, Alex Wynne, J. R.
Ransone, Jr., J. W. Dale;
Finance E. G. Senter, Frank Vernon, M. J. Cox, W. A.
Adair, John H. Cullom.
The executive committee reported that an excursion
at the close of the convention had been arranged to Asbury
Park, New Jersey, the route to be over the Texas and Pa-
cific, Iron Mountain, Big Four, Lake Shore, and New York
Central railways. The executive committee further reported
that they had decided that the order passed at the last an-
nual convention reducing the dues to one dollar a year had
not been passed in a legal way, and that they, the executive
committee, had instructed the secretary to collect two dol-
lars, as heretofore, unless other action was taken by the
Association.
The report of the secretary showed that $268 had been
collected as dues and fees. It further showed that he had
taken advantage of an order of the Association which had
fallen into disuse, and had issued bulletins warning the mem-
bers against known frauds and doubtful pay advertisers, to-
gether with such other matters as were deemed of interest
to the craft. He was requested to continue the good work.
The treasurer reported a balance of $295.55 on hand.
The following were elected to membership :
Will C. Perry, Ennis Meteor; H. E. Burns, Wylie Rustler; Lee Lankford,
Sealy News ; E. G. Senter, Fort Worth Gazette ; C. B. Gillespie, Forney Tribune ;
T. G. Mcllvain, Itasca Mail; Will G. Durritt, Waxahachie Times; J. L. Robinson,
Jewett Messenger; Miss Augusta Wilson, Timpson Times; Mrs. Virginia Q. Goff,
Dallas Times-Herald; Miss Sallie Herndon, Stephenville Journal; W. P. Blake,
Clarendon Industrial West; Miss Lelia Trumbull, Hutto CRurch Helper; E. K.
Atwood, Cotulla Ledger; W. J. Buie, Whitewright Plow and Hammer; J. K. P.
Shirley, Parker County News ; Miss E. Hendrick, Smithville Times ; Geo. B. Lov-
168
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
ing, Fort Worth Stock Journal ; Miss Margaret Bruin, Waxahachie Times ; W. A.
Johnson, Hall County Herald.
Lee J. Rountree having preferred charges against * * *,
a former president of the Association, the charges were re-
ferred to a committee consisting of John H. Cullom, F. B.
Baillio and J. D. Shaw. The report of the committee was to
the effect that "inasmuch as the said * * * had not paid his
annual dues, and for other causes known to the members
of this body, and for other causes not necessary here to re-
cite, this committee recommends that the name of the said
* * * be, and is hereby, stricken from the roll of member-
ship of the Texas Press Association ; and that he be no long-
er considered a member of this Association, honorary or
otherwise." The committee further reported that "after care-
ful consideration of the status of * * *, and the laws ap-
plicable to his case, in its opinion he is not eligible to mem-
bership under the clause in the Constitution alluding to ex-
presidents." After discussion, the report of the committee
was adopted without dissent.
W. E. Gilliland offered an amendment to the Constitu-
tion providing that the initiation fee be fixed at $10 and the
annual dues be reduced from $2 to $1. This was referred
to the committee on Constitution and By-Laws.
A reception was attended at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
C. H. Silliman where a beautiful silk flag of the State of
Texas was presented to the Association by those good peo-
ple. The flag was received by J. D. Shaw, for the Associa-
tion, in an eloquent and patriotic speech.
F. B. Baillio read a paper on "The Humanity of the
Press." E. G. Senter was on the program for a paper on
"The Ethics of the Press." He had not prepared a paper
but, in discussing his subject, he said he favored a general
standard of ethics for the profession and that, for other
things, the press should be guarded from disrepute; that as
it now happened, newspaper men were looked upon as
menials to do the bidding of the public, some man of which
169
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
sometimes felt at liberty to come to a newspaper office and
tell the editor what he should do and what he should or
should not say; that the newspapers should be the servants
of the whole people and not of any individual. He plead for
that financial independence which would put the makers of
newspapers in a good position commercially, socially and
every other way. He spoke in favor of the personality and
individuality of the press which should speak out with a
power and a soul that would command respect if it com-
manded nothing more. Mrs. S. Isadore Miner read a paper
on "What Can Be Done to Improve the Average Woman's
and Children's Departments in Newspapers?" Mrs. C.
Bryarly sent a paper on "The Country Editor's Wife," which
was read by Secretary Robinson.
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following which was adopted without dissent:
"Resolved, That no one shall be eligible to membership
in this Association who does not own a proprietary interest
in some newspaper printed in the State of Texas, or is regu-
larly employed or actively engaged in the editorial or business de-
partment of such newspaper as a regular business or profession ;
and it is especially understood that those persons running
or conducting department pages and columns of any nature
whatsoever are not considered as eligible members of this
Association."
Waco was selected as the next place of meeting, Dallas
having been withdrawn.
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following which was adopted :
"We submit for your consideration and action, and with-
out any recommendation on our part, the following substi-
tute for Article VIII of the Constitution which was re-
ferred to us :
"Every member shall pay an initiation fee of $10 and
an annual due of $1 for the use of this Association, the $11
170
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
to accompany each application. All members who fail to
comply with this requirement and are one year in arrears,
after sixty days previous notice by the secretary of said
Association, shall be stricken from the rolls."
A poem by James Graham of Nashville, Tennessee, "The
Country Editor," was read, by request, by Miss Mary Ma-
lone. S. M. Vernon read a paper on the "Ethics of ^ Jour-
nalism." John G. Rankin read a paper on "In How Small a
Town Will a Daily Newspaper Pay?"
The committee on necrology submitted resolutions in re-
gard to the deaths of Judge A. B. Norton, Colonel W. L.
Malone, Mrs. Laura E. Foute, and G. R. Parsons. Also
resolutions of sympathy with B. C. Murray in the death
of his wife, Mrs. Amanda Murray ; and with L. D. Lillard in
the death of his wife.
The following officers were elected :
President Frank P. Holland, Texas Farm and Ranch, Dallas;
First Vice President W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
Second Vice President John H. Cullom, Garland News;
Third Vi'ce President F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin;
Secretary Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Treasurer T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light.
Executive Committee:
First District L D. 'Lillard, Fairfield Recorder;
Second District Alex Wynne, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District Robert Carver, Greenville Banner;
Fourth District J. J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
Seventh District E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen-Democrat;
Eighth District W. H. Neel, Dublin Leader;
Ninth District J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Tenth District C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Eleventh District L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Port Lavacaen;
Twelfth District W. A. Guthrie, San Angelo Standard;
Thirteenth District R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Review.
The following was adopted unanimously :
"Whereas, The management of the State Fair is putting
171
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
forth every effort this season to present an entertainment
that will in all respects excel that of previous years ; and
"Whereas, The State Fair is deserving the aid and en-
couragement of all patriotic citizens, since the benefits that
accrue therefrom are distributed throughout the State; be it
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this meeting to give
our unanimous indorsement to the Fair management in their
work, and that whatever aid or assistance we can render the
same will be cheerfully given with the hope that the grandest
of all fairs may be given this fall and the result, in every
respect, prove a success financially and otherwise."
After lengthy discussion, the following by R. M. John-
ston, was adopted :
"Whereas, It is believed that the best and truest inter-
ests of this organization will be subserved by eliminating
the seemingly all dominant excursion idea ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That it is the wish of this Association that
no general excursion be prepared or solicited for the .next
two years ; or, at least, that the excursion idea be eliminated
from the Association sessions."
The motion of W. D. Cox that the second Tuesday in
May each year be fixed as the time for the annual conven-
tions was adopted without opposition.
W. E. Gilliland read a paper on "The Use of the Scis-
sors."
Rev. Dr. R. C. Buckner of Buckner's Orphans Home
addressed the convention, saying among other things that
while he was father to 350 little orphans, more than 1,000
in the State called him "father ;" he thanked the press for the
many kind favors rendered the Home and expressed grati-
fication at the good work being done in the interest of edu-
cation by the editors of Texas. He made a strong plea for
the Home, presenting facts and figures of interest concerning
its workings. A collection was taken and a neat sum was
raised for the Home. Rev. G. W. Armstrong complimented
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HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
the editors on the good work being done and expressed
special gratification at woman's prominence in Texas journalism,
and said from this fact he anticipated much good.
The following by the committee on resolutions was
adopted :
"Whereas, The Woman's Press Association has honored
the Texas Press Association by holding its annual conven-
tion at the same time and place with it; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association appreciate
their efforts for the betterment of the Texas press in all de-
partments; and that we wish for them great success in the
maintenance and perpetuation of their organization."
After the reading of an editorial from the St. Louis
Globe-Democrat, entitled "The Decadence of Texas," Colonel
Frank P. Holland offered the following which was adopted:
"Resolved, That we, members of the Texas Press Asso-
ciation, and Texans by birth or adoption, having a more exact
knowledge of the conditions that prevail in Texas than can
possibly be at the command of a paper that lives to villify
the Southland, most emphatically place the seal of our con-
demnation upon this and similar publications as being cal-
culated, and indeed intended, though this we say with pro-
found regret, to injure the credit, fame and prosperity of
Texas, justly the empire State of the South. The assertions of
facts relating to the prosperity of the State, or the lessening
of its prosperity are unqualifiedly false. We invite all who
would learn and know the truth, and who are unwilling to
accept the assertions of the children of Texas as true, to
come to us and be convinced that the editorial of the St.
Louis Globe-Democrat of May 8, last, entitled 'The Deca-
dence of Texas' has but little, if any more foundation than
the malignancy of a jaundiced mind."
Charges of misconduct were preferred against * * *,
and on motion of W. E. Gilliland, * * * was expelled from
membership in the Association; and the secretary was in-
173
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
structed to notify the National Editorial Association of the
action of this body.
A resolution of sympathy was voted Robert Carver in
the death of his wife.
The motion to reconsider the resolution, doing away
with annual excursions for the next two years and divorcing
the excursion feature from the business meetings, was tabled
21 to 20.
W. D. Cox read a paper on "How to Make Our Annual
Meetings More Profitable." Mrs. M. R. Walton read a
paper on "Woman's Influence in Journalism."
On motion of Lee J. Rountree, the delegates to the
National Editorial Association were instructed, in inviting
that organization to hold its next annual convention in Tex-
as, to advocate Dallas as the place of meeting.
The committee on Constitution and by-laws recommend-
ed the following which was adopted:
"Resolved, .That a committee of four, one of whom shall
be the secretary of this Association, be appointed by the
President at each annual meeting to take charge of the mat-
ter of printing necessary for this Association, making con-
tract for the same, etc."
The following by W. E. Gilliland was adopted:
"Lest any question arise as to the amount of dues to
be collected for 1894, be it
"Resolved, That it is distinctly understood the amount
to be collected is $1."
A communication was read from the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union returning thanks for many favors
in the past throughout the State by individual journals, and
asking further aid and assistance.
A gold headed cane was presented to the retiring presi-
dent.
The excursion was to New York City, Asbury Park, New
Jersey, etc., over the Texas and Pacific, Iron Mountain, Big
Four, Lake Shore, and N. Y. Central railways.
174
Sixteenth Annual Convention 1895
THE sixteenth annual convention was called to order by
President Frank P. Holland of the Texas Farm and
Ranch at the City Hall in Waco on May 16, 1895. Rev.
Frank Page of St. Paul's church delivered the invocation.
J. D. Shaw of the Waco Independent Pulpit made the ad-
dress of welcome which was responded to by Juan S. Hart
of the El Paso Times.
The following committees were appointed :
Membership C. F. Lehmann, R. A. Musgrove, R. C.
Johnson, B. C. Murray, F. B. Baillio ;
Constitution and By-Laws W. A. Shaw, Eugene Moore,
W. H. Neel, Sam Vernon, John H. Cullom ;
Resolutions J. G. Rankin, J. L. Robinson, Mrs. C.
Bryarly, J. D. Shaw, C. Valdez;
Revision of Roll R. Wilson, E. S. Peters, J. R. Ransone,
Jr., Frank Gaston, W. L. Sargent;
Finance Louis Blaylock, M. J. Cox, J. E. Vernor, Frank
Vernon, P. H. Pardue.
The following members responded to call of the roll:
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger; L. Blaylock, Texas Christian Advocate;
W. J. Buie, Whitewdght Plow and Hammer; H. H. Childers, Houston Post;
J. B. Cranfill, Waco Baptist Standard; W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune; J. W. Dale,
Decatur Free Press; W. J. Douglas, Yoakum Graphic; J. S. Hart, El Paso Times;
F. P. Holland, Texas Farm and Ranch; T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light; J. O.
Jones, Mexia Courier ; E. J. Keist, Dallas Publishers' Guide ; C. F. Lehmann,
Hallettsville Herald; H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success; R. W. Martin, Gatesville
Messenger; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; Eugene Moore, Stephenville Em-
pire; W. H. Neel, Dublin Leader; W. H. Orr, El Campo Eagle; Will C. Perry,
Ennis Daily Meteor; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; G. W. Rose, Whites-
boro News; J. L. Robinson, Lexington Herald; A. C. Scurlock, Cleburne Chronicle;
J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit; Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times; A. C.
Valdez, San Antonio El Heraldo ; S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief; J. V. Watkins,
Waco Morning News; F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin; S. R. Boyd, Hubbard City
News; Mrs. C. Bryarly, Center Champion Press; B. L. Cornwell, Midlothian
Argus; M. J. Cox, Rockwall Register; John H. Cullom, Garland News; F. Dore-
mus, Dallas News; Frank Gaston, Granbury News; Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal;
R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass; W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald; A. N.
175
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Justiss, Corsicana Courier- Light ; Mrs. Olive B. Lee, Dallas Period; D. O. Lively,
Fort Worth Live Stock Journal; Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin; Mrs. Isa-
dore Miner, Dallas News ; R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Review ; D. J. Moffitt,
Pilot Point Post-Mirror; W. B. Newton, Vernon Texan; P. H. Pardue, Waxa-
hachie Democrat; E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen-Democrat; J. G. Rankin, Brenham
Banner; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item; W. L. Sargent, Greenville Headlight;
E. G. benter, Fort Worth Gazette; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas; Frank
Vernon, Cisco Round-Up ; J. E. Vernor, Goldthwaite Mountaineer; F. B. Whipkey,
West Times ; R. Wilson, Lockhart Register.
Announcement was made that the Southwestern Tele-
graph and Telephone Company had placed a long distance
telephone booth in the Pacific Hotel for the free use of the
members of the Association. An invitation was received
from Colonel Parrott insisting that the members visit the
Natatorium and bathe free of charge. John M. Connor, on
behalf of the Citizen's Railway Company, invited the Asso-
ciation to take a ride over its lines and view the city. W. G.
Cooper, chief of the department of promotion of the Cotton
States International Exposition of Atlanta, Georgia, extended
an invitation to visit Atlanta during the Exposition.
Thanks were extended for all these courtesies, and for
flowers presented by E. G. Myers of Dallas for the platform
and President's stand.
The finance committee reported $282.10 on hand after all
expenses had been paid.
The following were elected to membership:
B. F. Oliver, Farmersville Times; Edgar Rye, Graham Register; R. R. Lively,
Colorado City Times; Henry Muller, Brenham Volksblattt ; J. F. Crouch, Killeen
Herald.
Having asked for transportation for the members of the
Association to the Confederate Veterans' Reunion at Hous-
ton, President Holland had the following telegram read:
"Dallas, Texas, May 16. F. P. Holland, care J. E. Smith,
Waco, Texas : In your message this morning I am surprised
that you even asked me if I would grant the courtesies of our
line to the press. You know at all times, as president, you
can talk for the Katy. Promise them anything you like and
I will fill your obligations. Advise me how many will go to
' 176
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Houston and I will send transportation to our agent to de-
liver to them on your request.
(Signed) W. G. .CRUSH."
On motion of W. A. Shaw, a committee, consisting of
C. N. Ousley, W. A. Shaw, F. P. Holland and R. Wilson,
was appointed to draft amendments to the libel law and re-
port to the next meeting of the Association.
The following telegram from the State Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union, in session at Hillsboro, was received
and read :
"Greeting : Read Proverbs XXVI, 25 : 'As cold water
to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.' "
A resolution was adopted pledging the members of the
Association to publish a notice in their paper calling atten-
tion to the needs of Rev. W. C. Crawford of Alvarado, the
only survivor of the signers of the Declaration of Texas
Independence.
Frank Doremus made a talk on the libel law, which was
freely discussed.
J. T. Trezevant, president of the Texas State Fair and
Dallas Exposition, stated that the Fair Association desired
to offer as a prize a handsome gold watch and chain, or a
handsome loving cup, as the winner might elect, for the best
article or essay on the Texas State Fair; competition to be
open to all newspaper people, men or women, legitimately
connected with the press of Texas ; the articles to be printed
in the papers with which the writers were connected ; the
Texas Press Association to appoint a committee of three of
its members to formulate rules as to the length of the articles
and the time of closing the contest. Following Mr. Treze-
vant, Mrs. S. Isadore Miner addressed the convention on the
subject of a woman's building at the Dallas Fair.
The following officers were elected :
President W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
First Vice President John H. Cullom, Garland News;
Second Vice President F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin;
177
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Third Vice President S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief;
Secretary <W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune;
(Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald.
Executive Committee:
First District J. L. Robinson, Lexington Herald;
'Second District T. E. Boren, Carthage Watchman;
Third Dilstrict W. L. Sargent, Greenville Headlight;
Fourth District Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
Seventh District J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit;
Eighth District Frank Gaston, Granbury News;
Ninth District J. G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Tenth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
Eleventh District W. J. Douglass, Yoakum Graphic;
Twelfth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Thirteenth District 'R. A. Musgrove, Sweetwater Review.
After a spirited contest, El Paso was elected as the next
place of meeting, over Galveston, Brenham, Austin, Green-
ville, Fort Worth and Tyler.
W. D. Cox, R. M. Johnston, F. B. Robinson and C. F.
Lehmann were appointed as the printing committee.
The following were appointed delegates to the National
Editorial Association to be held at Jacksonville, Florida:
Juan S. Hart, Joe J. Taylor, F. B. Baillio, L. Blaylock, John
H. Cullom, J. D. Shaw, W. J. Douglas, F. P. Holland, R. M.
Johnston, R. Wilson, B. C. Murray, W. D. Cox, E. S. Peters,
R. A. Musgrove, S. M. Vernon, J. R. Ransone, Jr., R. W.
Martin, Mrs. Olive B. Lee, W. L. Sargent, A. N. Justiss,
C. F. Lehmann, F. B. Robinson, A. C. Scurlock, W. A. Shaw,
H. H. Childers, Frank Vernon.
The following offered by D. O. Lively was adopted:
"That the Press Association of Texas looks with grow-
ing disfavor upon what is useless and uncalled-for political
agitation at this time, as tending to unsettle business condi-
tions and further ward off the present near approach of re-
turning prosperity, and urge upon the people the discussion
of methods looking toward developing the resources possess-
178
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
ed by the State, rather than the adjustment of national and
international affairs in this, an off year in politics."
The following amendment to the Constitution, offered
by F. B. Baillio, was adopted:
"Resolved, That Article V of the Constitution be
changed to read as follows:
"The officers of this Association shall be one president,
three vice presidents, one secretary, one assistant secretary,
one treasurer, one executive committee to be composed of
one member from each congressional district, and of which
the president shall be ex-officio chairman and the secretary
and treasurer ex-officio members. These shall be elected
annually by the Association, except the executive committee
which shall be appointed by the president; also, except the
assistant secretary who shall be appointed by the secretary.
There shall also be chosen at each annual meeting an orator,
an essayist and a poet, whose duties it shall be to deliver
and read at the next annual meeting thereafter, respectively
an oration, an essay and a poem."
Indorsement of the Texas State Fair was reaffirmed and
the disposition of the members of the Association to con-
tinue their assistance toward making it a success was re-
iterated.
It was decided to attend the Cotton States Exposition
at Atlanta, Georgia, leaving Waco, or some other central
point, about October 7, going to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky,
for one day; and probably to Lookout Mountain.
The following offered by John H. Cullom was adopted:
"That the Texas Press Association is in hearty sympathy
with the movement for the erection of a woman's building
at the Texas State Fair and Dallas Exposition, and the Texas
Press Association will cheerfully lend assistance and en-
couragement to the worthy enterprise."
Papers were read by:
W. L. Sargent on "The Use of Plate Matter;"
179
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
F. B. Baillio on "How Far Can Publishers Go in Adver-
tising the Big City Weekly in Combination with Their Own
Papers at a Reduced Rate?"
A. C. Scurlock on "Collecting Subscriptions and Obtain-
ing Renewals;"
W. A. Adair on "How to Get Advertising That Pays;"
John G. Rankin on "The Use of the Scissors ;"
W. D. Cox on "The Country Correspondent;"
John H. Cullom on "The Social Feature of the Press
Association ;"
Juan H. Hart on "Do Personals Pay?"
Mrs. R. Wilson on "The Editor's Wife;"
J. T. Trezevant on "The Relation of Newspapers and
Fairs to the Progress and Prosperity of the Country."
The annual oration, "An Educated, Elevated Journalistic
Conscience," was delivered by W. A. (Farmer) Shaw. Mrs.
Virginia Quitman McNealus, the poetess, wrote regretting
she could not be. present to read the annual poem. "The
Texas Editor" was the subject of a poem read by Miss
Minnie Johnson.
An invitation was extended the National Editorial Asso-
ciation to hold its next annual convention in Texas ; and like-
wise an invitation was extended the National People's Party
to hold its convention in Dallas in 1896.
The excursion was to the Confederate Reunion at Hous-
ton.
180
Seventeenth Annual Convention 1896
THE seventeenth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the Opera House in the city of
El Paso, and was called to order on April 27, 1896, by Vice
President John H. Cullom of the Garland News, the Presi-
dent, W. A. Adair of the Marshall Messenger, having moved
out of the State. Rev. George M. DuBoise delivered the
invocation. Mayor R. F. Campbell made the address of
welcome on behalf of the city, while Hon. T. J. Beall wel-
comed the Association in behalf of the citizens of El Paso.
The response to the addresses of welcome was by President
Cullom.
The following responded to roll call:
F. B. Baillio, Alvarado Bulletin; D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer; H. W.
Brown, Glen Rose Herald ; G. W. Coleman, Henrietta Independent ; John H.
Cullom, Garland News ; Mrs. Fannie Culmore, Houston Daily Press ; C. W.
Gordon, Franklin Central Texan; T. S. Hamilton, Italy News; Perry Haw-
kins, Taylor Journal; F. P. Holland, Texas Farm and Ranch; W. A. John-
son, Memphis Herald ; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Light ; C. F. Lehmann,
Hallettsville Herald; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; J. L. McCaleb, Car-
rizo Springs Javelin ; John E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner ; Eugene
Moore, Stephenville Empire; W. C. O'Bryan, McGregor Observer; Clarence
N. Ousley, Galveston Tribune; Will C. Perry, Ennis Daily Meteor; J. G.
Rankin, Brenham Banner; Lee J. Rountree, Kyle Star- Vindicator ; Fred B. Rob-
inson, Huntsville Item ; J. D. Shaw, Waco Independent Pulpit ; Joe J. Taylor,
Clarksville Times; Frank Vernon, Cisco Round-Up; S. M. Vernon, Comanche
Chief; D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News; W. P. Blake, Clarendon Industrial WestjW.
J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise; W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune; Charles Culmore,
Houston Daily Press; S. P. Evans, Van Alstyne News; W. E. Gilliland, Baird
Star; J. S. Hart, El Paso Times; John Hoeny, Jr., Abilene Reporter; R. C.
Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass ; J. O. Jones, Waxahachie Light ; Mrs. Olive
B. Lee, Dallas Period; Mrs. Isadora Miner, Dallas News; J. G. Murphy, San
Angelo Standard ; L. A. McCollister, Gordon Courier ; R. A. Musgrove, Sweet-
water Review; W. H. Neel, Dublin Leader; W. H. Orr, El Campo Eagle; P.
H. Pardue, Waxahachie Democrat; E. S. Peters, Calvert Citizen-Democrat; Henry
Reese, Jr., Gonzales Inquirer; J. T. Robinson, Kosse Cyclone; W. L. Sargent,
Greenville Headlight ; H. J. Strickfaden, Henrietta Herald ; Rosser Thomas, Ladonia
News; A. C. Valdez, San Antonio El Heraldo ; F. B. Whipkey, West Times.
The following committees were appointed :
Membership R. A. Musgrove, Frank Vernon, H. J.
Strickfaden, E. S. Peters, Perry Hawkins ;
181
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Resolutions Fred B. Robinson, S. M. Vernon, Will C.
Perry, W. A. Johnson, Lee J. Rountree;
Constitution and By-Laws J. B. Hearst, A. N. Justiss,
F. B. Baillio, W. C. O'Bryan, Joe J. Taylor;
Revision of Roll Frank P. Holland, W. J. Buie, S. P.
Evans, T. H. Napier, J. W. Crayton;
Finance B. C. Murray, J. G. Rankin, Rosser Thomas,
J. T. Robinson, H. W. Brown ;
Memorial R. C. Johnson, T. C. McFarland, A. C.
Valdez and J. D. Shaw.
The following were elected to membership:
T. H. Napier, Mineola Monitor; Jasper Collins, Carthage Watchman; Miss
Pearl Vogel, Velasco Times; M. R. Andrews, Abilene News; E. M. Dodson,
Garrison Signal; J. M. Hawkins, El Paso Herald; A. B. Norton, Jr., Dallas
Intelligencer; J. C. Welch, Ladonia Times; W. R. Watts, Belden Monitor; Aaron
Smith, Mount Pleasant Review ; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal ; W. E.
Edwards, Henrietta Review; J. A. Escajeda, El Paso Heraldo ; J. T. Bullock,
Roby Banner; J. E. Shook, Rusk News.
The following communication was read, ordered incor-
porated in the minutes and the "young lady" was duly elected
to honorary membership :
"Among our membership we have long counted a young
man of whom we may well feel proud. Master Adair Cox
has brightened the T. P. A. meetings with his presence for
several years. We have at the present meeting, also, be-
sides this specimen of rising young America, a very sweet
embodiment of the 'New Woman' in Miss Myrtle Vernon,
the bright little six-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Frank Vernon. The young lady attracted no little attention
by her progressiveness in attending the last National Press
Association in Florida, and for her splendid behavior on the
trip. She has endeared herself by her sunny disposition to
every member on the trip over the Texas & Pacific, and we,
the undersigned, ask that honorary membership be extended
to the first 'New Woman' who . has been known to behave
herself. With the best wishes for regular membership later
on, S. Isadore Miner, F. B. Baillio."
182
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Greenville was elected over Hot Springs as the next
place of meeting.
F. P. Holland, Fred B. Robinson and Lee J. Rountree
were appointed a committee to investigate charges made by
the railroads against members for failing to carry out 'adver-
tising contracts for transportation. The committee made the
following report:
"We, your committee appointed to investigate that por-
tion of the secretary's report with regard to the letter from
Mr. L. J. Parks, of the Southern Pacific Railroad, stating
that some members had not carried out the terms of the
contract, would say that we find under a resolution passed
at the Fort Worth meeting that there was no authority to
contract for an excursion in the name of this Association;
but we believe that all such contracts should have been
faithfully carried out and would faithfully recommend that
this matter be sifted to the bottom and the secretary be
instructed to correspond with Mr. Parks and learn from
him the names of all such members and report to this Asso-
ciation at its next meeting that we may take such action as
will demonstrate that this Association will not tolerate any
dishonorable acts on the part of its members."
A resolution was adopted expressing pleasure that the
National Editorial Association would hold its next annual
convention at Galveston ; and, it being suggested that a re-
freshment car be prepared to meet the National Editorial
specials with refreshments on their arrival in Texas, a sub-
scription was taken and a neat sum realized to carry out the
plan.
A feature of this convention was the lavish entertain-
ment of the members of the Association, both by the city
and citizens of El Paso and by the Mexican officials in the
city of Juarez, where neither pains nor expense were spared,
nor cordiality in the least wanting.
183
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following officers were elected.
President F. B. Baillio, Cleburne Review;
First Vice President S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief;
Second Vice President John G. Ran-kin. Brenham Banner;
Third Vice President W. L. Sargent, Greenville News;
Secretary W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald.
Executive Committee:
First District R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second District J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner;
Third District E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Fourth District Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth. District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District John H. Cullom, Garland News;
Seventh District W. C. O'Bryan, McGregor Observer;
Eighth District Eugene Moore, Stephenville Empire;
Ninth District Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal;
Tenth District Clarence Ousley, Galveston Tribune;
Eleventh District D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News;
Twelfth District A. C. Valdez, San Antonio El Heraldo;
Thirteenth District W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald.
John H. Cullom, retiring president, having served as
president for almost the entire year, filling out the term of
W. A. Adair who had been elected president but had left
the State, was declared to be entitled to all the honors of the
position "just the same as if he had been elected president
in the first place," and was made a life member of the Asso-
ciation.
The following resolution signed by C. F. Lehmann and
F. B. Baillio was adopted, and the secretary was instructed
to send a copy of same to the two senators and every con-
gressman from Texas :
"Recognizing the friendly relations that exist at El Paso
between the Americans of that city and the Mexicans of the
city of Juarez, and learning that the earliest inhabitants of
the Rio Grande valley placed their homes upon its banks
near these cities, we deprecate the injustice done to these
citizens of two republics, who for centuries have used the
184
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
waters of the Rio Grande, and are today deprived of them
by newly acquired water rights in the north ; and the Texas
Press Association pledges itself to use its influence to have
an international dam erected across the Rio Grande ; and
that our Texas delegation in Congress be requested to use
all honorable means in securing the necessary appropria-
tion for the erection of said dam."
An abstract of the program of this meeting shows
papers read as follows :
F. B. Baillio, "Ready Prints and Plate Matter;" Mrs.
W. D. Cox, "The Press Bulletin;" Mrs. Fred B. Robinson,
"An Editor's Wife on the Pay Roll." The annual poem,
"The Editor Up-to-Date," was read by Mrs. Isadore Miner.
J. D. Shaw who was to deliver the annual oration excused
himself. The excursion was to the City of Mexico.
Eighteenth Annual Convention 1897
'"HHE eighteenth annual convention of the Texas Press
A Association was called to order by President F. B. Baillio
of the Cleburne Review in Greenville, May 11, 1897. The
invocation was by Rev. E. H. Casey, pastor of the Kava-
naugh Methodist Church. The address of welcome was de-
livered by Hon. B. F. Looney and was responded to by
President Baillio. There appears to have been a call of the
roll but no record was made of those responding.
The president delivered his annual address, saying:
"In the order of business prescribed by the Constitution
for our annual meetings, an address by the retiring presi-
dent is provided for. I have decided that it woujd be best
to make that address at the beginning, rather than at the
close of the convention, that you might be given an oppor-
tunity to take such action as you may deem best on any
suggestion I might offer."
The president's address was, on motion of W. D. Cox,
referred to a committee consisting of F. P. Holland, C. F.
Lehmann and W. A. Johnson.
The following committees were appointed :
Finance W. A. Johnson, Sam Vernon, Frank Vernon,
M. J. Cox, E. G. Senter ;
Necrology E. W. Harris, Ben F. Oliver, L. A. Mc-
Collister, Mrs. W. D. Cox;
Membership Perry Hawkins, R. Wilson, F. B. Robin-
son;
Constitution and By-Laws John H. Cullom, Dr. H.
Manson, Will H. Mayes, Mrs. Olive B. Lee, F. C. Thomp-
son;
Resolutions F. P. Holland, Robt. Carver, B. C. Murray,
T. H. Napier, C. F. Lehmann;
186
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Revision of Roll Eugene Moore, Jasper Collins, J. R.
Ransone, Jr., I. V. Jolly, P. H. Pardue.
On motion of F. P. Holland, the Woman's Press Asso-
ciation, which was also in session in Greenville, was invited
to hold a joint session in the evening with the Texas Press
Association. W. H. Mayes and S. M. Vernon were appointed
to convey this invitation.
The Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company
was thanked for the offer of its lines free to the members
of the Association.
A resolution by John H. Cullom was adopted expressing
deep sorrow at the dangerous illness of Senator Richard Coke
and extending sympathy to him and his family in their
sorrow and anxiety.
The resolution offered by Frank P. Holland was adopted,
providing for the election of a general attorney, at this and
all future annual conventions, to act as counsel for the
president, the executive, the legislative and. other committees
of the Association, in any matter or matters requiring legal
advice or attention, without named compensation ; and that
the members of the Association are requested to publish
briefly the card of said attorney and, whenever they may
require the services of an attorney for foreign business, to
place such matters in his hands at the usual fees.
The following were elected to membership :
John M. Weekly, Milford Courier; W. M. Cobb, Smithville Transcript; Thomas
B. Lusk, Italy Herald; Lee H. Frazier, Conroe, Our Schools; F. T. Roche,
Georgetown Sun ; Ernst Goethe, Schulenberg Sticker ; W. N. Fury, Paris Advocate.
Papers were read as follows : J. R. Ransone, Jr., "The
Business End of a Country Newspaper;" Mrs. Allie Wilson,
"Flaws in the Modern Daily;" M. J. Cox, "The Woman
Editor's Husband ;" Mrs. Isadore Miner (for Mrs. B. N.
Taylor of Austin) , "Essentials to Literary Success ;" Mrs.
M. R. Walton, "The Woman's Press;" Mrs. J. R. Ransone,
Jr., "The Newspaper As An Educator;" F. B. Robinson,
"Foreign Advertising." "The Amenities of Journalism"
187
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
was the subject of the annual essay, by Will H. Mayes.
The following officers were elected :
President S. ! M. Vernon, Comanche Chief;
First Vice President John G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
Second Vice President Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Third Vice President R. Wilson, Lockhart Register;
Secretary Will H. Neel, Dublin Telephone;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. -Senter, Dallas.
Executive Committee:
First District F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Second District J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner;
Third District T. H. Napier, Winnsboro Wide-Awake;
Fourth District Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District M. J. Cox, Forney Tribune;
Seventh District W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune;
Eighth District D. O. Lively, Fort Worth Reporter;
Ninth District Perry Hawkins. Taylor Journal;
Tenth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
Eleventh District D. W. Barnhi'.ll, Uvalde News;
Twelfth District W. A. Guthrie, San Angelo Standard;
Thirteenth District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
It was determined, on motion of F. P. Holland, that a
special meeting of the Association be held in Dallas during
the Texas State Fair ; and the president and executive com-
mittee were instructed to prepare a program for the meet-
ing fully thirty days in advance of the date fixed for that
convocation. A motion by Frank Vernon that in the future
life members be required to pay dues was adopted. The
election of the next place of meeting was postponed until
the special meeting set by the Holland resolution to meet in
Dallas during the Fair.
The Woman's Press Association held a joint meeting
with the Texas Press Association, the presidents of both
bodies being seated together on the platform.
Memorial services were held, the principal feature being
the eulogy by E. G. Senter on the life and character of
former President J. F. Mitchell, deceased.
188
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The excursion was to Eureka Springs, Arkansas ; Tenn-
essee Centennial at Nashville, and to the Mammoth Cave,
Kentucky.
DALLAS MEETING.
The Association met in Dallas in response to the call
of President S. M. Vernon and was called to order in the City
Hall Oct. 29, 1897. Mayor Bryan T. Barry welcomed the
body and President Vernon responded.
It was decided to hold the next annual convention at
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, at the same time as the Missouri
and Arkansas Press Associations. A committee consisting
of W. D. Cox, F. B. Baillio, D. O. Lively, Will H. Mayes,
B. C. Murray, S. M. Vernon and Will H. Neel, was appointed
to visit Eureka Springs and confer with like committees from
the Arkansas and Missouri Associations and arrange for a
tri-state meeting.
The following were elected to membership :
J. W. Johnson, Longview Times-Clarion ; S. R. Cowan, Lockhart Phonograph ;
Miss Loutie Harrison, Childress Bnclpet; C. W. Rideout, Piano Star.
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following, which was adopted :
"1. Amend Section 5 of the by-laws by adding: 'and
the secretary shall notify such member of such suspension,
and upon payment of all dues within one year such member
may be re-instated/
"2. That Section 19 be added to the by-laws, as follows :
'Section 19: It shall be the duty of the secretary, under
direction of the printing committee, to supervise the print-
ing of the minutes and to distribute same to the members as
early after each session of the Association as practicable,
and not later than three months after such session.'
"3. That Section 20 be added to the by-laws, as follows :
'Section 20: At each annual session there shall be
appointed by the president a committee on legislation, whose
189
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
duty it shall be to inform themselves and keep the members
of the Association advised of any pending or impending-
legislation in which the craft may be specially interested.' "
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws further
advised the appointment of an official (special) committee on
Constitution and By-Laws to revise the same and report at
the next regular meeting.
As the legislative committee provided by Section 20
of the by-laws, the President appointed E. G. Senter, T. H.
Napier, H. W. Manson, J. E. McFarland and F. B. Robinson.
The following were appointed as delegates to the Na-
tional Editorial Association : F. B. Baillio, C. F. Lehmann,
Frank P. Holland, E. W. Harris, Clarence Ousley, R. B.
Lockhart, Mrs. Olive B. Lee. Alternates: T. B. Johnson,
Will C. Perry, N. A. Cravens, Juan S. Hart, A. N. Justiss,
H. P. Jones, J, D. Shaw.
190
Nineteenth Annual Convention 1898
r I ^HE nineteenth annual convention of the Texas Press
1 Association was called to order in the Masonic Temple
in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, by President S. M. Vernon,
May 25, 1898. The invocation was by Rev. I. V. Jolly,
editor of the Hubbard City (Texas) Church and Home.
The call of the roll was dispensed with, so it is impossible
to give the names of those in attendance.
The following committees were appointed :
Membership W. D. Cox, T. H. Napier, P. H. Pardue ;
Constitution and By-Laws F. B. Baillio, Will H. Mayes,
J. G. Rankin;
Resolutions F. B. Robinson, C. F. Lehmann, Mrs. W.
D. Cox, W. E. Gilliland ;
Revision of Roll J. R. Ransone, Jr., W. A. Johnson,
Charles Culmore;
Finance W. C. Perry, I. V. Jolly, W. M. Cobb, D. S.
Mayes ;
Memorial N. A. Cravens, M. J. Cox, Miss Lottie Har-
rison.
A motion was adopted that the button distributed at
this meeting, bearing the Lone Star of Texas flag with the
words "Texas Press Association," be adopted as the official
badge of the Association.
The following were elected to membership :
C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; A. H. Freeman, Grandview Graphic;
Edwin D. Dunlap, Meridian Tribune ; E. C. Lewis, Forney Tribune.
W. D. Cox offered the following, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association recognizes
the splendid work being done by the Women's Federation of
Clubs in Texas in their efforts to establish free State Li-
braries in Texas, and we highly commend the movement and
promise the work our hearty co-operation and support."
191
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following, which was adopted ^
"That Article XIII of the Constitution be so amended
as to read as follows :
"At each annual meeting there shall be appointed by the
president-elect a committee on legislation whose duty it shall
be to inform themselves and keep the Association advised
of any pending or impending legislation in which the craft
may be specially interested ; to correspond with the secre-
taries 'of the different State press associations with a view
of ascertaining the laws, if any, on the statute books of their
States in regard to public printing, and such legislation
on that subject as may be impending. And it shall be the
duty of said committee. to make its reports to the Associa-
tion annually in writing."
(See Section 20, added to by-laws at the Dallas session
of preceding annual convention).
A communication was read from Miss Fannie Love
Loughery who had written a book of poems, entitled
"Pleasant Thoughts," and dedicated to the Texas Press
Association. The following resolution in regard to the young
lady's elegant tribute was offered by Will H. Mayes and
adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association appre-
ciates the compliment paid it by Fannie Love Loughery,
daughter of our reverend late member, Colonel R. W.
Loughery, in dedicating the little booklet, 'Pleasant
Thoughts,' to this Association ; and, in token of our appre-
ciation, will use our individual efforts to assist in circulat-
ing this little volume of gems."
The following was adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association heartily
indorses the Texas State Fair as an institution all Texas
should be proud of, and pledges it the same hearty co-
192
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
operation and support always extended it by the Texas
press in the past."
The Association was honored during one of its sessions
by a visit from the Missouri Press Association, and the two
organizations fraternized and spent a pleasant time together.
During the convention, a joint meeting of the Arkansas,
Missouri and Texas Press Associations was held and a
program, prepared specially for the occasion, was carried
out. Throughout the entire time of the convention, there
were interchanges of visits between the associations and
the members of the different associations, an interchange
of courtesies, and a splendid spirit of fraternity manifested,
all of which made this a meeting long to be remembered.
The annual oration was delivered by Judge N. A. Cravens
as substitute for W. A. Shaw, the orator elect, who failed
to attend this convention.
The following read papers on the themes following
their respective names :
Miss Loutie Harrison "How a Woman Runs a Paper;"
T. H. Napier "Yellow Journalism;"
W. A. Johnson "The Duties of the Press to the Public ;"
F. B. Robinson "The Duties of the Public to the Press."
The secretary was instructed by resolution, offered by
T. H. Napier, to begin negotiations as early as possible for
a tri-state meeting of the press associations of Arkansas,
Missouri and Texas to be held in some central Texas city
during the year 1900.
The following officers were elected :
President John G. Rankin, Brenham Banner;
First Vice President Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Second Vice President F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Third Vice President T. H. Napier, Winnsboro Wide-Awake;
Secretary Will H. Neel, Dublin Telephone;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. Senter, Dallas.
193
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Executive Committee:
First District N. A. Cravens, Willis Index;
Second District J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner;
Third District E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Fourth District Joe J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District -M. J. Cox, Forney Tribune;
Seventh District W. D. Cox, Temple Tribune;
Eighth District D. O. Lively, Fort Worth Reporter;
Ninth District Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal;
Tenth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
Eleventh District D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News;
Twelfth District W. A. Guthrie, San Angelo Standard.
Legislative Committee T. H. Napier, W. E. Gilliland,
F. B. Baillio;
Printing Committee S. M. Vernon, Will H. Mayes, Will
H. Neel, Frank Vernon.
Delegates to the National Editorial Association S. M.
Vernon, F. B. Baillio, C. F. Lehmann, B. C. Murray, E. W.
Harris, Will H. Mayes, N. A. Cravens. Alternates: A. H.
Freeman, T. H. Napier, Frank Vernon, Will C. Perry, Miss
Loutie Harrison, W. M. Cobb, J. M. Weekly.
Cleburne was elected as the next place of meeting and
the excursion was to Denver and other Colorado points.
194
Twentieth Annual Convention 1899
THE twentieth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the City Hall in Dallas, and
was called to order by President John G. Rankin, May 18,
1899. Rev. George C. Rankin of the Texas Christian Advo-
cate invoked Divine guidance. The address of welcome was
delivered by Mayor John H. Traylor and was responded to
by President Rankin on behalf of the Association.
On motion of T. H. Napier, the secretary was instructed
to telegraph the condolence of the Association to First Vice
President, Will H. Mayes of the Brownwood Bulletin, in the
death of his wife, which sad event occurred on the 12th day
of May, six days before this meeting.
The following members responded to call of the roll:
W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger; L. Blaylock, Texas Christian Advocate;
M. J. Cox, Forney Messenger; A. H. Freeman, Grandview Graphic; C. E. Gil-
inore, Wills Point Chronicle ; E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald ; Frank P. Holland,
Farm and Ranch; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; F. T. Roche, George-
town Sun ; W. A. Johnson, Hall County Herald ; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-
Light ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success;
Mrs. S. Isadore Miner, Dallas News; J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin;
T. H. Napier, Winnsboro Wide-Awake; W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer, Dallas; F.
B. Baillio, Cleburne Review; John H. Cullom, Garland News; W. C. Easterling,
Del Rio Record; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; Miss L-outie Harrison, Childress
Budget ; Perry Hawkins, Taylor Journal ; G. C. Rankin, Texas Christian Advo-
cate; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item; E. G. Senter, Dallas; I. V. Jolly, Italy
Church and Home ; Mrs. Olive B. Lee; Dallas Period ; T. B. Lusk, Italy News-
Herald ; D. S. Mayes, Whitney Messenger; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Eugene Moore, Stephenville Empire; W. H. Neel, Dublin Telephone; Aaron Smith,
Mount Pleasant Times-Review ; Frank Vernon, Cisco Round-Up ; W. M. Warlick,
Dallas Presbyterian; S. M. Vernon, Comanche Chief; J. M. Weekly, Milford
Courier.
On motion of F. B. Baillio, the initiation fee was re-
duced from ten dollars to five dollars.
The following committees were appointed :
Constitution and By-Laws W. E. Gilliland, Frank Ver-
non ; R. W. Martin ;
Finance W. A. Adair, W. A. Johnson, Perry Hawkins;
195
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Revision of Roll C. F. Lehmann, John M. Weekly,
A. N. Justiss;
Membership S. M. Vernon, F. T. Roche, Eugene Moore,
H. W. Manson, C. N. Ousley ;
Resolutions F. B. Baillio, B. C. Murray, T. H. Napier;
Necrology E. W. Harris, E. G. Senter, A. H. Freeman.
The following were elected to membership :
C. I. Boyntcn, Llano Times; S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief; M. L. P>ixler,
Beaumont Enterprise ; G. J. Palmer, Houston Post ; T. O. Walker, Fort Worth
Register; George B. Dealey, Dallas News; Gayle Talbot, Slidell Courier; W. M.
Thompson, Itasca Mail ; J. W. Bailey, Denton News ; John J. Switzer, De Leon
Free Press ; E. J. Parker, Allen Advocate ; W. L. Wilson, Cisco Apert ; Ben
C. Taber, Dallas Southern Home; Mrs. R. W. Martin, Gatesville Messenger;
H. B. Ballew, Honey Grove Crescent; D. D. Walls, Dallas Stock and Farm
Journal ; C. W. Holt, Dallas Stock and Farm Journal ; G. C. Rankin, Texas
Christian Advocate ; M. L. Sammons, Texas Trade Review ; B. R. Haughton,
Canyon City Battle Ship; J. P. Chambless, Ennis News; E. A. Thompson,
Denison Herald ; Fred Chase, Galveston Tribune ; I. N. Rogers, Jacksboro Gazette ;
Ira W. Hall, Brownwood News; W. M. Reilly, Denton Record and Chronicle;
Ashley Evans, Bonham News; J. M. Dunn, Sulphur. Springs Gazette; L. J-
Reynolds, Sherman Register; H. C. Hensel, Western Newspaper Union; Corbin
Johnson, Denton Record and Chronicle; V. W. Gfubbs, Greenville Headlight; D.
W. Campbell, Hillsboro Mirror; George McDonald, Austin Tribune; H. Galbraith,
Terrell Transcript; Z. Caldwell, Terrell Transcript; J. A. Greer, Hubbard City
Pick and Pan ; Ramsey W. Cox, Texas Central Railroad, Waco ; George T. Yates,
Gainesville Hesperian ; Sam M. Leeman, Merkel Mail ; J. C. Carr, San Antonio
Express.
The Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company
tendered the use of its lines to the members of the Asso-
ciation.
The annual poem was by M. J. ("Mary Jane") Cox and
the annual essay by E. W. Harris. The annual oration was
by Rev. George C. Rankin, substitute for Judge N. A.
Cravens who was unavoidably absent.
The libel law was discussed and a committee, cortsist-
ing of E. G. Senter, C. N. Ousley and F. B. Baillio, was
appointed on libel legislation with instructions to report at
this meeting. The report of the committee was made and
concluded with the declaration, "the press of Texas _asks
for the enactment of a law upon the subject of libel which
196
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
will affirmatively fix the statutes, announce the privileges and
set the limitations of the press."
T. H. Napier offered the following, which was adopted:
"Resolved, That a committee to be com/posed of E. G.
Senter, W. A. Shaw, C. N. Ousley, W. E. Gilliland and R.
W. Martin, is hereby appointed to draft a bill defining libel,
to be presented at the next annual meeting of the Associa-
tion ; that said committee is instructed to suggest ways and
means for the enacting of such bill into a law by the next
legislature."
On the same subject the following three resolutions were
adopted, the name of the author of each appearing there-
after in parenthesis :
"That in the event a special session of the Legislature
be called, that this committee use their best endeavors to
have this question incorporated in the call by the Governor,
without waiting for ratification by this Association." (J. M.
Dunn.)
"Resolved, That $100 or as much thereof as needed, is
hereby appropriated to defray the expenses of the committee
in preparing and presenting a libel bill before the Legisla-
ture." (T. B. Johnson.)
"Resolved, That the President be instructed to call a
special meeting of the executive committee of this Associa-
tion, when it shall be decided to call a special session of the
Legislature, and that the said committee be empowered to
act for this Association in all matters connected with legis-
lative enactments." (W. A. Johnson.)
Brenham was chosen as the next place of meeting.
The following officers were elected :
President Will H. Mayes, Brown-wood Bulletin;
First Vice President E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
Second Vice President T. H. Napier, Winns;boro Wide-Awake;
Third Vice President C. N. Ousley, Galveston Tribune;
Secretary Frank Vernon, Cisco Round-Up;
197
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. Senter, Dallas.
Executive Committee:
First District F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Second District M. L. Bixler, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District V. W. Grubbs, Greenville Headlight;
Fourth District F. A. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Fifth District B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer;
Sixth District A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-Light;
Seventh District J. F. Crouch, Belt on Journal;
Eighth District D. O. Lively, Ft. Worth Live Stock Reporter;
Ninth District F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun;
Tenth District D. L. Beac'h, Gonzales Inquirer;
Eleventh District D. W. Barnhill, Uvalde News;
Twelfth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Thirteenth District W. A. Jo'hnson, Memphis Herald.
Legislative Committee F. B. Baillio, Lee J. Rountree,
Jasper Collins.
The Dallas Commercial Club offered as a prize for the
best write-up of this meeting, a gold medal to cost not less
than $25.
The idea of the establishment of a Girls' Industrial
School in Texas was endorsed as a worthy conception.
Judge V. W. Grubbs then of the Greenville Headlight was
the father of the idea as there endorsed and, through all the
years since, has never wearied of advocating it.
The great College of Industrial Arts at Denton is the
first fruition of this idea ; but who can look into the years
of the future and conceive of the full measure of the fruits
thereof?
Rosser Thomas of the Ladonia News was elected ora-
tor; A. M. Kennedy of the Mexia Times-Echo, essayist; and
C. N. Ousley of the Galveston Tribune, poet.
The secretary was instructed to extend an invitation to
the Southwest Texas, and other press associations in the
State, to hold a joint meeting with the Texas Press Associa-
198
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
tion at Brenham during its regular annual convention in
1900.
Papers were read as follows :
D. S. Mayes "The Press and State Development;"
E. S. Peters "Editor as Farmer;"
Frank Vernon "The Mechanical Department of a Coun-
try Newspaper;"
A. N. Justiss "The Local Editor;"
J. M. Weekly "The Relationship of the City and Week-
ly Press;"
E. W. Harris "Liberty and the Press."
199
Twenty-first Annual Convention 1900
THE twenty-first annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in Lusk Hall in Brenham, and
was called to order by former President John G. Rankin,
April 12, 1900. Rev. J. L. Massie, pastor of the Methodist
Church, delivered the invocation. Hon. Harry Haynes de-
livered the address of welcome which was responded to by
F. B. Baillio. President Will H. Mayes also made appro-
priate remarks by way of further response.
The following committees were announced :
Membership J. T. Robison, M. J. Cox, R. W. Martin,
M. L. Bixler, H. D. Cadwell;
Constitution and By-Laws F. T. Roche, F. B. Robinson,
C. N. Ousley, W. W. Dexter;
Resolutions F. B. Baillio, B. C. Murray, Miss Loutie
Harrison, W. M. Reilly, T. B. Lusk, J. S. Hardy.
Revision of Roll Frank Vernon, Will H. Neel, C. F.
Lehmann ;
Finance J. E. Vernor, J. R. Ransone, Jr., S. J. Thomas,
W. E. Gilliland.
Memorial E. G. Senter, John G. Rankin, W. A. John-
son, R. M. Johnston, F. P. Holland.
The following responded to call of the roll :
Mrs. W. D. Cox, B. Roy Haughton, Will H. Neel, C. H. Wedemeyer, M. J.
Cox, D. O. Lively, F. B. Robinson, John H. Cul!om, J. W. Dale, John G. Rankin,
J. E. Vernor, W. W. Dexter, J. P. Chambless, T. B. Lusk, J. T. Robison, A. C.
Scurlock, E. W. Harris, B. C. Murray, Frank Vernon, Jasper Collins, R. C.
Johnson, J. R. Ransone, Jr., F. B. Baillio, E. D. Dunlap, C. W. Gordon, Will H.
Mayes, S. J. Thomas, John G. Rankin, W. A. Johnson, C. N. Ousley, R. E.
Yantis, H. D. Cadwell, R. W. Martin, F. T. Roche, R. M. Johnston, W. E.
Gilliland, C. F. Lehmann, W. M. Reilly, Mrs. R. W. Martin, E. G. Senter, L. A.
McCollister, R. Wilson, F. P. Holland.
The Southwestern Telegraph and Telephone Company
announced that their lines were down and burdened with
200
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
business, but five conversations per day would be granted,
complimentary, to members of the Association.
The following were elected to membership :
T. H. Dailey, Forney Messenger; F. M. Littlepage, Venus Times; H. F.
Mayes, Ballinger Banner- Leader ; G. W. McKnight, El Campo Eagle; J. H. Brooks,
Weimar Mercury ; J. H. Stanberry, Midlothian Argus ; W. W. Lastinger, Gates-
ville Star; Samuel E. Milliken, M. D., Texas Clinic; C. H. Wedemeyer, Belton
Journal Reporter; Louis J. Wortham, Houston Post, Wm. T. Eichholz, Cuero
Rundschau ; J. L. Robinson, Pittsburg Enterprise ; S. R. Williams, Fort Worth
Stock Journal; Paul Keith, Cameron Inquirer; J. S. Hardy, Ennis News;
P. J. Hemphill, Ennis Local ; O. P. Gresham, Temple Mirror ; W. W. Thomas,
Pilot Point Post-Signal ; Joe Warren, Killeen Herald ; R. E. Yantis, Wills Point
Van Zandter ; C. W. Taylor, Rogers News ; C. W. Kent, Waxahachie Light ; J. A.
Thomas, Leonard Graphic; L. E. Hasket, Childress Star ;' T. K. Barrett, Huntsville
Post.
A communication was received from Mrs. S. Isadore
Miner of the Dallas News suggesting the erection of a monu-
ment to Dr. William Martin Yandell, a former president of
this Association and one of its promoters; and she enclosed
five dollars as the initial contribution to a fund suggested
to be raised for that purpose. In accordance with her sug-
gestion, a resolution offered by J. E. Vernor was adopted,
providing that $100 be appropriated out of the funds of the
Association for the purpose of assisting in the erection of a
suitable monument at the deceased ex-president's grave; and
that the President appoint a committee to take charge of,
receive contributions for, and superintend the erection
of such monument to the memory of Dr. William Martin
Yandell. The President announced the appointment of the
following to compose the Yandell monument committee:
E. G. Senter, Mrs. S. Isadore Miner, Frank P. Holland, R. M.
Johnston, Juan S. Hart, John G. Rankin, F. B. Baillio and
C. N. Ousley.
The legislative committee reported that Governor Joseph
D. Sayers had been kind enough to name libel as one of the
subjects of legislation in his call for a special session of the
Legislature. The committee said there was no doubt on the
part of newspaper people of the desirableness of the enact-
ment of such a law of libel as would define libel so that all
201
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
might know what the law is, and what are and what are not
privileged communications. At the called session, it appears,
a libel law had been introduced, but failed of enactment; and
the committee expressed the opinion that the reckless and
sometimes uncalled-for and unjust criticism of the Legisla-
ture and its members on the part of some members of the
press had had much to do with the failure of the press to
secure much needed remedial legislation.
The committee on libel made an extended report through
its chairman, E. G. Senter, saying among other things:
"What is privileged matter in the present confused
state of the law, can only be determined on appeal to the
higher courts. It is submitted that every citizen engaged
in a lawful business should be able to ascertain the rules
of law that govern his business, and to measure his respon-
sibility for any action in connection therewith before it is
taken. Much of the information that the public demands
from a newspaper is offensive or unpleasant to somebody.
Judicial ascertainment of facts in controversy is reached
only after long investigation, with all the processes of the
court available, and then it frequently happens that erroneous
verdicts are returned. In dealing with such matters it may
easily happen that the publisher, in spite of the utmost dili-
gence, will sometimes make mistakes. It is submitted that
when a mistake is thus innocently made, and every effort
is made to correct it and to prevent damage, that the pub-
lisher should be liable only for such actual damages as may
result from the publication, and that to levy in such a case,
under fictions of law repugnant to a common sense of jus-
tice, penalties more severe than are assessed for grave and
wilful crimes against society is not conducive to the welfare
of the public, or promotive of any good end or wholesome
design."
The text of the law asked for is as follows:
"1. In any action for damages brought for the pub-
202
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
lication of a libel in any newspaper or periodical devoted to
the publication of general news, science, or literature, the
plaintiff shall recover only such special pecuniary damages
as may be shown to have been suffered by him because there-
of, if it shall appear on the trial of such action that such
publication was made in good faith, and that there were
reasonable grounds for believing that the statements set
forth in such alleged libelous publication were true, and that
its falsity was due to mistake or misapprehension of the
facts, and that in the next regular issue of said newspaper
or periodical after such mistake or misapprehension was
brought to the knowledge of the publisher or publishers
thereof a correction or retraction was published in as con-
spicuous a manner and place in said newspaper or periodical
as was the libel.
"2. The publication of the following matters by any
newspaper or periodical as defined in section one shall be
deemed privileged, and shall not be made the basis of any
action for libel without proof of actual malice:
"1st. A fair and true report of any executive, judicial,
legislative, constabulary, police, or other official proceedings
or actions, or anything said or done in the course thereof;
"2nd. A fair and true report of public meetings;
"3rd. Reasonable and fair comment and criticisms upon
matters of public concern and the official acts of public
officials, published for general information.
"3. On the trial of any such action for libel the de-
fendant may give in evidence under the general issue, in
mitigation of damages, the circumstances and intentions
under which such publication was made, and any public
apology, correction or retraction of the libel complained of,
made and published by him.
"4. In any such action for damages for libel, if the
defendant shall suggest the name or names of the person
203
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
or persons who furnished the matter or information, the pub-
lication of which is complained of, by notice served on the
plaintiff or his attorney of record on or before the return
day of the term of court to which citation therein is return-
able, such person or persons shall be necessary parties de-
fendant in the further prosecution of said action."
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the following shall be added to the by-
laws, as paragraph 2 of Section 19:
"He shall also supervise the printing and distribution
of the badges worn at the regular, annual meetings of this
Association, and see that they are issued to bona fide mem-
bers of this body, members of their families, railroad repre-
sentatives who may be in attendance, representatives of sup-
ply houses, and to no others."
The following was adopted :
"Resolved, That the President shall appoint a special
committee of five, of which the president-elect shall be chair-
man, to present the subject of libel to the next Legislature ;
and that $100, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be
appropriated from the treasury for the expense of said com-
mittee."
On the adoption of the above, the President appointed
as said special committee : E. W. Harris, E. G. Senter, F.
B. Baillio, Frank Vernon, C. N. Ousley.
Those reading papers at this convention and their re-
spective subjects follow :
E. G. Myers "The Country Press and the Ready
Print."
J. E. Vernor "How to Hold Subscribers."
Ernst Goethe "How to Resuscitate a Dead Newspaper
Town."
204
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
W. M. Reilly "Which Makes the Better Boss, the Pro-
prietor or the Public?"
Officers were elected as follows :
President E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald;
First Vice President Fred B. Robinson, Huntsville Item;
Second Vice President C. N. Ousley, Galveston Tribune;
Third Vice President S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief;
Secretary Frank Vernon, Cisco Round-Up;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. Senter, Dallas.
Executive Committee:
First District R. M. Johnston, Houston Post;
Second District M. L. Bixler, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District R. E. Yantis, Wills Point Van Zandter;
Fourth District W. N. Fury, Paris Advocate;
Fifth District Tom W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette;
Sixth District .Mrs. S. Isadore Miner, Daillas News;
Seventh District A. M. Kennedy, Mexia Times-Echo;
Eighth District S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief;
Ninth District Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial;
Tenth District C. N. Ousley, Galveston Tribune;
Eleventh District G. W. McKnight, El Campo Eagle;
Twelfth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Thirteenth District W. A. Johnson, Hall County Herald.
R. W. Martin of the Gatesville Messenger was elected
orator; Thomas B. Lusk of the Italy News-Herald, essayist;
and Mrs. S. Isadore Miner, poetess.
Houston was elected as the next place of meeting; and
the excursion was to Houston, Beaumont, Galveston and
Port Arthur.
The president and secretary were instructed to invite the
press associations of Arkansas, Missouri and Louisiana to
meet with Texas Press Association at its annual meeting
the following year.
205
Twenty-second Annual Convention 1901
THE twenty-second annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in Turner Hall in Houston, and
was called to order by President E. W. Harris, May 23, 1901.
Rev. R. S. Stuart asked Divine blessing on the convention.
Honorable J. M. Coleman, acting for Mayor John D. Wool-
ford, who was prevented by sickness from being present, de-
livered the address of welcome on behalf of the city. The
response was made by T. H. Napier.
The following committees were appointed :
Membership F. B. Robinson, John H. Brooks, W. W.
Dexter ;
Finance R. E. Yantis, M. L. Bixler, Jasper Collins;
Resolutions W. A. Shaw, T. H. Napier, Eugene Moore;
Constitution and By-Laws S. J. Thomas, F. C. Thomp-
son, R. M. Johnston;
Revision of Roll Charles Culmore, G. J. Palmer, C. F.
Lehmann.
The following were elected to membership :
M. E. Foster, Houston Post ; T. Curtis, Burkeville Record ; Don C. Curtis,
Gatesville Star-Forum ; H. B. Savage, Belton News ; Clayton West, Wills Point
Chronicle; D. M. Thrash, Cleburne Chronicle; Frank P. Lockhart, Pittsburg
Gazette; E. P. Boyle, Houston Times; T. A. Adkins, Beeville Picayune; C. C.
Cox, Mexia Ledger ; W. L. Mason, San Antonio Homestead ; N. T. Blackwell,
Dallas Democrat ; A. J. Birchfield, Alvin Sun ; J. A. Phillips, Greenville Herald ;
Sumner Lansdale, McKinney Gazette; Hanip Williams, Wbllisville Broad Ax;
W. Tricky, Pearsall Leader; Charles E. Burke, Sherman Courier.
The committee on legislation submitted the following
report :
"The special committee appointed by the President at
the last meeting of the Association, to present the subject of
libel to the Legislature, beg leave to state that, fortified
with a Democratic platform demand for a libel law, just alike
to the press and the people, together with a strong recom-
mendation by Governor Sayers in his message for a proper
206
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
civil libel statute, the friends and advocates of libel reform
in the Twenty-Seventh Legislature succeeded in securing
to the press of Texas a measure of relief from existing con-
ditions by the enactment of the following law, the first line
relating to civil libel ever incorporated in the statutes of this
State :"
(The law as enacted is given in full in Part One of this
work, in the chapter devoted to the libel law.)
Great credit should be given Frank Bushick of the Sari
Antonio Express for the passage of the libel law, as he_ had
been active in the advocacy of libel reform.
W. A. Shaw, R. M. Johnston and T. H. Napier were
appointed a committee to consider the recommendations of
the Third Assistant Postmaster General upon the restrictions
placed by the Postoffice Department upon second class mail
matter.
Memorial services, presided over by F. B. Baillio, were
held in honor of the memory of those who had passed over
the silent river since the last annual convention, namely:
John F. Elliott of the Dallas Times-Herald; Sam Vernon
of the Comanche Chief; A. H. Belo of the Dallas-Galveston
News ; J. K. P. Shirley of the Parker County News, and
Dr. William Martin Yandell of El Paso, a former president
of this Association. Rev. R. S. Stuart prefaced the meeting
with Scriptural reading and with singing sacred songs in
which he was assisted by the audience. Mr. Baillio paid a
general and generous tribute to all the dead in whose honor
the meeting was held. S. J. Thomas spoke feelingly of
S. M. Vernon and read a tribute to him from Will H.
Mayes. Lee J. Rountree delivered a touching eulogy on Mr.
Shirley. W. A. Shaw spoke of the exemplary life of John
F. Elliott ; and F. B. Robinson paid a fitting tribute to the
memory of the lamented Dr. Yandell.
The following responded to call of the roll:
F. B. Baillio, Cleburne Review; J. H. Brooks, Weimar Mercury; Charles
Culmore, Houston Press; J. A. Greer, Hubbard Pick and Pan News; I. V.
207
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Jolly, Rockwall Church and Home; Mrs. Olive B. Lee, Lee's Magazine; T. H.
Napier, Winnsboro Wide- Awake; T. W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette; W. A. Shaw,
Texas Farmer, Dallas ; F. C. Thompson, McKinney Democrat ; John H. Cullom,
Garland News ; W. W. Dexter, Houston Trade Review ; V. W. Grubbs, Green-
ville Headlight ; R. M. Johnston, Houston Post ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville
Herald; Will H. Neel, Dublin Telephone; J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone; S. J.
Thomas, Comanche Chief; W. M. Warlick, Dallas Presbyterian; M. L. Bixler,
Beaumont Enterprise ; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal ; L. L. Foster, College
Station; E. W. Harris, Greenville Herald; C. W. Kent, Waxahachie Light;
J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin; E. E. Overall, Houston Railway
Illustrator; F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item; J. A. Thomas, Leonard Graphic;
R. E. Yantis, Athens Review ; Jasper Collins, Carthage Watchman ; C. E. Gilmore,
Wills Point Chronicle; J. S. Hardy, Ennis News; Eugene Moore, Stephenville
Empire; F. M. McCaleb, Pleasanton Monitor; P. H, Pardue, Alvarado Bulletin;
F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun ; W. M. Thompson, Itasca Mail.
E. G. Senter, attorney of the Association and member
of the committee charged with the duty of urging upon the
Legislature the passage of a law of civil libel, said of the
law enacted by the Twenty-Seventh Legislature: "The
measure adopted is not all that could be desired, but it is a
decided improvement on former conditions. The credit for
its passage belongs mainly to your President, Senator Harris ;
and his persistent and successful efforts in this behalf call for
the grateful acknowledgments of the press at large."
It is worthy of note that, while appropriations were made
from year to year to defray the expenses of committees
working in behalf of the passage of a libel law, no portion
of such appropriations was ever drawn upon and that the
members of the several committees always bore their own
expenses.
E. G. Senter, who had been appointed (at the last annual
convention) chairman of the committee to arrange for the
building of a monument to the memory of the late Dr.
William Martin Yandell, reported :
"On account of the calamitous incidents in southern
Texas, it was thought best to delay efforts to raise a fund
until this spring. One of the members of the committee is
Mrs. Isadore Callaway (formerly Miner), and on account
of her acquaintance and meeting with relatives of Dr. Yan-
dell, while she was recently traveling in Europe, it was
208
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
deemed advisable to take counsel with her with respect to the
action to be taken."
The committee to whom was referred the communica-
tion of Hon. Edwin C. Madden, Third Assistant Postmaster
General, concluded its report by offering the following,
which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association heartily
indorse the efforts of the Postal Department to correct the
abuses as practiced by many so-called newspapers and
periodicals in the giving of premiums."
A communication welcoming the Association to Hous-
ton was received from the executive committee of the
Daughters of The Republic of Texas. In moving a vote of
thanks to the Daughters for their cordial greeting, T. H.
Napier said : "In returning the greeting of The Daughters
of The Republic, it might be well to remember that it was
in the Texas Press Association that the idea originated of
making a State park of the San Jacinto Battle Ground. It
was suggested by the lamented Judge A. B. Norton of Dal-
las at the meeting in Houston in 1890, when the Associa-
tion took a trip to the battle ground. While the Associa-
tion had suggested the idea, the noble ladies of The Daugh-
ters of The Republic carried it out."
On motion of W. A. Shaw, seconded by R. M. Johnston
and John G. Rankin, Mrs. Olive B. Lee was indorsed for
third vice-president of the National Editorial Association,
should that body determine to elect a woman as one of its
officers.
Resolutions in regard to the death of Secretary Frank
Vernon, notice of which sad event came during the meeting
of the Association, were adopted after several members had
paid touching tribute to the many virtues that adorned his
noble character.
The following resolution, signed by F. B. Baillio, W. A.
Shaw, T. W. Perkins, R. E. Yantis, W. H. Neel, Jasper
209
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Collins, Lee J. Rountree, Eugene Moore and Charles Cul-
more, was offered, but was laid over to the next annual
convention :
"Be it Resolved, That the Constitution of the Associa-
tion be so changed as to read that 'The officers of this Asso-
ciation shall consist of a president, secretary, and treasurer.
In case of the death of the president or his resignation, or
his refusal to act, then the executive committee shall elect
his successor.' ''
I. V. Jolly offered the following resolution :
"That we heartily indorse the objects and purposes of
the organized movement in behalf of a comprehensive and
efficient system of industrial education in Texas, to the end
that the youth of our State may be fully prepared for the
duties, responsibilities and requirements of life in all its
legitimate phases, and to embrace the splendid opportunities
offered by the industrial awakening which has recently set
in in the State."
The minutes of this convention show papers read as fol-
lows :
Marcellus E. Foster "The Influence of the Press."
Lee J. Rountree "The Newspaper and the Politician."
C. E. Gilmore "Correct Business Methods."
The following officers were elected :
President F. B. Robinson, Huntsville Item:
First Vice President C. N. Ousley, Galveston Tribune;
Second Vice President S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief;
Third Vice President R. E. Yantis, Athens Review;
Secretary J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. Senter, Dallas.
Executive Committee:
First District M. E. Foster, Houston Chronicle;
Second District W. A. Adair, Marshall Messenger;
Third District H. W. Manson, Rockwall Success;
Fourth District J. J. Taylor, Clarksville Times;
210
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Fifth District G. O. Hunter, Sherman Democrat;
Sixth District W. A. Shaw, Texas Farmer.
Seventh District J. M. Kennedy, M'arlin Democrat;
Eighth District Eugene Moore, Stephenville Empire;
Ninth District Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial;
Tenth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
Eleventh District J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin;
Twelfth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Thirteenth District W. E. Gilliland. Baird Star.
Legislative Committee T. H. Napier, F. P. Holland, S.
J. Thomas, E. W. Harris, J. R. Ransone, Jr.
Orator T. H. Napier, Winnsboro Wide-Awake; Essay-
ist Jasper Collins, Panola Watchman, Carthage ; Poet
P. H. Pardue, Alvarado Bulletin.
Gainesville was selected as the next place of meeting
and the excursion was to A. & M. College, Beaumont and
Buffalo.
211
Twenty-third Annual Convention 1902
THE twenty-third annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the Opera House in Gaines-
ville beginning May 14, 1902. It was presided over by
President F. B. Robinson. Divine guidance and blessing
was invoked by Rev. J. A. Gray. J. T. Leonard, Mayor of
Gainesville, delivered the address of welcome which was
responded to by John H. Cullom.
The appointment of the following committees was an-
nounced :
Finance Eugene Moore, J. A. Thomas, W. J. Buie ;
Membership A. N. Justiss, W. H. Mayes, J. H. Lowry;
Revision of Roll W. E. Gilliland, D. J. Moffiitt, H. D.
Cadwell ;
Necrology W. A. Johnson, L. J. Wortham ;
Constitution and By-Laws R. E. Yantis, F. B. Baillio,
R. M. Johnston;
Resolutions John H. Cullom, F. P. Lockhart, J. M.
Weekly.
Mrs. Roberts of Dallas appealed to the members for
their support to the efforts of The Women's Clubs of Texas
in behalf of State legislation regulating the work of chil-
dren in manufacturing plants.
The committee on Constitution and. By-Laws submitted
the following:
"Resolved, That Article V of the Constitution be
changed to read as follows :
"The officers of this Association shall consist of a
president, a vice-president, an attorney, a secretary, an as-
sistant secretary, a treasurer, and an executive committee
composed of one member from each congressional district,
and of which the president shall be ex-officio chairman and
the secretary ex-officio secretary. These shall be elected
212
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
annually, except the memebrs of the executive committee
who shall be appointed by the president; and the assistant
secretary who shall be appointed by the secretary. There shall
also be chosen at each annual meeting, an orator, an essayist
and a poet, whose duties shall be to deliver and read at the
annual convention succeeding their appointment an oration,
an essay and a poem; provided, that in case of the death,
resignation, or permanent incapacity of the president, the
vice-president shall succeed to the honors and emoluments
of the office ; and in case of the death, resignation, or per-
manent incapacity of both the president and vice-president,
then the executive committee shall elect a president of the
Association, who shall be entitled to all the honors and
emoluments of the office."
The motion to adopt was defeated by rising vote, but
reconsideration was had later and the report was adopted.
The following indicates the richness and variety of the
program at this convention :
J. H. Lowry "What Constitutes a Good Country News-
paper."
W. J. Buie "Effects of Rural Free Delivery on the
Country Press."
W. E. Gilliland "The Press and the Candidate."
Mrs. S. E. Buchanan "The Press As An Educator."
R. E. Yantis "Practical Business Methods in the Ad-
vertising Department."
W. A. Johnson "Newspaper Controversies and Per-
sonal Journalism."
Thomas B. Lusk "The Importance, and Best Methods
of Obtaining Subscriptions."
L. J. Wortham "The Importance of Having Texas
Properly Represented at the St. Louis Exposition."
H. M. Mayo of the Sunset-Central Railroad "News-
papers in Relation to Development."
213
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
John H. Cullom "Newspaper Premiums and Guessing
Contests."
Will H. Mayes of the Brownwood Bulletin delivered
an address on "Revival Needed in Association Work."
The annual poem was by P. H. Pardue of the Alvarado
Bulletin.
After reciting that the Texas World's Fair Commission
is organized and chartered under the laws of the State to
secure for Texas a thorough exhibit of her resources at the
Louisiana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis in 1904; and
that it is of utmost importance that this commission, de-
pending for a World's Fair fund entirely upon popular sub-
scription, be accorded the aid and encouragement of every
public spirited citizen, Col. R. M. Johnston of the Houston
Post offered the following resolution, which was adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association pledge
itself to urge upon the public the economic necessity of ac-
cording every possible aid to the work of the Texas Com-
mission, and that it is the sense of the Texas Press Asso-
ciation that each individual member devote his best thought
and energy to the end that the county and section in which
his paper is published be represented in every resource and
advantage at the St. Louis Exposition."
The following were elected to membership:
J. S. Perry, Temple Tribune; A. B. Yeager, Waxahachie Eagle ; June P.
Miller, Chico Review; Cyrus Coleman, Henrietta Independent; Mrs. Mary Winn
Smoots, Sherman Courier ; W. G. Sterett, Dallas News ; Wm. Baldridge, Clifton
Record; J. M. Lewis, Houston Post; J. S. Bailey, Denton News; A. A. Lyford,
Lone Oak Banner.
The following officers were elected:
President C. N. Ousley, Houston Post;
Vice President R. E. Yantis, Athens Review;
Secretary J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone;
Assistant Secretary C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney E. G. Senter, Dallas.
Executive Committee:
First District F. A. I/ockhart, Pitts'burg Gazette;
214
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Second District W. C. Easterling, Orange Tribune;
Third District Clayton West, Wills Point Chronicle;
Fourth District T. W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette;
Fifth District W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Sixth District A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-Light;
Seventh District John R. Hedges, Galveston News;
Eighth District T. K. Barrett, Huntsville Post;
Ninth District D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer;
Tenth District L. J. Wortham, Austin Current Issue;
Eleventh District J. 'D. Shiaw, Waco Searchlight;
Twelfth District S, J. Thomas, Comanche Chief;
Thirteenth District C. H. Leonard, Gainesville Register;
Fourteenth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Fifteenth District J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin;
Sixeenth District Juan S. Hart, El Paso Times.
Legislative Committee L. J. Wortham, Austin Cur-
rent Issue; F. P. Holland, Texas Farm and Ranch; T. H.
Napier, Winnsboro Wide-Awake.
Delegates to the National Editorial Association A. N.
Justiss, D. L. Beach, J. H. Lowry, R. E. Yantis, J. A.
Thomas, W. J. Buie, L. A. McCollister.
W. G. Sterett was elected Orator; Mrs. S. E. Buchanan,
Essayist; and Mrs. Mary Winn Smoots, Poetess.
Waxahachie was elected as the next place of meeting, and
the excursion was to Arbuckle Mountains.
215
Twenty-fourth Annual Convention 1903
THE twenty-fourth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was called to order in the District Court
room in Waxahachie by President Clarence N. Ousley, May
21, 1903. Rev. J. G. Putnam, pastor of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, South, delivered the invocation. Mayor W.
J. F. Ross delivered the address of welcome to which R. E.
Yantis responded. By special request, Miss Mary, daughter
of C. F. Lehmann, recited "The Editor's Guest," by Will
Carleton.
The following committees were appointed:
Membership F. B. Baillio, B. C. Murray, C. E. Gil-
more, J. R. Ransone, Jr., Will H. Neel ;
Constitution and By-Laws F. T. Roche, W. A. Johnson,
J. H. Cullom, M. E. Foster, John H. Brooks;
Resolutions W. H. Mayes, N. P. Houx, Ashley Evans,
J. L. McCaleb, E. Goethe;
Revision of Roll C. F. Lehmann, F. B. Robinson, Henry
Reese, F. C. Thompson, W. C. O'Bryan;
Finance J. H. Lowry, T. B. Johnson, J. H. Stanberry,
N. T. Blackwell;
Memorial P. H. Pardue, J. A. Phillips, W. M. Warlick,
J. S. Bailey, F. B. Whipkey.
In his address, President Ousley stated that there were
528 papers published in the State, with a combined circula-.
tion of 1,080,000, and an estimated value of $4,725,000.
Mrs. S. E. Buchanan of the Farm and Ranch read the
annual essay, the subject: "What Would You Do, If You
Could Do As You Would?" Colonel W. G. Sterett deliv-
ered, extempore, the annual oration. Mrs. Mary Winn
Smoots read the annual poem, entitled : "A Ode to Ed
Green from Safrony."
216
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
On the suggestion of C. F. Lehmann that a mutual fire
insurance company be organized, the President appointed
C. F. Lehmann, R. E. Yantis and W. H. Neel a committee
to report on the proposed organization at the next annual
meeting.
It being announced that the next annual convention
would be the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the Association,
the following were appointed to arrange a special programme
for that meeting: B. C. Murray, J. R. Ransone, Jr., W. E.
Gilliland, Will H. Mayes, John H. Cullom, F. B. Baillio,
J. H. Lowry and C. N. Ousley.
Those on the program and their subjects:
W. N. Cobb "The Publication Law Passed by the Last
Legislature."
Rev. G. C. Rankin "J ourna ^ sm an d Its Duty to Public
Morals."
Miss Maid J. Allen "In the Country Newspaper Field."
D. L. Beach "The Making of a Successful Daily and
Weekly in a Country Town."
J. H. Connell "That Boy."
The following officers were elected :
President R. E. Yantis, Athens Review;
Vice President S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief:
Secretary T. B. Lusk, I tally News-Herald;
Assistant Secretary W. M. Cobb, Bowie Blade;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Orator Louis J. Wortham, Austin Current Issue;
Essayist W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise:
Poet Judd Mortimer Lewis, Houston Post.
Executive Committee:
First District F. A. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Second District M. L. Bixler, Beaumont Enterprise;
Third District C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle;
Fourth District J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal;
Fifth District F. P. Holland, Farm and Ranch, Dallas;
Sixth District N. P. Houx, Mexia News;
Seventh District C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune:
217
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Eighth District W. W. Dexter, Houston Trade Review;
Ninth District J. L. Ladd, Bay City Tribune;
Tenth District F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun;
Eleventh District Ernst Goethe, Waco Echo;
Twelfth District J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleimrne Enterprise;
Thirteenth District W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald;
Fourteenth District T. B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Fifteenth District J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin;
Sixteenth District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
The following committees were appointed:
Printing J. S. Hardy, W. J. Buie, N. T. Blackwell;
Legislative W. W. Walling, W. A. Shaw, C. N. Ousley.
Delegates to the National Editorial Association S. J.
Thomas, J. L. Ladd, Frank P. Holland, J. P. Chambless,
B. C. Murray, T. B. Johnson, M. E. Foster. Alternates-
Jasper Collins, D. L. Beach, M. L. Bixler, E. W. Harris, J. A.
Thomas, Will H. Neel, W. C. Easterling.
The retiring president was presented with a set of ster-
ling silver knives, forks and spoons. The retiring secretary
was presented with a traveling set.
The following were elected to membership :
R. Polk Burhans, Denison Gazetteer; W. B. Yeary, Farmersville Sentinel;
Jas. H. Sullivan, San Antonio Light; S. Hundley, Moody Courier; W. P. Connelly,
Bryan Eagle; Clarence Chambers, Liberty Vindicator; A. L. Pinkston, Center
Champion ; J. W. Saxon, Angleton Times ; J. Linn Ladd, Bay City Tribune ; E. J.
Roberts, Sherman Courier; J. M. Goldston, Milford Courier; W. V. Ervin, Big
Springs Enterprise; Buck W. Brown, Midlothian Argus; W. L. Turner, Madi-
sonville Meteor; C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune; E. L. Ramsey, Thorndale
Thorn; C. E. Kepple, LaPorte Chronicle; M. L. O. Andrews, Navasota Review;
H. E. Ellis, Groesbeck Journal.
San Antonio was elected as the next place of meeting.
The following communication from De Zavala Chapter,
Daughters of The Republic of Texas was read :
* * * an( j sav to your Association that we are depend-
ing upon their aid in our struggle to save the Thermopylae
of the New World, the remainder of the old Mission of the
Alamo, where were enacted the sublimest deeds in history,
and where the greatest heroes died for liberty. It is also
one of the State's antiquities, which tourists come far to see,
and for that reason alone should be preserved. We wish
218
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
to make it not only the most attractive spot on this conti-
nent, but one from which good will emanate in many lines.
We wish to make it an art museum, a Texas Hall of Fame a
museum of Texas history and relics. We wish to foster and
substantially encourage writers and artists and build up a
literature and art peculiarly Texan worthy of her history,
and outrivaling the Ancient Greeks. The press is our sole
dependence in our efforts to raise the seventy thousand
dollars to which we have bound ourselves, and we know
we shall not depend upon them in vain. Twenty thousand
dollars is required by next April, the remainder in yearly
installments in five years' time.
(Signed) Adina De Zavala, President."
W. G. Sterett offered the following, which was adopted :
"Whereas, The patriotic women and men of Texas are
putting forth their best efforts' to preserve from the muti-
lating effects of time the historic buildings and locations
of our State-builders, and locations where a people's liberty
was bought with blood, and where happiness and greatness
to us, the beneficiaries of the struggles of our forefathers,
were given; therefore, be it,
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association, at its
annual meeting of the year 1903, give every aid in obtaining
such funds, public or private, as are necessary to purchase
and preserve such grounds in our great State as become
historic in and connected with the struggles for Texas Inde-
pendence."
Saturday morning, May 23, about one hundred and
fifty of the editors went to Fort Worth where they were
the recipients of the hospitality of that hospitable city. On
the next morning, about thirty joined in the excursion
through the fruit and vegetable section East Texas making
stops at Grand Saline, Rusk, Jacksonville, Tyler, Palestine,
Houston, Beaumont, Orange, Bay City, and other places.
All along the route of the excursion, the editors were given
the "glad hand" and unstinted hospitality.
219
Twenty-fifth Annual Convention 1904
THE twenty-fifth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the City Hall in San Antonio,
and was called to order by President R. E. Yantis, May 5,
1904. Rev. Homer T. Wilson invoked the Divine blessing
and prayed that peace, harmony and good-fellowship might
prevail during the deliberations of the convention. Hon.
John W. Kokernot delivered the address of welcome on be-
half of the city and W. A. Shaw responded for the Asso-
ciation.
The following committees were appointed :
Membership F. B. Baillio, W. E. Gilliland, R. W. Mar-
tin, A. L. Pinkston, P. H. Pardue;
Revision of Roll S. J. Thomas, F. B. Robinson, Will H.
Mayes, T. W. Perkins, B. C. Murray;
Resolutions M. E. Foster, J. S. Perry, C. H. McMasters,
W. A. Shaw, C. E. Gilmore;
Finance F. P. Holland, J. M. Weekly, J. L. McCaleb,
E. Goethe;
Constitution and By-Laws D. L. Beach, M. L. Bixler,
Jasper Collins, T. B. Johnson, F. C. Thompson.
The following were elected to membership:
A. C. Baldwin, San Antonio Gazette; G. H. Boynton, Hamilton Herald; W.
L. Warrock, Rosebud News; P. O. Willson, Taylor Texan; Frank Ezzell, Ferris-
Wheel ; H. E. Faubion, Marble Falls Messenger ; Sam P. Harben, Richardson
Echo; J. D. Ford, Timpson Times; W. T. Curtis, Carbon Herald; J. E. Pitts,
Cleburne Review; A. P. Ransone, Cleburne Enterprise; Miss M. E. Neal, Carthage
Register; J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner; G. P. Miller, Corsicana Truth;
G. R. Beckham, Flatonia Record ; J. O. Boehmer, Floresville Chronicle ; A. Suhler,
Waco Echo; F. N. Oliver, Cockney Beacon; R. M. Thompson, Goldthwaite Eagle;
E. G. Gillette, Runge News; Edgar Schramm, San Antonio Staats Zeitung; J. A.
Paddleford, Hillsboro Record; J. W. Beck, Milford Courier; G. B. Latham,
Dallas Farm Journal; J. D. Autrey, Falls City Pilot; S. A. Fishburn, Dallas
Home Advocate; Ed J. Leeman, Merkel Mail; J. G. Reed, Reed's Isonomy. San
Antonio; C. E. Hill, San Antonio Liquor Dealer; J. D. Moyer, Honey Grove
Citizen ; J. E. Grinstead, Kerrville Mountain Sun ; C. W. Wilson, Mineral Wells
220
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Index ; Miss Ferdie Triche, Railroad Echo, Houston ; E. T. Merriman, Corpus
Christi Caller; Chas. E. Barnes, San Antonio Express; J. M. Daniel, Cotulla
Record.
Wm. T. Eichholz, of the Cuero Rundschau explained
the advantages of the mutual fire insurance association he
and his associates were making efforts to organize among
newspaper men. The matter was referred to a special com-
mittee consisting of D. L. Beach, C. F. Lehmann and D. S.
Mayes.
The following by T. H. Napier was adopted :
"Whereas, The Daughters of the Republic (of Texas)
are engaged in a patriotic endeavor to preserve to posterity
the historic Alamo ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association commend
this project of the noble women of this great State, and
pledge them our hearty co-operation in bringing about legis-
lative aid to assist in their worthy endeavor."
The annual poem was read by J. M. Lewis, its title
being: "The Editor."
The annual essay, "Dreamers and Their Dreams," was
read by W. J. Buie.
The quarter centennial exercises were presided over by
Colonel William Green Sterett. W. A. Shaw read a paper
on "Some Newspaper Men I Have Known." "The Growth
and Development of Texas Journalism" was the subject of
a paper by C. N. Ousley; "The Association Then and Now"
was the title of the paper by R. E. Yantis ; by Will H.
Mayes : "The Social Features of the Association and Their
Influence in Eliminating Personal Journalism ;" R. W r . Martin,
"What the Association Has Accomplished and W r hat It
Might Accomplish."
Officers were elected as follows :
President Sid J. Thomas, Comanche Chief;
Vke President J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal;
Secretary T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald;
221
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Assistant Secretary John H. Brooks, Weimar Mercury;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Orator Homer T. W'ilson, San Antonio;
Essayist T. H. Napier, McKinney Gazette;
Poet Clarence N. Ous-ley, Fort Worth Record.
Executive Committee:
First District F. A. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Second District J. A. Ford, Timpson Times;
Third District J. W. Johnson, Longview Times-Clarion;
Fourth District T. W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette;
Fifth District W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Sixth District J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone;
Seventh District C. A. Chambers, Liberty Vindicator;
Eigthth District J. M. Lewis, Houston Post;
Ninth District C. F. Lehmann, Hal'lettsville Herald;
Tenth District Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial;
Eleventh District G. H. Boynton, Hamilton Herald;
Twelfth District J. J. Switzer, Weatherford Herald;
Thirteenth District W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald;
Fourteenth District Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Fifteenth District H. C. Thompson, Floresville Journal.
Printing Committee W. J. Buie, J. R. Ransone, Jr.,
R. W. Martin. T. B. Lusk ;
Legislative Committee W. W. Walling, W. A. Shaw,
C. N. Ousley.
The following were appointed as delegates to the Na-
tional Editorial Association : R. E. Yantis, Jasper Collins,
B. C. Murray, J. P. Chambless, J. R. Ransone, Jr., J. H.
Lowry, J. A. Thomas. Alternates Will H. Mayes, C. E.
Gilmore, P. H. Pardue, Miss M. E. Neal, Henry Reese, Jr.,
R. M. Thompson, C. I. Boynton.
Brownwood was elected as the next place of meeting.
The little son of Sidney J. Thomas of the Comanche
Chief was elected mascot of the Association, and the name
given him : Sydney Baillio Thomas.
The following by T. B. Johnson was adopted:
"Whereas, There are throughout our State a great num-
97?
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
her of children who are being raised amid surroundings
which have impaired and are impairing their physical, men-
tal and moral natures and causing them to become incor-
rigible as children, and tending to cause them to become
debased and immoral men and women, and to become mental
and physical wrecks ; and,
"Whereas, the public welfare and the good of society
demand that these incorrigible children should be cared
for and taught, so that they may grow up useful and
worthy citizens ; and,
'Whereas, The State of Texas has no proper and suffi-
cient home for these children ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the public welfare and the good
of society would be advanced by the erection and main-
tenance of a State Industrial Home, where these chil-
dren under the age of sixteen could be sent and taught use-
ful trades and molded into good and worthy citizens ; and
be it further,
"Resolved, That this Association indorse such, and a
copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this
meeting, and that a copy be sent to the Governor of this
State, with the request that he call the attention of the
Legislature of Texas to these resolutions, so that the sug-
gestions herein contained may be considered by our Legis-
lature."
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following amendment to Article III of the Constitution,
which was adopted :
"After the sentence concluding with the words, 'and also
of his return to active work/ add the. words, 'Members placed
on the honorary roll, by reason of temporary retirement
from active work, shall be dropped from the honorary roll
at the expiration of five years.'
This resolution amending section 19 of the By-Laws, so
as to make it read as follows, was adopted :
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"It shall be the duty of the retiring secretary, after each
annual meeting, under direction of the printing committee,
to supervise the printing of the minutes and to distribute
the same to the members as early after such annual meet-
ing of the Association as practicable, and not later than
three months after each session. The incoming secretary
shall supervise the printing and distribution of the badges
worn at the regular, annual meeting of this Association
following his election, and see that they are issued to bona
fide members of this body and members of their families,
railroad representatives who may be in attendance, repre-
sentatives of supply houses, and to no others. The retiring
secretary shall, within three months, deliver to the incom-
ing secretary all books, papers, accounts, etc., and the seal
of the corporation, taking his receipt therefor."
The President appointed A. N. Justiss, W. W. Dexter,
J. S. Perry, Fred B. Robinson and J. L. McCaleb to represent
the Association at the dedication of the Texas building at
the St. Louis World's Fair, on May 25 of that year (1904).
A handsome sterling silver table service was presented
to the retiring president.
The following members responded to call of the roll :
J. D. Autrey, Falls City Pilot ; A. C. Baldwin, San Antonio Gazette ; J. W. Beck,
Milford Courier ; Jos. O. Boehmer, Floresville Chronicle ; G. H. Boynton, Hamilton
Herald; D. L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer; H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal;
W. M. Cobb, Bowie Blade; Wm. T. Eichholz, Cuero Rundschau; F. B. Baillio,
Western Newspaper Union ; Chas M. Barnes, San Antonio Express ; Glenn R.
Beckham, Flatonia Record ; C. I. Boyton, Llano Times ; Buck W. Brown,
Midlothian Argus-News; R. Polk Burhans, Denison Gazetteer; C. A. Chambers,
Liberty Vindicator ; Jasper Collins, Carthage Watchman ; W. T. Curtis, Carbon
Hierald; J. M. Daniel, Cotulla Record; Frank Ezzell, Ferris Wheel; H. E.
Faubion, Marble Falls Messenger; J. D. Ford, Timpson Times; E. G. Gillette,
Runge News; C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; C. W. Gordon, Calvert
Courier ; J. S. Hardy, Ennis News ; S. Hundley, Moody Courier ; Tom B. Johnson,
San Antonio Light ; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-Light ; Geo. B. Latham,
Dallas Farm Journal ; J. M. Lewis, Houston Post ; R. B. Lockhart, Pitts-burg
Gazette; T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald; Mrs. R. W. Martin, Gatesville Star-
Forum ; D. S. Mayes, Whitney Messenger ; F. M. McCaleb, Pleasanton Monitor ;
C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror; B. C.
Murray, Denison Gazetteer; Miss M. E. Neal, Carthage Register; C. N. Ousley,
Fort Worth Record; J. S. Perry, Temple Tribune; E. L. Ramsey, Thorndale Thorn;
224
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Henry Reese, Jr., Gonzales Inquirer ; F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun ; W. A. Shaw,
Texas Farmer, Dallas ; Jim Tom Story, Mineral Wells Health Resort ; W. W.
Dex'ter, World's Fair Book, Houston ; Will V. Ervin, Big Springs Enterprise ;
S. A. Fishburn, Dallas Home Advocate ; M. E. Foster, Houston Chronicle ; W. E.
Gilliland, Baird Star; Ernst Goethe, Waco Echo; J. E. Grinstead, Kerrville Moun-
tain Sun ; C. E. Hill, San Antonio Liquor Dealer ; J. W. Johnson, Longview Times-
Clarion ; W. A. Johnson, Hall County HeraM ; Sumner Lansdale, McKinney
Gazette; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; F. M. Littlepage, Kountze News;
J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal ; R. W. Martin, Gatesville Star-Forum ; W. H.
Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin; J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin; J. E. Mc-
Farland, Jacksonville Banner ; E. T. Merriman, Corpus Christi Caller ; J. D.
Moyer, Honey Grove Citizen ; T. H. Napier, Dallas ; G. J. Palmer, Houston
Post ; P. H. Pardue, Alvarado Bulletin ; A. L. Pinkston, Center Champion ; J. R.
Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; F. B. Robinson, Waco Times-Herald; Edgar
Schramm, San Antonio Staats Zeitung ; W. G. Sterett, Dallas News ; J. A. Thomas,
Leonard Graphic ; J. H. Sullivan, San Antonio Express ; W. M. Thompson, Frost
News ; Miss Ferdie Triche, Houston Railroad Echo ; T. O. Walker, Fort Worth
Record; W. M. Warlick, Dallas Presbyterian; John M. Weekly, Ennis Local; P.
O. Willson, Taylor Texan; C. W. Wilson, Mineral Wells Index; S. J. Thomas,
Comanche Chief; H. C. Thompson, Floresville Journal; W. Tricky, Pearsall Leader;
W. W. Walling, San Antonio; W. L. Warrock, Rosebud News; Clayton West,
Dallas ; L. J. Wortham, Austin Current Issue ; R. E. Yantis, Athens Review.
The excursion was to the World's Fair (Louisiana Pur-
chase Exposition) at St. Louis, and was participated in by
about one hundred and twenty-five members of the Asso-
ciation and their wives and daughters.
225
Twenty-Sixth Annual Convention 1905
THE twenty-sixth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association convened in the city of Brownwood, May 10,
1905, and was called to order in the Knights of Pythias Hall by
President Sid J. Thomas. Reverend O. M. Fitzhugh of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church offered the invocation. The
address of welcome was delivered by Hon. Chester Harrison,
in behalf of the city and citizens of Brownwood. The response
was by J. H. Lowry.
An effort was made to organize a "Press Congress," to be
composed of delegates from the Texas Press Association and
the various district associations in the State, but the scheme
failed to meet with favor and was abandoned.
A. A. Glisson, General Passenger Agent of the Fort Worth
and Denver Railroad, was made a perpetual honorary member
of the Association.
The President announced the following committee on
membership : W. J. Buie, C. F. Lehmann, T. W. Perkins,
B. C. Murray and J. D. Moyer.
The following were elected to membership :
G. L. Inglish, Bonham Herald; F. N. Graves, Cleburne Enterprise; C. E.
Manley, Cotulla Record; J. S. Henderson, Corpus Christi Crony; W. B. Wilson,
McKinney Democrat; E. C. Hunter, Sherman Democrat; J. C. Florea, Richmond
Coaster; R. D. Hudson, Waxahachie Light; J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress; S. N.
Thompson, Honey Grove Citizen ; A. R. Crawford, Brady Enterprise ; W. G.
Iiayden, Big Spring Herald; C. W. Goff, Greenville Herald; E. J. Stockton, Cisco
Round-Up; A. G. McAdams, Wylie Rustler; T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror;
Bruce W. McCarty, Eagle Lake Headlight; R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; Ben F.
Smith, Snyder Western Light; M. E. Rosser, Snyder Coming West; S. W. Thomas,
Aspermont Star; Theo. Fulghain, Ladonia News; E. H. Robertson, Grove'on Star;
E. C. Wedemeyer, Belton Journal-Reporter ; J. W. Hunter, Mason Herald ; Sam J.
Helm, Gainesville Messenger ; J. G. Marshall, Paris News.
Colonel C. F. Lehmann, Flag Custodian of the National
Editorial Association, had the flag (the Stars and Stripes)
of that organization draped across the end of the convention
hall. It is a priceless treasure of the National Editorial Asso-
226
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS-
ciation, and this was the first time it had been exhibited at a
meeting of the Texas Press Association. Its history was given
as follows:
"It is of heavy silk and was originally the property of the
illustrious and lamented Henry W. Grady of the Atlanta Con-
stitution. Mr. Grady presented it to Colonel Elliott of South
Carolina who in turn presented it to the National Editorial
Association. At the meeting of that organization in Detroit,
Michigan, Colonel Elliott was appointed Flag Custodian for
life. At his death four years ago, Colonel F. B. Baillio, then
President of the National Editorial Association, appointed
C. F. Lehmann to the vacancy and since then the flag has been
in his keeping. When Lafayette's monument was unveiled in
Paris, France, this flag of our country was unfurled ; and later
it floated over the Eiffel Tower from 3 to 5 o'clock in the after-
noon, and was the only flag of any country, other than France,
that was permitted that honor."
The following committees were announced :
Finance J. M. Lewis, W. E. Gilliland, W. A. Johnson,
P. H. Pardue, John J. Switzer ;
Resolutions C. N. Ousley, Jasper Collins, J. A. Thomas,
C. E. Gilmore, E. T. Merriman ;
Revision of Roll B. W. Brown, M. J. Cox, Miss M. E.
Neal, J. A. Phillips, T. B. Lusk ;
Constitution and By-Laws F. B. Baillio, J. E. McFar-
land, W. W. Walling, T. E. Streight, F. B. Robinson ;
Memorial D. L. Beach, E. C. Hunter, Sumner Lansdale,
G. L. Inglish, R. M. Thompson.
Papers were read as follows:
Tom W. Perkins "The Press, the Pulpit and the Poli-
tician."
C. E. Gilmore "Are Publishers Availing Themselves of
the Improved Facilities of Production and Distribution?"
W. A. Johnson "Qualifications to Success as an Edi-
tor."
227
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
J. A. Thomas "Ye Editor as a Law Maker."
Joe J. Taylor "Is a Semi-Weekly Issue More Profitable
and More Desirable Than a Weekly?"
J. D. Moyer "My Esteemed Contemporary Across the
Street."
W. G. Sterett "Our Country Cousins."
J. E. Vernor "What Are We Here For?"
C. A. Chambers "How May We Improve Our Opportun-
ities as Publishers?"
A telegram was received from the Dallas News that the
town of Snyder, Oklahoma, had been blown away by a cyclone.
The secretary was instructed to wire sympathy and send a
check for twenty-five dollars for the relief of the storm suf-
ferers.
Will H. Mayes, C. F. Lehmann, Tom B. Johnson and W.
W. Walling were appointed to make a digest of the State laws
applying to newspapers.
Congressman Slayden addressed the convention and,
among other things, said he was glad the press had decreed the
pistol "toter" must go, and that the press was a most impor-
tant factor in the suppression of the habit.
C. N. Ousley who had been elected to read the annual
poem stated that he was not prepared and, in lieu of a poem,
talked of the needs and importance of the Girls' College of
Industrial Arts at Denton, and requested all members of the
Association to keep this school before the people.
Following an address by F. P. Holland, the following was
adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association heartily in-
dorses the recent rulings of Third Assistant Postmaster Gen-
eral Madden, in denying second class postal privileges to pub-
lications that are not newspapers or magazines in the true
sense of journalism, and in prohibiting the use of ill disguised
lottery and other illegitimate schemes."
Colonel B. B. Herbert, of Chicago, editor of the National
228
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Printer Journalist, and first president of the National Editorial
Association, addressed the convention on "the duties of the
newspaper man to the public" and other kindred subjects.
The following, offered by C. N. Ousley, was adopted :
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association hereby in-
dorse the movement represented by the Southern Cotton As-
sociation, and we pledge our united assistance to said associa-
tion in its efforts to aid the cotton growers and business
interests of the South."
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted the
following amendment to Section 5 of the by-laws, which was
adopted :
"Section 5. Immediately after the adjournment of each
annual meeting, the secretary shall notify all members, in
writing, of their arrears of dues ; and if, after notification, pay-
ment is not made within sixty days, such members shall be
stricken from the roll and shall not thereafter be entitled to
the rights and privileges of the Association ; provided, how-
ever, that where a member has been suspended for non-pay-
ment of dues, such member shall be entitled to re-instatement
upon the payment of all past dues, at the rate of one dollar per
year and one dollar advance dues ; provided, further, that in
no case shall such re-instatement fee exceed the sum of three
dollars, upon payment of which sum the secretary shall credit
such delinquent with all past dues and dues for one year in
advance from the date of the last annual meeting."
The election of officers resulted as follows :
President James H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal;
Vice President Tom B. Johnson, San Antonio Light;
Secretary T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald;
Assistant Secretary John H. Brooks, Weimar Mercury;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Orator M. J. Cox, Moody Courier;
Essayist Sumner Lansdale, McKinney Gazette;
Poet J. S. Henderson, Corpus Christi Crony.
229
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Executive Committee:
First District J. C. Marshall, Paris News;
Second District J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner;
Third 'District C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle;
Fourth District G. L. Inglish, Bonham Herald;
Fifth District W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Sixth District N. P. Houx, Mexia News;
Seventh District C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune;
Eighth District J. M. Lewis, Houston Post;
Ninth District John H. Brooks, Weimar Mercury;
Tenth District R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Eleventh District T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror;
Twelfth District J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
Thirteenth District W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald;
Fourteenth District J. E. Vernor, Lampasas Leader;
Fifteenth District E. T. Merriman, Corpus Christi Caller;
Sixteenth District L. A. McCollister, Gordon Courier.
Legislative Committee W. W. Walling, C. N. Ousley,
J. A. Thomas;
Printing Committee J. A. Phillips, E. C. Hunter, J. D.
Ford.
Delegates to the National Editorial Association Will H.
Mayes, T. W. Perkins, Frank Ezzell, R. F. Cates, T. B. Lusk,
C. E. Gilmore, J. R. Ransone, Jr., Sam P. Harben;
Alternate Delegates J. A. Phillips, J. A. Thomas, J. P.
Chambless, Jasper Collins, Buck W. Brown, T. B. Johnson,
J. D. Ford, D. L. Beach ;
First Committeeman, National Editorial Association
W. J. Buie.
Corpus Christi was elected as the next place of meeting,
winning over Dallas, Paris, Temple, Belton and Mineral Wells.
The retiring president was presented with a sterling silver
table service.
The following members were present at this meeting:
J. S. Bailey, Denton Monitor; F. B. Baillio, Western Newspaper Union; D.
L. Beach, Gonzales Inquirer; W. V. Ervin, Big Springs Enterprise; H. E- Faubion,
Marble Falls Messenger; S. A. Fishburn, Dallas Home Advocate; J. D. Ford.
Timpson Times ; R. F. Cates, Bartlett Tribune ; Jasper Collins, Carthage Watchman ;
M. J. Cox, Moody Courier; A. R. Crawford, Brady Enterprise; J. S. Daley, Dublin
230
\
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Progress; C. W. Gordon, Calvert Courier; D. R. Hall, Gatesville Messenger;
W. G. Hayden, Big Springs Herald; F. P. Holland, Farm and Ranch; E. C.
Il'tmter, Sherman Democrat; R. C. Johnson, Galveston Opera Glass; W. A. Johnson,
Memphis Herald; Mrs. Olive B. Lee, Lee's Magazine, Dallas; J. M. Lewis, Houston
Post; T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald; R. W. Martin, Gatesville Star-Forum;
Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin; H. F. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin; Bruce
VV. McCarty, Eagle Lake Headlight; L. A. McCollister, Gordon Courier; J. M.
Paniel, Cotulla Record; Frank Ezzell, Ferris Wheel ; C. I. Boynton, Llano Times;
Buck W. Brown, Midlothian Argus-News; W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise;
H. D. Cadwell, Gainesville Signal ; J. C. Florea, Richmond Coaster ; Theo. Fulgham,
Ladonia News; E. G. Gillet, Runge News; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; C. E.
Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; C. W. Goff, Greenville Herald; O. P. Gresham,
Temple Mirror ; J. S. Hardy, Ennis News ; J. S. Henderson, Corpus Christi Crony ;
J. W. Hunter, Mason Herald ; G. L. Inglish, Bonham Herald ; Tom B. Johnson,
San Antonio Light ; Sumner Lansdale, McKinney Gazette ; C. F. Lehmann, Halletts-
ville Herald; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal; J. G. Marshall, Paris News;
Mrs. R. W. Martin, Gatesville Star-Forum; A. G. McAdams, Wylie Rustler; C.
H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune; J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner; E. T.
Merriman, Corpus Christi Caller; T. J. Middleton, Waxahachie Mirror; J. D.
Moyer, Honey Grove Citizen; Miss M. E. Neal, Carthage Register; P. H. Pardue,
Alvarado Bulletin; J A. Phillips, Greenville Messenger; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cle-
burne Enterprise ; F B. Robinson, Waco Times-Herald ; Ben F. Smith, Snyder
Western Light; E. J. Stockton, Cisco Round-Up; A. Suhler, Waco Echo; C. W.
Taylor, Rogers News ; J. A. Thomas, Leonard Graphic ; F. C. Thompson, Piano
Siar-Courier; R. M. Thompson, Goldthwaite Eagle; W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
J. C. Welch, Bonham Herald; W. B, Wilson, McKinney Democrat; June P. Miller,
Chico Review; B. C. Murray, Denison Gazetteer; Clarence N. Ousley, Fort Worth
Record ; Tom W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette ; E. L. Ramsey, Thorndale Thorn ; E. H.
Robertson, Groveton Stai ; M. E. Rosser, Snyder Coming West ; W. G. Sterett, Dallas
News ; T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror ; John J. Switzer, Weatherford Herald ; S. J.
Thomas, Comanche Chief ; S. W. Thomas, Aspermont Star ; W. M. Thompson, Frost
News; J. E. Vernor, Lampasas Leader; E. C. Wedemeyer, Belton Journal-Reporter;
C. W. Wilson, Mineral Wells Index; Mrs. E. E. Overall, Railway and Industrial
Journal.
231
Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention 1906
THE twenty-seventh annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the Pavilion in Corpus Christi, and
was called to order by President J. H. Lowry, June 6, 1906.
The invocation was by Rev. South worth of the First Baptist
Church of Corpus Christi, after which "America" was sung
by the audience. Judge Stayton of Corpus Christi delivered
the address of welcome, Jasper Collins responding. The presi-
dent's annual address was referred to J. A. Thomas, J. S. Daley,
John H. Cullom, Jasper Collins and Theo. Fulgham.
The following committees were announced :
Membership Tom W. Perkins, W. V. Ervin, D. S.
Mayes, J. S. Perry, J. D. Moyer ;
Revision of Roll J. A. Thomas, W. A. Johnson, J. S.
Daley, A. L. Pinkston, Walter B. Wilson;
Finance T. E. Streight, Jim Tom Story, Bruce W.
McCarty, E. C. Hunter, B. F. Smith ;
Memorial S. J. Thomas, D. J. Moffitt, F. C. Thompson,
O. P. Gresham, P. O. Wilson ;
Constitution and By-Laws C. F. Lehmann, G. I. Boyn-
ton, W. E. Gilliland, R. B. Lockhart, R. M. Thompson;
Resolutions J. J. Taylor, Lee J. Rountree, C. W. Goff,
S. A. Fishburn, W. J. Buie.
The following were elected to membership :
J. W. Northrup, Giddings News; T. E. Arterberry, Savoy Star; J. M. Shafer,
Plainview Herald ; R. M. Hudson, Irving Index ; W. C. Edwards, Denton Record
and Chronicle ; M. F. Cowden, Bonham Favorite ; W. A. Turnage, Farmersville
Sentinel; J. F. Harrison, Farmersville Times; J. L. Webb, Tioga Herald; B. A.
Carter, Nocona News ; C. B. Gardner, Praetorian Guard, Dallas ; A. W. Bradshaw,
San Angelo Press ; D. Prescott Toomey, Dallas News ; W. Z. Spearman, White-
wright Sun; C. F. Hart, Bells News; John E. Davis, Mesquite Mesquiter ; J. L.
Adams, Tyler Courier; J. O. Harper, Mexia Enterprise; A. Lee Brown, Temple
Banner-Knight; I. Ardis, Greenville Messenger; J. M. Hughes, Silverton Enterprise;
W. L. West, Livingston Enterprise ; R. M. Curtis, Falfurrias Facts ; James G.
May, Ganado Graphic ; H. A Lindenberg, Yoakum Times ; R. A. Alford, Leander
Record; F. M. Owings, West Times; Orion Procter, Bridgeport Index; W. P.
Hobby, Houston Post; J. M. Cunningham, Oakville Leader; Walter B. Whitman,
232
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Holland's Magazine; Levi A. Dunlap, Meridian Tribune; Miss Maid J. Allen,
Granger News; I<on Davis, Sealy News; W. C. Wright, Beeville Picayune; J. C.
Howerton, Cuero Record; J. D. Moffitt, Pilot Point Post-Signal; J W. Falvella,
Corpus Christi Caller; J. B. Carrington, San Antonio Express; W. L. DuBose,
Devine News; H. B. Terrell, West Times; S. H. McGary, Beaumont Journal.
The following read papers on themes shown opposite their
respective names :
D. S. Mayes "The Cost of Publishing a Six-Column
Quarto Newspaper per Thousand Circulation."
Fred B. Robinson "The City Daily in Comparison with
the Country Weekly."
S. J. Thomas "Is the Crusade Against Patent Medicines
Justifiable?"
Walter B. Whitman "How I Would Run the Business
End of a Country Weekly."
G. L. Inglish "What is a Fair Rate per Inch for Adver-
tising, per Thousand Circulation ; and Should a Foreign Adver-
tiser Get a Better Rate than the Home Patron ?"
Henry Reese "How to Keep Books for a Country
Weekly."
J. Linn Ladd "Typesetting Machines in Country Of-
fices."
J. C. Florea "Should the Inventor of the Gasoline Engine
Be Shot, Hung or Burned?"
R. B. Lockhart "The Proper Make-up of a Country
Weekly."
Theo. Fulgham "Where to Draw the Line on Free Ad-
vertising."
R. F. Cates "Want Ad Column for a Country Paper as
Compared with Sandwiched Locals."
T. E. Streight "How to Get Subscribers, and Hold
Them ; and Should Country Papers Discontinue Subscriptions
at the Date of Expiration?"
Miss Mary Lehmann gave a reading, "The Boat Race;"
and in response to an encore, "Which?" from the pen of Judd
Mortimer Lewis of the Houston Post.
233
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
An afternoon session was held at Epworth through the
courtesy of the Epworth League of Texas, the San Antonio
and Aransas Pass Railroad providing an excursion compli-
mentary to the Association. Following this, George F. Lup-
ton, General Passenger Agent of this railroad, was given a
royal reception on his appearance in the convention hall, was
invited to a seat on the platform, and in token of the appre-
ciation and esteem in which he was held, was "promoted," by
unanimous vote of the Association, to the rank and title of
"Colonel ;" and his chief clerk, F. D. Daggett, by the same
authority "advanced" to the rank of "Major."
The committee on awards for the best samples of printing
announced that Levi A. Dunlap of the Meridian Tribune had
received the prize of $50.
J. A. Thomas read a poem, "The Grand Old State of
Texas," written by Miss Alice Kennedy of San Antonio. The
annual essay was by Sumner Lansdale. A poetical and humor-
ous composition, from the pen of "Mollie O'Brien" of Porlj
Lavaca, was read by J. E. Vernor. The title of the poem was,
"I Wish I Was an Editor." J. S. Henderson read the annual
poem, entitled "The Raker." A poem written by W. W.
Dexter of Houston was read by Mrs. Wade Walker.
The following by George H. Boynton was adopted :
"Resolved, That we condemn, in all instances, any ten-
dency of the United States Government to unnecessarily inter-
fere with the rights of her citizens, and in any unnecessary
way entering into competition with private enterprise. We
point out as one instance of this unjust competition the print-
ing of envelopes by the Government for private parties, firms
and corporations. The original intention of this policy of the
Government was evidently to encourage the more general use
of the return card on envelopes, but we insist that it accom-
plishes nothing in this regard, from the fact that as almost a
universal rule the individuals, firms and corporations who
234
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
patronize the Government in this matter are those who would
not send out mail without the return card ; and the work being
done by the Government simply operates to take a large
amount of the best and most desirable business from a legiti-
mate trade which should not thus be compelled to compete
with the Government which they help to maintain.
"Resolved, That the secretary be instructed to inclose a
copy of this resolution to the various proper authorities in such
matters at Washington, and to each of our Senators and Con-
gressmen, and respectfully and earnestly invite their attention
to the above.
"Resolved, That our Senators and Representatives in Con-
gress be requested to use their efforts to secure such legisla-
tion as is necessary to carry this resolution into effect and
attain the desired end."
The following offered by F. T. Roche was adopted :
"Resolved, That it is the sense of this Association that
legal advertisements should command legal rates, and should
be paid for at the rate fixed by law."
The committee on the President's annual address reported
as follows:
"That we heartily indorse the high-toned sentiment and
strict ethical precepts of the aforesaid message.
"Resolved, That this Association indorses the suggestion
of our President for a more efficient libel law, to the end that
the press may, with comparative safety from criminal prose-
cution, publish all legitimate news for public information and
general welfare; and, be it further
"Resolved, That we recommend that our legislative com-
mittee prepare, or cause to be prepared, a comprehensive and
effective bill and present same to the next Legislature and urge
its passage and enactment into law.
"Resolved, That it is contrary to the ethics of this Associa-
tion for its members to solicit and urge upon candidates for
office the customary formal announcement in their columns ;
235
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
that good taste would suggest the indelicacy of such procedure,
and that such matters should be handled in an elevated busi-
ness way.
"Resolved, That we condemn any method of securing
advertising patronage that smacks of co-ercion or intimidation ;
that any publisher who attempts to secure advertising con-
tracts by threats of business opposition, threats of withdrawal
of personal support, or other intimidating methods, is un-
worthy of membership in this Association."
G. H. Boynton offered the following which was adopted :
"Whereas, It is the desire of this Association to suggest
to the newspapers of Texas the adoption of such methods and
practices as will best conserve the interests of the publishers
and the public at large ; and
"Whereas, From time immemorial there has been an idea
in some remote quarters that a weekly newspaper is public
property, to be used as a free horse by all organizations
social, religious, and otherwise and that no charge should
be made for publishing various and sundry notices ; therefore,
be it
"Resolved, That it is the sense of the Texas Press Asso-
ciation that all notices of entertainments, of whatever charac-
ter, where the object is to raise money, and all resolutions of
sympathy, cards of thanks, and notices of that nature, come
under the head of legitimate advertising and should be paid
for; and this Association, in behalf of reputable and progres-
sive journalism, would urge that its members, and all pub-
lishers, demand, as a business proposition, that such matters
be so regarded and so paid for."
A resolution by A. S. Crisp, declaring that the maximum
of $5 for printing sheriff's sales is too low, was adopted.
A sterling silver table service was presented to the retir-
ing president. Galveston was selected as the next place of
meeting. The excursion was to Brownsville and to Mata-
moras, Mexico.
236
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Officers were elected as follows :
President Tom W. Perkins, McKinney Courier-Gazette;
Vice President W. J. Buie, San Angelo Standard;
Secretary T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald;
Assistant Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Orator H. B. Terrell, West Times;
Essayist Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial;
Poet Judd Mortimer Lewis, Houston Post.
Executive Committee:
First District R. B. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Second District F. M. Littlepage, Kountzie News;
Third District R. E. Yantis, Athens Review;
Fourth District Walter B. Wilson, McKinney Democrat-
Gazette;
Fifth District John H. Cullom, Dallas Record;
Sixth District J. O. Harper, Mexia Enterprise;
Seventh District John R. Hedges, Galveston News;
Eighth District C. B. Gillespie, Houston Chronicle;
Ninth District John H. Brooks, Weimar Mercury;
Tenth District Miss Maid J. Allen, Granger News;
Eleventh District Ernst Goethe, Waco Echo;
Twelfth District J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress;
Thirteenth District Ben F. Smith, Snyder Western Light;
Fourteenth District J. E. Grinstead, Kerrville Mountain
Sun;
Fifteenth District J. S. Henderson, Corpus Christi Crony;
Sixteenth District Eugene Moore, Stephenville Empire.
Legislative Committee W. W. Walling, C. E. Gilmore,
J. E. Grinstead, G. W. McKnight, W. E. Gilliland ;
Printing Committee J. D. Moyer, J. L. Adams, A. L.
Pinkston, E. A. Thompson, T. B. Lusk;
Programme Committee Lee J. Rountree, J. H. Cullom,
C. H. McMaster, R. M. Johnston, Sam P. Harben, T. H.
Napier, W. G. Sterett, C. N. Ousley, T. B. Lusk, T. W.
Perkins.
Delegates to the National Editorial Association Sam P.
Harben, T. H. Napier, Lee J. Rountree, T. B. Lusk, J. P.
237
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Chambless, J. F. Harrison, J. H. Lowry, F. C. Thompson, Levi
A. Dunlap, C. I. Boynton;
Alternate Delegates T. E. Streight, J. H. Cullom, N. P.
Houx, John E. Davis, J. D. Ford, R. M. Hudson, E. C. Hunter,
S. J. Thomas, W. C. Edwards, C. W. Wilson ;
Executive Committee, National Editorial Association
J. R. Ransone, Jr.
After singing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again"
and prayer by Rev. M. F. Cowden of the Bonham Favorite, the
Association adjourned to meet in Galveston.
238
Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention 1907
THE twenty-eighth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in Harmony Hall in the Scottish Rite
Cathedral in Galveston, and was called to order by President
Tom W. Perkins on May 16, 1907. The invocation was by
Rev. Dr. C. E. Freeman, pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian
Church of Galveston. The address of welcome was by Hon.
H. A. Landes, mayor of Galveston, and the response by G. L.
Inglish. Tom H. Bell was appointed sergeant-at-arms.
The following committees were announced :
Membership Lee J. Rountree, E. C. Hunter, W. A.
Johnson, J. M. Weekly, J. R. Ransone, Jr. ;
Finance Sam P. Harben, John E. Davis, Ben F. Smith,
J. S. Hardy, T. E. Streight ;
Revision of Roll W. E. Gilliland, J. D. Moyer, F. B.
Whipky, F. M. Littlepage, Miss M. E. Neal ;
Resolutions D. P. Toomey, J. D. Ford, A. N. Justiss,
R. E. Yantis, Mrs. J. S. Rowell ;
Memorial C. E. Gilmore, Frank Ezzell, W. V. Ervin,
Miss Maid J. Allen, J. H. Lowry;
Constitution and By-Laws J. H. Cullom, Orion Procter,
R. M. Hudson, Will H. Mayes, W. J. Buie.
The President's annual address was referred to a commit-
tee composed of John H. Cullom, Ben F. Smith, C. W. Wilson,
J. S. Hardy and N. P. Houx.
Miss Mary Lehmann, who was introduced as "The Winnie
Davis of the Texas Press Association, whom all love whether
single or married," recited "Galveston," written by Judd Mor-
timer Lewis ; and in response to an encore, recited a laughable
skit entitled "The Sweet Girl Graduate," by Phelps.
239
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following were elected to membership :
R. H. McCarty, Albany News; J. M. Adams, Comanche Pioneer- Exponent ;
H. H. Coplen, Palmer Rustler; Tom H. Bell, Ladonia News; L. E. Haskett,
Childress Index; Stanley H. Watson, Southwestern Farmer, Houston; Ward Taylor,
Jefferson Jimplecute ; Guy F. Tufts, Celeste Courier; F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde
Leader-News ; H. P. Nelson, Farmersville Sentinel ; Jim Tom Story, Sr., Lone
Oak News; W. H. Whitley, Wblfe City Sun; W. H. Taylor, Thurber Journal;
John F. Lubben, Galveston News; E. A. Heath, Hico News-Review; E. P. Haney,
Byers Searchlight ; J. H. Wurtz, San Antonio Light ; H. V. Hamilton, Palestine
Herald; W. S. Davis, San Marcos Herald; C. E. Lee, Fort Worth Live Stock
Reporter ; J. L. Hopper, Dallas Poultry Journal ; Fred E. Horton, Greenville
Banner ; Harvey Miller, New Boston News ; T. C. Richardson, Wheeler County
Texan ; Joe Sappington, Temple, Remarks and Arrow ; Henry C. Harris, Green-
ville Herald; J. J. Dillard, Lubbock Avalanche; J. H. Connell, Texas Farm and
Ranch ; S. A. Wilkinson, Palmer Rustler ; E. E. Anthony, Comanche Chief ; August
C. Dietze, Karnes City Citation; Ed Satterwhite, Wortham Journal; A. D. Jackson,
Mineola Monitor ; J. E. Chandler, Abilene News ; A. A. Abney, Denton News ;
J. C. Mahoney, Pleasanton News ; Mrs. Maud Hardwicke, Corpus Christi Sun ;
J. D. Boykin, Kaufman Post; Amos C. McConnell, Vernon Call; W. J. Yates,
Corpus Christi Crony ; J. A. Weatherly, Nixonviile News ; G. W. Vinson, Rosenberg
Herald; B. F. Fulkerson, Bonham Favorite; L. C. Kirgan, Fairfield Recorder;
J. M. Limbocker, Houston Heights S aburbanite ; D. G. Robbins, San Antonio
Light; Will T. Hawkins, Nacogdoches Sentinel; J. L. Lovelace, Atlanta News;
J. S. Hill, Waco Farm and Poultry Journal ; Mrs. B. F. Hart, Quanah Observer ;
Harry Koch, Quanah Tribune-Chief; M. L. Pouns, Daingerfield News; Henry W.
Schutze, Marfa New Era; J. O. Smith, Elgin Courier; Frank Gaston, Granbury
News ; Melvin C. Churchill, Palacios Times ; John T. Risen, Carrollton Chronicle ;
W. F. Bookman, Madisonville Meteor; A. C. Coers, New Braunfels Herald; Harold
Baldwin, Sabinal Sentinel; Ernest Rafferty, Tyler Times; A. T. Davis, Tenaha
Messenger ; Laten Stanberry, Arlington Journal ; Emma Musgrove, Jacksonville
Banner ; W. C. Huchington, Dublin Telephone ; L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Wave ;
H. J. Harrison, Dallas Western Presbyter; J. W. Canada, San Antonio Texas Fruits;
E. M. Chrestman, Grand Saline Sun; Geo. M. Martin, Pleasanton News; Ernest
Lodon, Sanger Courier ; E. M. Hulbert, Lancaster Herald ; A. L. Holland,
Bellville Times. ,
C. H. McMaster, who was on the programme for a paper
on "Galveston Re-habilitated," announced that he would have
no paper on this subject inasmuch as all the editors had read
about the progress Galveston had made since the storm and,
also, now have the opportunity to see the city completely
re-habilitated, and even more. He invited all to inspect the
grade raising, the beach, the sea-walls and the wharves, assur-
ing all they would be fully convinced of the present greatness
and supremacy of Galveston as a port, as a city, and as a resort.
R. C. Johnson of the Galveston Opera Glass was on the pro-
gramme to read a paper on the same subject but he, too, in a
240
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
brief speech invited all to look about them and see how well
Galveston had regained her former greatness.
Miss Calel, daughter of R. E. Yantis, entertained the
Association with a violin solo and was applauded so enthus-
iastically that she was obliged to respond with another selec-
tion. A unanimous vote of thanks was extended Miss Yantis
who was but ten years of age. Her technique is said to be
remarkable in one so young. She is a Texas product of which
the press boys are justly very proud.
The following was read :
"Galveston, Texas, May 17. Mr. Tom W. Perkins, Presi-
dent Texas Press Association, Galveston, Texas. Dear Sir:
The Business League of Port Lavaca has authorized the
undersigned officers to present to your Association a proposi-
tion in which, in our opinion, every member of your Associa-
tion will be thoroughly interested. Many organizations in the
State have secured a location over-looking some beautiful bay
on which to erect a bungalow, or a family club house, where
they can take their families and friends at any season of the
year and spend a short time at rest and recreation ; where they
can fish, boat, bathe, or hunt to their heart's content. We
believe Calhoun County offers the most beautiful spot for the
location of a club house of this kind of any in the State, and
we are authorized to say to you that we will deed, free and
clear of all incumbrance, a location of this character to your
Association, and would be pleased to present the matter to
your body, at your convenience.
(Signed) Yours very truly,
S. M. Scott, Vice-President. L. Seabrook, President."
After Mr. Scott had addressed the convention in regard to
the above proposition, it was accepted, the only condition to
the donation being that the Association appoint a board of
trustees to whom the property could be deeded. C. F. Leh-
mann, Lee J. Rountree and E. C. Hunter were appointed as the
board of trustees to receive and take over this property for the
241
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Association. Later, to-wit, July 20, 1907, the trustees made the
following report : "To the Texas Press Association : We, your
committee, appointed at the Galveston meeting of the Press
Association to visit Port Lavaca and select the site on the
Alamo Beach donated to the Association by Colonel S. M.
Scott, general manager of the Alamo Beach Company, beg
leave to report that we have performed that duty. We visited
the Beach on June 29, 1907, and selected three lots 75x150 feet
each, making a 225-foot front, situated near the Matagorda
and Lavaca Bays, three and one-half miles from. Port Lavaca,
Calhoun County, Texas. We wish to state that Colonel Scott
accorded us the right to select any site on the Beach and we
selected the most choice spot we found. The deed to this land
will be executed and duly recorded upon the terms of the dona-
tion at Galveston. This site is one of the most delightful spots
on the Texas coast. Our Association is fortunate in securing
this land. Respectfully submitted. C. F. Lehmann, E. C.
Hunter, Lee J. Rountree."
Papers were read as follows:
J. H. Lowry "The Texas Editors and the General Pas-
senger Agents."
J. E. Grinstead "The Newspaper Man as a Legislator."
N. T. Blackwell "Practical Advertising."
Will H. Mayes "County and District Associations."
C. N. Ousley "How We Got Our Papers After the Storm,
or Issuing a Paper Under Difficulties."
Wm. P. Hobby "The Texas Libel Law."
Mrs. J. D. Ford "Why I'm In the Newspaper Business."
Sumner Lansdale "The Newspaper as the Exponent of
Public Opinion."
N. P. Houx "-Reminiscences."
E. T. Merriman "Is the Job Department a Necessary
Adjunct to the Country Office?"
A. S. Crisp "What the Thirtieth Legislature Did for the
Newspapers."
242
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The annual essay was by Lee J. Roimtree and the annual
oration by H. B. Terrell. Miss Marie, daughter of Tom W.
Perkins, then a little miss of fourteen years, rendered two
entertaining recitations showing marked talent for intelligent
interpretation. Mrs. Fred W. Bott, wife of the manager of the
Southern branch of the Mergenthaler Linotype Company, en-
tertained the Association with a solo which so delighted her
audience that she was heartily encored. In responding, she
rendered in voice exquisitely sweet that song which never
grows old, "Annie Laurie."
Misses Lucile and Leola, daughters of John H. Cullom,
rendered a vocal duet entitled "What Are the Wild Waves
Saying?" and in response to generous applause, sang "Just
A-Wearying for You."
The committee on the President's address reported :
"i. We commend the position of our President in oppos-
ing any increase in the rate of second-class postage, believing
such increase to be unnecessary and a discrimination against
newspapers of the country.
"2. We reiterate our oft expressed opposition to the Gov-
ernment entering into competition with private business enter-
prise by printing envelopes for the trade, believing that such
action is outside the province of governmental functions and an
injury to the printing craft.
"3. With regard to the anti-pass law, we commend, un-
equivocally, the stand taken by our President and other mem-
bers who have spoken on the matter. It violates a funda-
mental principle of liberty and justice, and is an unwarranted
and unjust discrimination against the newspaper people of the
State, which, if allowed to go unchecked, jeopardizes the liber-
ties and rights of the people. To this end, we recommend that
steps be taken, immediately, to test the constitutionality of the
law in the courts, by mandamus or otherwise. We recommend
the appointment of a committee of three members to take this
matter in charge with full power to act for the Association
243
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
as in their judgment may seem necessary. For the chairman
of the committee proposed, we respectfully recommend Colonel
William G. Sterett of the Dallas News."
As first submitted this report assessed a levy of five dollars
against each member of the Association, to be used as attor-
ney fees and to defray other expenses incident to a suit in the
courts, but this provision was stricken out on motion of W. A.
Shaw. The report was freely discussed and was finally adopted
as amended ; whereupon, W. G. Sterett, W. A. Shaw, John H.
Cullom and W. W. Walling were appointed to look after the
interests of the Texas Press Association in testing in the
courts the anti-pass law enacted by the Thirtieth Legislature.
The following officers were elected :
President W. J. Buie, Waxahachie Enterprise;
Vice President W. G. Sterett, Dallas News;
Secretary Tom B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald;
Assistant Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Essayist R. H. McCarty, Albany News;
Orator C. N. Ousley, Fort Worth Record;
Poet Judd Mortimer Lewis, Houston Post.
Executive Committee:
First District Harvey Miller, New Boston News;
Second District S. H. McGary, Beaumont Journal;
Third District R. E. Yantis, Athens Review;
Fourth District E. C. Hunter, Sherman Democrat;
Fifth District J. S. Hardy, Ennis News;
Sixth District N. P. Houx, Mexia News;
Seventh District C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune;
Eighth District G. E. Kepple, LaPorte Chronicle;
Ninth District Wm. T. Eichholz, Cuero Rundschau;
Tenth District R. F. Cates, Bartlett Tribune;
Eleventh District O. P. Gresham, Temple Mirror;
Twelfth District D. Matt Thrash, Cleburne Review;
Thirteenth District W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and
Chronicle;
Fourteenth District H. F. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Fifteenth District F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader News;
244
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Sixteenth District C. W. Wilson, Mineral Wells Index.
The following committees were appointed:
LegislativeJ. E. Grinstead, F. T. Roche, T. J. Middle-
ton, W. J. Yates, W. W. Walling;
Printing A. N. Justiss, E. Goethe, F. B. Whipky, Tom B.
Lusk;
Programme F. B. Baillio, J. H. Connell, Joe J. Taylor,
J. F. Harrison, Will A. Holford, W. J. Buie, Tom B. Lusk;
Delegates, National Editorial Association C. N. Ousley,
J. H. Lowry, G. W. McKnight, C. E. Gilmore, W. G. Sterett,
T. E. Streight, J. S. Daley, S. J. Thomas, J. R. Ransone, Jr.,
Miss M. E. Neal, F. P. Holland, Tom W. Perkins, Tom B.
Lusk, Sam P. Harben, E. T. Merriman ;
Alternate Delegates C. B. Gillespie, W. V. Ervin, Frank
Ezzell, W. M. Warlick, Lee J. Rountree, W. L. West, Bruce
McCarty, G. L. Inglish, A. S. Crisp, H. B. Terrell, J. G.
Murphy, J. T. Robinson, W. E. Gilliland, J. C. Florea, C. H.
McMaster.
Executive Committeeman National Editorial Association
J .P. Chambless.
The retiring president was presented with a sterling silver
table service, and Mineral Wells was elected as the next place
of meeting.
On adjournment of the Association, the members boarded
a special train (furnished by Colonel R. M. Johnston of the
Houston Post) for Houston where the courtesies of that city
were extended the visitors and every effort made to make their
visit one to be most pleasantly remembered.
Executive Committee Meeting.
The executive committee of the Texas Press Association
was called to order in the rooms of the Dallas Chamber of Com-
merce, on Sept. 7, 1907, by President W. J. Buie, who stated
that the object of the meeting was to receive the report of the
special committee appointed at the last annual convention to
consider the anti-pass law. Messrs. Sterett, Shaw and Cullom,
245
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
three of the four members composing the committee, had made a
special trip to Austin, and while there had consulted the Attor-
ney General and others in regard to the law. Colonel Sterett
reiterated his recommendation that all members of the Asso-
ciation retain their transportation and carry out their part of
their contracts with the railroads. He also stated that the com-
mittee had consulted with several of the most prominent attor-
neys in the State as to the constitutionality of the law, sub-
mitted their opinions in writing, and added that nearly all of
them differed. The Attorney General, Colonel Sterett added
further, declined to pass upon the constitutionality of a legis-
lative enactment. The opinions of Judge Stedman of the
International and Great Northern Railroad and A. H.
McKnight of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, were
read, but were not, it was stated, for publication. State Sena-
tor E. G. Senter addressed the meeting but asked that his
remarks be not published. After discussion it was deemed
advisable to make a test of the law in the courts, and a com-
mittee, consisting of W. C. Edwards, C. W. Wilson and H. F.
Mayes, was appointed to plan the test and report in the after-
noon.
Henry Camp Harris of the Greenville Herald, stated that
he had a proposition to test the law and his proposition was
accepted, Messrs. Sterett, Shaw and Cullom being instructed
to confer with Mr. Harris and arrange all details of the suit.
Colonel T. J. Middleton wanted to know whether the police
power of the State conferred the power to abridge the right
of contract. It was the general opinion that, unless it was
clear such a contract was against public policy, it could not be
abridged.
The following address to the people was issued to set
before them the anti-pass matter in its proper lig-ht:
"Whereas, It has been charged that the efforts of the
press of the State of Texas, to relieve itself of the burdens
246
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
placed on it by the anti-pass law, are directed toward the
destruction of the whole of such law; and
"Whereas, This alleged fact is commented upon as evi-
dence of the insincerity of the press in demanding the mak-
ing of such a law; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the people of Texas be advised of the
true position of the press on this question, which is as follows :
"The press of the State stands now, as it has stood, for a
law which will prevent the issuance of free passes to officials ;
because such courtesies extended by corporations to law-
makers, law-definers, and law-enforcers, are calculated to
blandish and balk officials, to the destruction of a pure and im-
partial policy of government.
"But in the enactment of the law, the Legislature saw fit
to restrict and prohibit the owner of a newspaper from ex-
changing the space in his paper for transportation over the
railways of the State, and by so doing deliberately set aside
the right of a citizen to enter into contracts which are not
detrimental to the public good, or immoral, or depraving in
their character.
"Under the circumstances, the newspaper owners, and
members of the State Association, feel impelled to fight in the
courts the inhibition and limitation imposed upon them there-
in; and it is distinctly announced that the press of the State
of Texas stands for, and advocates, a fair, impartial law,
undefiled through being born of revenge or spite, as it has
always stood ; and that the effort to trim the present law to
respectable statute is directed wholly to the elimination of the
objectionable provision which sets aside the newspaper man
as a special subject of prohibitory and restrictive legislation.
"Resolved, That the press of Texas has never received,
and does not ever expect to receive from the railroads any
transportation, except in payment for advertising at its full
value.
"Resolved, That the press of Texas does not indorse any
247
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
system under which, under any conditions, newspaper men
shall receive free transportation.
"Signed by W. G. Sterett, W. A. Shaw, John H. Cullom."
At the afternoon session the special committee, appointed
to recommend a course of action in regard to a test of the
anti-pass law, submitted the following:
"We recommend that the Texas Press Association make
a contest of said law in so far as it concerns the right of con-
tract by newspapers and the railways of the State.
"To defray the expenses of this contest aforesaid, we
recommend that the secretary of the Texas Press Association
call upon the members thereof for voluntary contributions."
(This was orally amended to put in place of the last three
words the words "by draft for five dollars each.")
"We further recommend that the newspapers of Texas,
in the meantime, conduct an educational campaign for the pur-
pose of showing to the people of Texas, not alone the injustice
of this law to the newspapers, but that it is, as well, a blow
aimed at the liberties of the people at large and their right to
conduct their own business as they see fit.
"Signed by W. C. Edwards, W. C. Wilson, H. F. Mayes."
Before adjournment of the executive committee, the fol-
lowing, offered by F. B. Baillio, was adopted :
"Whereas, The price of paper, type, labor, in fact every-
thing which enters into the production of a newspaper, has
advanced in price, together with the cost of living; therefore,
be it
"Resolved, That the executive committee of the Texas
Press Association recommends that wherever possible the
publishers of papers increase their subscription price and rates
of advertising."
248
Twenty-Ninth Annual Convention 1908
THE twenty-ninth annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was called to order by President W. J. Buie,
May 21, 1908, in the Chautauqua Auditorium in Mineral
Wells. Rev. J. W. Downs, pastor of the First Methodist
Church of Mineral Wells, invoked the divine blessing-, after
which "The Star Spangled Banner" was sung, led by Miss
Dolly Morris (at the piano) and Mrs. C. E. Whitney. F. C.
Highsmith, mayor of Mineral Wells, delivered the address of
welcome, which was responded to by R. E. Yantis on behalf
of the Association. An invitation was received from Weather-
ford to visit that city on the morrow, which was accepted.
The following committee appointments were announced:
Membership C. E. Gilmore, O. P. Gresham, Frank Ez-
zell, T. W. Perkins, Ernst Goethe ;
Constitution and By-Laws S. J. Thomas, W. E. Gilli-
land, F. B. Baillio, Cyrus Coleman, Frank Gaston ;
ResolutionsJ. H. Lowry, J. J. Taylor, J. S. Hardy, G. L.
Inglish, J. A. Thomas ;
Revision of Roll N. P. Houx, T. E. Streight, Orion Proc-
ter, June P. Miller, Dan S. Mayes ;
Finance R. B. Lockhart, Miss Margie E. Neal, W. H.
Whitley, J. R. Ransone, Jr., Ernest Rafferty ;
Memorial Will H. Mayes, C. W. Goff, J. M. Adams, E. C.
Hunter, W. A. Johnson.
The President's address was referred to a committee com-
posed of T. E. Streight, W. E. Gilliland and F. B. Baillio.
A resolution indorsing Will H. Mayes for the presidency
of the National Editorial Association was adopted.
Louis J. Wortham offered the following, which was
adopted :
249
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association commend
the movement inaugurated by the united agricultural and com-
mercial interests of this State, and expressed in their demand
for 'fewer and better laws,' and that all of its members be urged
to support this movement to the end that every enterprise
having for its aim the development of Texas resources and the
advancement of Texas Civilization may receive the constant
and intelligent attention and concern of the Texas press, which
is exceeded in the quality of its patriotism and the soundness
of its conscience by the press of no State in the American
Union."
Miss Calel, daughter of R. E. Yantis, gave a violin solo,
and then responded to an encore. Her performance was much
enjoyed, and she exhibited marked musical ability and skill
for one so young.
The flag of the Texas Press Association, which had been
lost sight of for several years, was returned by J. S. Daley
of the Dublin Progress who had received it of Will H. Neel,
in whose care and possession it had been. The flag, the Lone
Star flag of Texas, was presented to the Association during its
annual convention in Fort Worth, in 1894, by Mr. and Mrs.
C. H. Silliman; and since that time it has floated in many
breezes. It was carried to the meeting of the National Editor-
ial Association at Asbury Park, New Jersey, in 1894; to the
Tennessee Centennial, at Nashville and to the Mammoth Cave
of Kentucky, in 1897; to the Confoderate re-union at Houston;
to the Tri-State press meeting, at Eureka Springs, Arkansas ;
and to several other places. On motion of F. B. Baillio, J. S.
Daley was elected flag custodian for life.
Addresses were made by Dr. S. P. Brooks, president of
Baylor University, Waco, his subject being, "The Opportun-
ity of the Press in the Education of the People ;" Hon. O. B.
Colquitt, a member of the Texas Railroad Commission, "The
Railroads, the Press and the People ;" F. M. Bralley, of Austin,
"Education."
250
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Papers were read as follows :
D. Matt Thrash "Gathering News for a Small Daily."
Miss Kate Daffan "Woman's Work for the Press."
John E. Davis and A. C. McConnell "Do Conditions
Warrant an Increase in the Subscription Price of the Country
Weekly."
F. M. Getzendaner "The Newspaper's Duty in the Mak-
ing and Enforcement of the Laws."
Miss Margie E. Neal "Building a Newspaper Home."
G. W. McKnight "The New Postal Regulations and
Their Effect upon the Country Press."
W. C. Edwards "Responsibility of the Publisher to the
Public in the Matter of his Advertising Columns."
The annual essay was read by R. H. McCarty, the subject
being, "What We'd Rather Do." C. N. Ousley delivered the
annual oration. The annual poem, "To the Editors," was read
by Judd Mortimer Lewis.
Miss Mary, daughter of C. F. Lehmann, was presented to
the Association by President Buie as "The Winnie Davis" of
the Texas Press Association. She is an accomplished reader
and rendered in a charming manner "Mr. Travers," by Rich-
ard Harding Davis, to the encores for which she was obliged
to respond with another selection.
Louis J. Wortham, in speaking to Mr. Getzendaner's
paper, said if the Texas Press Association had been organized
along strong lines, the monstrous anti-pass law could never
have been passed ; that in a way, the newspapers are respon-
sible for the election of the representatives who voted for that
bill. He reviewed the history of the law, and the fact that the
working newspaper men refused, under the anti-lobby law, to
have anything to say against the bill. He declared that if the
newspaper men were united for a few strong principles, and
held to them, that they would be invincible and a power in the
251
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
land ; that the Texas press is powerless for good to the State
so long as it quibbles over immaterial things.
The following were elected to membership :
W. D. Hart, Cooper Review; L. B. Shook, Abilene Reporter; M. M. Smith,
Texas Medical News, Dallas; J. A. Proske, Giddings Volksblatt ; Hall W. Whitley,
Jacksonville Reformer; John P. Cooper, Anson Western Reporter; T. M. Jones,
Gail Borden Citizen; John F. Turner, Shafter Lake Herald; C. F. Drake, Jack-
sonville Reformer; W. C. Vogel, Feld und Flur, Dallas; Willard E. Carpenter,
Fort Worth Telegram ; Mrs. C. M. Hughes, Wharton Spectator ; C. I/. Schless,
Lufkin News.
The members of the Association visited Weatherford in a
body and were taken in carriages and automobiles to all parts
of the city; visited the Knights of Pythias Widows' and Or-
phans' Home and Industrial School two miles east of the city ;
and wound up an afternoon of pleasure at a reception at the
elegant home of Colonel and Mrs. George M. Bowie where
the Fourth Regiment Band discoursed music and the ladies of
that city served refreshments. It was good to be there. The
following resolution, signed by T. E. Streight and C. F. Leh-
mann, was adopted :
"Inasmuch as the Texas Press Association has for its
purpose the promotion of higher class newspaper work and
the betterment of the craft in every phase, as well as the social
features which are so much enjoyed, be it
"Resolved, That the committee on programme for 1909
use its best efforts in formulating a schedule of brief papers
and discussions which will deal with practical affairs, in detail,
in newspaper work, and fairly bristle with discussions calcu-
lated to improve the business of our membership."
A resolution was adopted indorsing the work of the Texas
Conference for Education, and pledging the Association's
efforts toward the adoption of the amendment to the consti-
tution, submitted by the recent session of the Legislature,
looking to longer terms of country schools.
The committee to which was referred the President's
address reported:
252
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
"The paper is full of good suggestions and worthy the
careful attention of all members of this Association. The
suggestion in regard to the committee on legislation should be
carried out, and the necessary appropriation be made if found
necessary. Your committee is of the opinion that it would
not be for the best interests of this Association to advance the
dues, as past experience has proven that increased dues has
resulted in loss of membership and revenue. In regard to the
papers read before this body, we beg to suggest that after a
member has devoted his time and best talents to the prepara-
tion of a paper, he should be entitled to have it printed in the
minutes, and the more especially as it, by being read, becomes
a part of the records and history of the Association."
The committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted
the following:
"Your committee respectfully reports that it has no
recommendations to make for any change or amendment in the
organic laws of this Association. We would, however, suggest
that the president, instead of the executive committee, as has
heretofore been the custom, be authorized to formulate the
programme; and fix the date of meeting of the annual sessions
of this Association, with the co-operation and advice of the
citizens of the cities where the meetings are to be held."
After the adoption of the amendment offered by C. N.
Ousley, that the wording of the report be changed to read,
"request that the president be charged with the arrangement
of programme and the date of meeting," the report was
adopted.
The retiring president and retiring secretary were each
presented with a handsome sterling silver table service. On
motion of S. J. Thomas the retiring secretary, Tom B. Lusk,
was commended for his efficient services as secretary for the
preceding five years. Marlin was selected as the next place
of meeting. The excursion was to Weatherford.
253 '
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The following officers were elected :
President C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle;
Vice President W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald;
Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Orator J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
Essayist 'Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage Register;
Poet R. H. McCarty, Albany News;
Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress.
Executive Committee:
First District R. B. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Second District J. E. McFarland, Jacksonville Banner;
Third District J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor;
Fourth District J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal;
Fifth District Walter B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine,
Dallas;
Sixth District J. T. Robison, Kosse Cyclone;
Seventh District H. V. Hamilton, Palestine Herald;
Eighth District J. M. Lewis, Houston Post;
Ninth District A. S. Crisp, Cuero Star;
Tenth District R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Eleventh District T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror;
Twelfth District D. Matt Thrash, Cleburne Review;
Thirteenth District W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and
Chronicle;
Fourteenth District H. F. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Fifteenth District F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader-News;
Sixteenth District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
The following committees were announced :
Printing Levi A. Dunlap, E. Goethe, F. B. Whipky, Sam
P. Harben;
Programme T. E. Streight, J. R. Ransone, Jr., R. E.
Yantis ;
Legislation F. B. Baillio, G. H. Boynton, T. J. Middle-
ton, W. H. Whitley, D. S. Mayes ;
254
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Delegates to the National Editorial Association J. R.
Ransone, Jr., N. P. Houx, W. J. Buie, T. B. Lusk, W. A.
Holford, Cyrus Coleman, D. P. Toomey, W. A. Johnson, C.
W. Wilson, C. A. Chambers, Clarence Ousley;
Alternate Delegates Henry C. Harris, J. D. Ford, J. D.
Moyer, John E. Davis, Frank Gaston, Ernest Rafferty, J. C.
Florea, H. B. Savage, Joe Sappington, T. H. Bell, W. Z.
Spearman.
255
Thirtieth Annual Convention 1909
HPHE thirtieth annual convention of the Texas Press Asso-
1 ciation was held in the Arlington Opera House in Marlin,
beginning May 27, 1909, President C. E. Gilmore presiding.
Dr. J. H. Gambrell, pastor of the Marlin Baptist Church, offer-
ed the invocation. Addresses of welcome were made by Mayor
F. S. Hefner on behalf of the city, and by Hon. E. W. Bounds
on behalf of the citizens of Marlin. The response to the
addresses of welcome was made by Sumner Lansdale on
behalf of the Association.
The president's address was referred to a committee com-
posed of J. H. Lowry, J. A. Thomas, J. S. Hardy and R. E.
Yantis.
The following committee appointments were announced:
Membership W. A. Johnson, T. W. Perkins, Cyrus Cole-
man, J. S. Hardy, James A. Greer ;
Constitution and By-Laws F. B. Baillio, F. M. Little-
page, E. M. Chrestman, Ernst Goethe, S. J. Thomas ;
Resolutions Miss Maid J. Allen, J. J. Taylor, Joe Sap-
pington, E. A. Heath, T. H. Bell;
Revision of Roll J. A. Thomas, T. B. Lusk, Ward Tay-
lor, Wm. Eichholz, R. F. Cates ;
Finance T. E. Streight, J. R. Ransone, Jr., J. M. Ken-
nedy, H. V. Hamilton, J. F. Turner;
Memorial J. H. Lowry, R. E. Yantis, J. M. Weekly, W.
C. Edwards, Harvey Miller.
James Hays Quarles, press agent of the A. & M. College,
addressed the convention and took occasion to thank the
newspapers of the State for their hearty co-operation in his
work.
President Gilmore set aside the regular programme and
256
. HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
invited discussion of the subject: "If You Should Die, How
Much Would Your Administrator Be Able to Find Out About
Your Business by Examining Your Books?" The subject was
discussed by several members.
An invitation was extended by Misses Williemae War-
rock and Myrtle Cox, publishers of the Christian Patriot, to
attend a "Pie Social" to be given at their office after adjourn-
ment of the afternoon session, lasting from 4 to 6 o'clock, p. m.
Papers were read as follows :
Joe Sappington "D.bes a Good Make-up Help a News-
paper as Much as it Does a Woman?"
Tom W. Perkins "The Advantages of Assisting Mer-
chants in Preparing Copy for Advertising."
Tom B. Lusk "Is a Clean Office Worth While?"
Wm. T. Eichholz "The Objects and Attainments of the
Printers' Mutual Fire Insurance Association."
Miss Maid J. Allen "What I Think of Schemes to Get
Subscribers."
W. H. Whitley "Is a Pretty Country Paper Worth
What It Costs?"
S. J. Thomas "Should We Accept Cordwood on Sub-
scription?"
John P. Cooper "Why the Infatuation of Newspaper
Work?"
Clarence N. Ousley addressed the convention on the sub-
ject of "The Press and Rural Life." The following papers,
not included in the regular, published programme, were dis-
cussed : "What is the Fair Rate, per One Thousand Circula-
tion, for Stereotype Advertising in a Country Weekly?"
"Basis for Foreign Advertising and the Matter of Fake Ad-
vertising." Will H. Mayes made an interesting talk on
"Progress in Journalism." The annual oration was by J. R.
Ransone, Jr., his subject being "The Preservation of Senti-
ment." The annual essay was by Miss Margie E. Neal, her
257
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS.
subject being: "A Newspaper Office as a Great School, and
How to Improve Small Papers."
The following offered by T. B. Lusk, was adopted:
"Whereas, The President of this Association has called
attention to the fact that the United States Government is in
a manner engaged in the job printing business, and that the
Government goes further still and pays transportation to the
railroads on said envelopes, which at sixteen cents per pound
would entail an additional loss of sixty-four cents on each five
hundred envelopes ; and
"Whereas, The Postoffice Department of the United
States has adopted a policy of soliciting, through advertise-
ments and other means, the printing of personal return cards
on envelopes, selling them at a price which hardly covers the
cost of same, thereby coming into active competition with the
printing industry of the United States ; and
"Whereas, This competition is unfair, and of the utmost
injury to the aforesaid printing industry ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association, in annual
convention assembled, does hereby request the Senators and
Congressmen of this State to use their influence and support
in behalf of the bill now pending before Congress, with a view
of prohibiting the Government from competing with or inter-
fering with the printing industry ; and be it further
"Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be furnished
each and every Senator and Congressman from this State."
Miss Maid J. Allen offered the following, which was
adopted :
"Whereas, The farmers of the State are represented in the
educational system of Texas by the A. & M. College of Texas,
where men are taught practical farming, and are sent out to
develop the resources of the soil of this State; and
"Whereas, The administration of its affairs has been en-
trusted to Robert Milner, who for many years was a news-
258
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
paper publisher in Texas, and who is plain and democratic in
all things; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That we commend the A. & M. College to the
agricultural interests of Texas, bespeaking their friendship
and support for it and its work, believing that through its
influence great good can come to Texas and Texas farmers."
The following offered by D. Matt Thrash, was adopted:
"Whereas, The Texas Press Association is, and should be,
the source of incentive and higher aspirations for a greater
press in Texas, and that from this body should emanate sug-
gestions and remedies for all common ills of the mechanical;
and
"Whereas, It is a common subject of remark that the
average newspaper, journal, or periodical published in our fair
State is uncommonly full of typographical errors ; and it is
also common knowledge to all publishers that the average
editor is more or less at the mercy of his mechanical depart-
ment when it comes to issuing the finished product of his
publication; and
"Whereas, It is the opinion of the members of the Texas
Press Association that a great improvement in the work of the
mechanical department may be brought about by a little
judicious attention and a proper incentive on the part of those
engaged in the production of newspapers and other publica-
tions of the State ; therefore, be it
"Resolved, That the Texas Press Association offer a prize
of twenty dollars in gold to the newspaper published in this
State, in cities of twenty thousand or less, that can show the
smallest percentage of typographical errors and the greatest
general neatness between this and the next meeting of this
Association, or for a period of one year, the committee calling
for any newspaper at will, to be distributed among the em-
ployees of the mechanical department of the prize-winning
paper, according to such rules and regulations governing thiy
contest as may be set forth elsewhere by this Association."
259
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The committee on the President's address reported :
"We indorse the address as an able, conservative docu-
ment, fair in the treatment of the issues confronting newspap-
erdom. In our opinion, the attitude of the press towards the
anti-pass law has never been more clearly or correctly stated
than by President Gilmore in this message.
"Signed, J. H. Lowry, J. S. Hardy, J. A. Thomas."
""R. E. Yantis made a minority report, as follows :
"I indorse the above, but beg to add that it is the sens^
of this Association that our members should not support for
legislative offices any man who will not pledge himself to vote
for a bill restoring to newspaper publishers the right of con-
tract."
The majority report was adopted. Motion was made to
table the minority report but was withdrawn so as to permit
discussion. Resolution after resolution was offered, until
finally the following substitute, offered by J. A. Thomas, was
adopted :
"Resolved, That we recommend to the membership of the
Association that we urge upon the membership of the Legis-
lature, individually and collectively, the justness, the fairness,
and the reasonableness of the 'right of contract' as between
railroads and newspapers ; and that we request them to vote
for an amendment to the anti-pass law that will restore to the
press of the State the right of contract."
The following were elected to membership:
Wm. M. Schofield, Lockhart Post ; Sam Braswell, Moody Courier ; Miss
Myrtle Cox, Marlin Patriot; Miss Williemae Warrock, Marlin Patriot; A. R.
McCollum, Waco Tribune; Shaw D. Ray, Quitman Democrat; W. H. Hawkins,
Stephenville Empire; J. F. Kennedy, Mart Herald; R. R. Smith, Pleasanton
Monitor; G. E. Watford, Lufkin Tribune; A. B. Haworth, Comanche News;
W. T. Carter, Killeen Herald; R. W. Tonge, Eddy Herald; R. V. Reavis, Malone
Register; R. Roy Ruff, Munday Times.
The report of the committee on Constitution and By-Laws,
abolishing the office of attorney of the Association, was adopt-
ed, but was later reconsidered and the recommendation to
abolish that office was defeated.
260
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The members of the Association were taken to the Coun-
try Club on the banks of the Brazos, four and one-half miles
from the city, where all enjoyed a fish fry and had a good time
generally.
The following, signed by F. B. Baillio, F. B. Robinson, C.
F. Lehmann and T. E. Streight, was unanimously adopted :
"Whereas, It is the custom of the Texas Press Association
to extend its guardianship to all the interests in Texas, which
are entitled to consideration from those who control the destin-
ies of the press, and is always desirous of taking into its warm
embrace the loving children of those who are of its member-
ship ; and
"Whereas, William Robert Ransone, son of Mr. and Mrs.
J. R. Ransone, Jr., of Cleburne, is a new arrival in our midst
since last we met, and it is our desire to show our love and
affection for those little ones who come unto us ; be it
"Resolved, That we now and hereby adopt for a son of the
Association, William Robert Ransone, and extend to him our
guardianship and watchful eye."
Tom H. Bell was appointed sergeant-at-arms, to see that
the members did not play "hookey."
On motion of W. A. Bowen that a committee be appointed
to secure a full and complete file of the minutes of the Asso-
ciation, as far as possible, and have them bound in book form
for the preservation of the history of the Association, the chair
appointed F. B. Baillio, Will H. Mayes and F. B. Robinson.
C. E. Evans, a member of the Conference on Education,
addressed the convention on. the subject of education in Texas.
W. A. Bowen moved that a committee be appointed to in-
vestigate, and report at the next meeting, upon the idea of
forming a permanent chautauqua, or home for the Association
meetings, to be located at Port Lavaca, where the Association
owns a lot. W. A. Bowen, R. E. Yantis and C. F. Lehmann
were appointed as this committee.
261
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The retiring president was presented with a sterling silver
table set. F. B. Baillio was presented, by individual friends
in the Association, with a cut-glass water set. Stamford was
selected as the next place of meeting. The excursion was to
Waco, where the courtesies of that city were extended to the
editors and their wives and daughters.
Miss Calel, daughter of R. E. Yantis, delighted the Asso-
ciation with a violin solo, and was so generously applauded
she was compelled to respond to an encore.
Officers elected:
President W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald;
Vice President J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Treasurer C F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney W. W. Walling, San Antonio;
Essayist T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror;
Orator C. B. Gillespie, Houston Chronicle;
Poet John P. Cooper, Anson Western Reporter;
Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress.
Executive Committee:
First District Harvey Miller, New Boston News-Herald;
Second District Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage Register;
Third District F. E. Rafferty, Tyler Times;
Fourth District Walter B. Wilson, McKinney Democrat-
Gazette;
Fifth District T. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald;
Sixth District A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-Light;
Seventh District H. V. Hamilton, Palestine Herald;
Eighth District F. M. Littlepage, Rountze News;
Ninth District W. L. Dubose, Devine News;
Tenth District R. A. Alford, Leander Record;
Eleventh District A. R. McCollum, Waco Tribune;
Twelfth District Frank Gaston, Granbury News;
Thirteenth District Cyrus Coleman, Henrietta Independent;
Fourteenth District H. F. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Fifteenth District F. M. Ge'tzend'aner, Uvalde Leader-News;
Sixteenth District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
The following committees were appointed :
262
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Legislation T. W. Perkins, C. E. Gilmore, S. J. Thomas,
H. E. Faubion ;
Printing Sumner Lansdale, Frank Ezzell, Sam P. Har-
ben, W. A. Holford;
Programme F. B. Baillio, J. J. Taylor, J. S. Hardy;
Delegates National Editorial Association C. N. Ousley,
T. B. Lusk, J. S. Daley, B. C. Murray, W. B. Whitman, Cyrus
Coleman, J. R. Ransone, Jr., Sam P. Harben, J. E. Davis, J. D.
Moyer, C. E. Gilmore;
Alternate Delegates C. W. Wilson, C. W. Edwards, T.
E. Streight, J. M. Lewis, Orion Procter, J. H. Lowry, N. P.
Houx, R. E. Yantis, John M. Weekly, J. M. Kennedy;
Committeeman National Editorial Association J. P. Chamb-
less.
Members present at this meeting:
R. W. Tonge, Eddy Herald; John F. Turner, Shatter Lake Herald; Clarence
A. Chambers, Liberty Vindicator ; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal ; C. E.
Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; W. A.
Johnson, Memphis Herald; J. M. Kennedy, Marlin Democrat; John F. Lubben,
Galveston News ; J. S. Hardy, Ennis News ; Jas. A. Greer, Stamford Tribune ;
Tom H. Bell, Ladonia News; L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Wave; W. F. Carter,
Killeen Herald; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; A. A. Abney, Denton News;
Walter B. Wilson, McKinney Democrat-Gazette; A. R. McColluin, Waco Tribune;
Miss Myrtle Cox, Marlin Christian Patriot; Miss Williemae Warrock, Marlin
Christian Patriot; T. E. Streight, McGregor Mirror; Shaw D. Ray, Quitman Dem-
ocrat; H. V. Hamilton, Palestine Herald; W. H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
C. W. Wilson, Mineral Wells Index; Walter B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine;
Fred B. Robinson, Waco Times-Herald ; W. L. DuBose, Devine News ; John M.
Weekly, Ennis Local ; R. V. Reavis, Malone Register ; B. C. Murray, Denison
Gazetteer; W. A. Bowen, Arlington Journal; W. H. Hawkins, Stephenville
Empire; A. L. Holland, Bellville Times; A. S. Crisp, Cuero Star; J. H. Wurtz,
San Antonio Light ; R. Roy Ruff, Munday Times ; W. M. Warlick, Dallas Texas
Presbyterian ; W. L. Warrock, Rosebud News ; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier-
Light; C. W. Taylor, Rogers News; Sam M. Brasswell, Moody Courier; John P.
Cooper, Anson Western Reporter ; Miss Maid J. Allen, Commerce Commercial ;
Wm. T. Eichholz, Cuero Rundschau; C. B. Gillespie, Houston Chronicle; T. H.
Napier, Dallas Times-Herald; Thos. B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald; R. F. Gates,
Bartlett Tribune ; Sumner Lansdale, McKinney Democrat-Gazette ; A. M. Ken-
nedy, Hillsboro Record ; J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor ; R. E. Yantis, Athens
Review ; H. E. Faubion, Marble Falls Messenger ; F. M. Littlepage, Kountze
News ; Harvey Miller, New Boston News ; A. B. Haworth, Comanche News ;
G. E. Watford, Lufkin Tribune; W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and Chronicle;
Mrs. J. S. Rowell, Pearsall News ; E. A. Heath, Hico Review ; C. F. Lehmann,
Hallettsville Herald; J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress; Perry Hawkins, Taylor
Journal; Cyrus Coleman, Henrietta Independent; John E. Davis, Mesquitc Mes-
263
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
quiter ; F. E. Rafferty, Tyler Times ; J. J. Taylor, Dallas News ; Ward Taylor,
Jefferson Jimplecute ; Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage Register; J. T. Robison,
Kosse Cyclone ; T. W. Perkins, McKinney Democrat-Gazette ; J. O. Smith, Elgin
Courier ; Clarence Ousley, Fort Worth Record ; N. P. Houx, Mexia Ledger ;
O. P. Gresham, Temple Mirror ; H. B. Terrell, West Times ; J. F. Kennedy,
Mart Herald; F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun; F. B. Baillio, Cleburne ; E. Goethe,
Waco Echo; Joe Sappington, Joe Sap's Tales, Temple; E. L. Ramsey, Thorn-
dale Thorn ; S. W. Thomas, Aspermont Star ; R. R. Smith, Pleasanton Monitor ;
Wm. M. Schofield, Lockhart Post; E. M. Chrestman, Grand Saline Sun.
Thirty-first Annual Convention 1910
HPHE thirty-first annual convention of the Texas Press Asso-
1 ciation was held in the Opera House in Stamford, and
was called to order June 8, 1910, by President W. A. Johnson.
Dfr. Jerome Duncan, President of Stamford Collegiate Insti-
tute, delivered the address of welcome after Dr. J. T. Griswold,
pastor of the .Stamford Methodist Church, had invoked divine
blessing on the meetings of the convention. Response to the
address of welcome was made by J. H. Lowry.
The following committees were appointed:
Membership F. E. Baillio, Cyrus Coleman, W. Z. Spear-
man, Shaw D. Ray, Harry Galbraith ;
Constitution and By-Laws T. W. Perkins, C. E. Gilmore,
J. S. Daley, J. H. Lowry, L. Seabrook ;
Resolutions S. J. Thomas, O. P. Gresham, Ward Taylor,
W. B. Whitman, J. W. Northrup ;
Revision of Roll Tom B. Lusk, Sam P. Harben, A. N.
Justiss, Levi A. Dunlap, W. C. Edwards ;
Finance J. A. Thomas, Tom H. Bell, R. E. Yantis, Frank
Ezzell, F. C. Thompson;
Memorial W. J. Buie, Sumner Lansdale, E. P. Haney,
J. E. Railey, G. E. Watford.
Badges bearing the name of the wearer were distributed
by R. C. Dyer, manager of the Barnhart Type Founders Com-
pany of Dallas.
The President's address was referred to the following
committee: F. B. Baillio, Tom H. Bell and T. W. Perkins.
The following were elected to membership :
H. T. Timmons, Roby Banner; Henry Edwards, Troup Banner; W. G.
Thomas, Anson Enterprise; J. D. Hall, Rule Review; B. B. Greenwood, Stamford
Tribune ; Emmet Smith, Itasca Item ; R. O. Gresham, Temple Mirror ; W. W.
265
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Simmons, Celina Record ; W. T. Barnes, Comanche News ; W. S. Spotts, Bonham
Favorite; G. W. Faulkner, Santa Anna News; Robert E. Conner, Lexington En-
terprise ; Frank M. White, Byers Herald ; Mrs. W. B. Whitman, Holland's Mag-
azine; R. H. Richardson, Kemp News; J. L. Power, Benjamin Post; Paul Baker,
Albany News ; W. J. Stephens, Carbon News ; Ernest Smart, Leuders Vanguard ;
Charles Key Cullom, Arlington Journal ; J. E. H. Railey, Weatherford Herald ;
F. L. Vanderburgh, Hereford Recorder; J. W. Rogers, Throckmorton Times;
Wilford B. Smith, Dallas Pitchfork; A. H. Weston, Colorado City Record; M.
Clendennin, Munday Times; O. C. Harrison, Seymour Banner; Mrs. B. C.
Hines, Abilene Reporter.
Papers were read as follows:
W. J. Buie "Cost of Job Work" (with tabular demon-
stration).
J. A. Thomas "Is Ten Cents per Inch a Profitable Rate
for Advertising in a Country Weekly?"
J. S. Daley "The Cost Each Week of Getting Out a
Country Weekly of Six Columns, Eight Pages, per One Thou-
sand Circulation."
Jesse D. Moffit "A Good System of Book-Keeping for
a Country Newspaper Office."
W. A. Bowen "The Press, Past and Present."
W. E. Gilliland "Can a Weekly Paper Be Made Profita-
ble Without the Aid of a Job Office?"
R. E. Yantis "How to Make a Small Daily Pay."
J. H. Lowry "How I Sustain Friendly Relations With
my Competitor."
Harry Koch "Journalism in the Bounding, Booming
West."
Joe J. Taylor "The Weekly Press of Texas."
Eugene Thompson "The Material Man and the Pub-
lisher."
C. E. Gilmore "Is a Premium List Profitable in Building
Up a Circulation?"
R. C. Dyer "The Value of Credit to the Publisher."
At the evening session of the first day, a meeting was
held in the Stamford Collegiate Institute, where the Associa-
tion was entertained with a violin solo by Miss Josie May
Griswold; a song, "Texas," composed by Mrs. Day of Rotan,
266
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
by six male voices ; a reading by Miss Caroline Duncan of
Stamford ; and an address on "Higher Education," by Dr. S.
E. Mezes, President of the State University.
Ashley Evans and W. S. Spotts discussed "The Advan-
tages of a Semi-Weekly Over a Weekly." The question of
foreign advertising was freely discussed. Judge V. W. Grubbs
addressed the convention on the subject of "Industrial Educa-
tion" and asked the assistance of the Association in his life
work. Professor Alex C. Hogg of Fort Worth made an
address on "The Reciprocal Duties Between the Tax-Payers
and the Public Schools." C. E. Gilmore, by invitation, address-
ed the convention on the abuses of the Texas penitentiary
system.
The following was submitted :
"We, your committee appointed to visit Port Lavaca and
inspect the sites proffered the Texas Press Association for a
permanent home, beg leave to present the following report :
''We visited Port Lavaca in September last, and the enter-
prising citizens of that city, after showing us every possible
courtesy, took us to view three sites. We are of the opinion
and, after carefully considering the matter and the surround-
ings, recommend that the Texas Press Association accept the
ten acres offered us north of and adjoining the city and the
bay shore. The citizens offer us this site in fee simple, with
only the proviso that we improve the same within a reasona-
ble time.
"Signed, W. A. Bowen, R. E. Yantis, C. F. Lehmann."
After full and free discussion the adoption of the report
was deferred, and carried over to the next meeting as unfinish-
ed business. Dr. A. Bailey of Rockport presented to the
Association a proposition for the establishment of a permanent
home at Rockport. The motion that the Texas Press Associa-
tion choose a permanent home was discussed and defeated.
Officers elected :
President J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise;
267
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Vice President J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor;
Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney Homer D. Wade, Stamford;
Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress;
Essayist Ashley Evans, Bonham News;
Orator Sumner Lansdale,, McKinney Courier-Gazette;
Poet W. Z. Spearman, Whitewright Sun.
Executive Committee:
First District R. B. Lockhart, Pittsburg Gazette;
Second District Ward Taylor, Jefferson Jimplecute;
Third District H. Galbraith, Terrell Transcript;
Fourth District Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News;
Fifth District Sumner Lansdale, McKinney Courier-
Gazette;
Sixth District E. D. Dunlap, Mexia Enterprise;
Seventh District H. V. Hamilton, Palestine Herald;
Eighth District F. M. Littlepage, Kountze News;
Ninth District L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Wave;
Tenth District Frank Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Eleventh District A. R. McCollum, Waco Tribune;
Twelfth District W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and
Chronicle;
Thirteenth District Cyrus Coleman, Henrietta Independent;
Fourteenth District Will H. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin;
Fifteemtfh District F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader-News;
Sixteenth District W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
The following committees were appointed :
Legislative C. E. Gilmore, T. W. Perkins, W. B. Whit-
man, S. J. Thomas, W. A. Johnson ;
Printing Sam P. Harben, Tom Bell, Ernest Logsdon,
O. P. Gresham ;
Programme R. E. Yantis, F. B. Baillio, W. A. Bowen,
T. H. Lowry;
Delegates National Editorial Association A. A. Abney,
Ashley Evans, W. M. Warlick, John E. Davis, C. W. Taylor,
W. H. Hawkins, John T. Risien, T. B. Lusk, Levi A. Dunlap,
A. N. Justiss, Frank Ezzell ;
268
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Alternate Delegates C. W. Wilson, R. R. Ruff, F. E.
Rafferty, N. P. Houx, John M. Weekly, J. S. Hardy, W. Z.
Spearman, Cyrus Coleman, Frank Gaston, Miss Margie E.
Neal, F. B. Robinson;
Committeeman National Editorial Association Sam P.
Harhen.
The following report of the committee on resolutions was
adopted:
"Resolved, That this Association express its disapproval
of the practice of the Government in printing special request
envelopes free of charge to the purchaser, believing the prac-
tice to be not only a perversion of the duties of the Govern-
ment, but absolutely indefensible, an invasion of private rights
and an extravagant and wasteful policy.
"Resolved, That we register our protest against the prac-
tice and urge our Representatives and Senators in Congress
from Texas to take active, earnest, and persistent steps toward
the abolition of it.
"Resolved, That the secretary of this Association forward
to each of our Representatives and Senators a copy of this
resolution."
The following amendment to the by-laws submitted by the
committee on Constitution and By-Laws, was adopted :
"Section 20. All proposed resolutions, except those prop-
erly originating with the committee on resolutions, which shall
be limited to resolutions of thanks for courtesies shown the
Association, shall be first introduced on the floor of the con-
vention. Such resolutions shall, unless otherwise ordered by
a majority vote of the Association, be referred to the committee
on resolutions and a report be made by that committee recom-
mending the adoption or rejection of such resolutions, the
report of the committee to be passed upon by the Association."
The annual poem, "The Texas Press," was by John P.
Cooper. Judd Mortimer Lewis told of "The Difference Be-
tween a Journalist and an Editor." The retiring president was
269
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
presented with a sterling silver table service. Port Lavaca
was selected as the next place of meeting.
The excursion was to the Spur Ranch where the members
of the Association were entertained with an old-fashioned
"round-up" and a barbecue ; then to the town of Spur, whose
citizens gave the editors a hearty welcome. It should be added
also that the people of Stamford gave the members an automo-
bile ride to Hamlin and Anson on the afternoon of the second
day of the convention.
The following members responded to call of the roll :
A. A. Abney, Denton News; F, B. Baillio, Cleburne ; Tom H. Bell,
Ballinger Ledger; R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; M. Clendennin, Munday Times;
J. S. Daley, Stamford News ; Edwin D. Dunlap, Mexia Enterprise ; Ashley Evans.
Bonham News ; Frank Ezzell, Ferris Wheel ; H. Galbraith, Terrell Transcript ; O.
P. Gresham, Temple Pythian Banner-Knight; C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle;
Jas. A. Greer, Stamford Tribune; Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; J. D. Hall,
Rule Review; Mrs. B. C. Hines, Abilene Reporter; A N. Justiss, Corsicana
Courier-Light; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal; Ernest Logsdon, Piano Star-
Courier; D. J. Moffitt, Pilot Point Post-Signal; C. N. Ousley, Fort Worth
Record ; Tom W. Perkins, McKinney Courier-Gazette : Ernest Rafferty, Tyler
Courier-Times ; Shaw D. Ray, Winnsboro Free Press ; R. Roy Ruff, Munday Times ;
F. T. Roche, Georgetown Sun ; J. M. Shafer, Plainview HeraM ; Emmet Smith,
Itasca Item ; W. Z. Spearman, Whitewright Sun ; W. J. Stephens, Carbon News ;
Ward Taylor, Jefferson Jimplecute; C. W. Taylor, Rogers News; W. G. Thomas,
Anson Enterprise; J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor; S. W. Thomas, Aspermont
Star; F. L. Vanderburg, Hereford Recorder; Louis J. Wortham, Fort Worth
Star-Telegram ; W. B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine ; A. H. Weston, Colorado
Record ; W. A. Bowen, Arlington Journal ; W. T. Barnes, Comanche News ; W. J.
Buie, Railway Journal, El Paso ; Cyrus Coleman, Henrietta Independent ; Robert
E. Conner, Lexington Enterprise ; Levi A. Dunlap, Meridian Tribune ; Ed P.
Eason, Winters Enterprise; Henry Edwards, Troup Banner; W. C. Edwards,
Denton Record and Chronicle; G. W. Faulkner, Santa Anna News; Frank Gaston,
Granbury News ; R. O. Gresham, Temple Mirror ; B. B. Greenwood, Stamford
Tribune; E. P. Haney, Byers Searchlight; A. B. Haworth, Comanche News; O. C.
Harrison, Seymour Banner; W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald; Sumner Lansdale,
McKinney Courier-Gazette ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald ; T. B. Lusk,
Italy News-Herald ; J. W. Northrup, Giddings News ; G. J. Palmer, Houston Post ;
J. E. H. Railey, Weatherfond Herald; John T. Risien, Carrollton Chronicle; J. R.
Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; J. W. Rogers, Throckmorton Times; Jim Tom
Story, Jr., Mineral Wells; W. W. Simmons, Celina Record; W. S. Spotts, Bonham
Favorite ; L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca Wave ; Ernest Smart, Leuders Vanguard ;
Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News; H. T. Timmons, Roby Banner; F. C. Thompson,
McKinney Examiner; S. J. Thomas, Comanche Chief; R. W. Tonge, Eddy Herald;
G. E. Watford, Lufkin Tribune; S. A. Wilkinson, Palmer Rustler; Mrs. W. B.
Whitman, Holland's Magazine; R. E. Yantis, Athens Review.
270
Thirty-second Annual Convention 191 1
T^HE thirty-second annual convention of the Texas Press
Association was held in the courthouse of Calhoun County
in Port Lavaca, and was called to order by President J. R.
Ransone, Jr., May n, 1911. After the Goodrick Concert Band
had rendered "America," Hon. John B. Mahon delivered the
address of welcome from the people of Port Lavaca. The.
response on behalf of the Association was by G. H. Boynton.
The following committees were announced:
Membership F. B. Baillio, L. Seabrook, W. A. Johnson,
O. P. Gresham, C. F. Lehmann ;
Constitution and By-Laws W. C. Edwards, C. E. Gil-
more, Ernest Logsdon, A. B. Haworth, Joe Sappington ;
Resolutions R. E. Yantis, W. M. Warlick, A. M. Ken-
nedy, W. G. Sterett, J. A. Thomas ;
Revision of Roll Sam P. Harben, T. B. Lusk, Shaw D.
Ray, Henry Reese, Jr., Tom H. Bell ;
Finance W. H. Whitley, Frank Cates, R. O. Gresham,
J. O. Smith, T. W. Perkins ;
Memorial Ashley Evans, Miss Margie E. Neal, J. M.
Lewis, J. J. Taylor, A. R. McCollum.
The following were elected to membership :
Franklin Woemer DeCroix, Hearne Democrat; P. H. Roberts, Jr., Conroe
Courier; Mrs. Grace I. Mitchell, Robstown Reporter; C. R. Coulter, Stephen-
ville Tribune ; John R. Lunsford, San Antonio Express ; LeRoy G. Stump, Port
Arthur News ; W. J. Williams, Lometa Reporter ; T. J. Cunningham, Comanche
Chief; Robert A. Higgins, Houston Post; T. R. Sparkman, Rockport Tribune;
James I. Toner, Kingsville Record ; W. Straley, Hico Review ; H. K. Staples,
Edna Herald ; Chas. S. Diehl, San Antonio Light ; D. L. Stump, Palacios Beacon ;
Sam H. Dixon, Texas Farm and Fireside, Houston; Ed Laney, Naples Monitor;
Ross Simpson, Grand Prairie Texan ; W. F,. Cook, Victoria Facts ; O. H. Poole,
Cleburne Review ; D. R. Harris, Henderson News ; H. F,. Ellis, Groesbeck Journal ;
Maury Haltom, Nacogdoches Sentinel ; E. K. Williams, Temple Telegram ; George
McQuaid, Galveston News ; J. M. Cooney, Port Lavaca Times ; H. L. Beach,
San Antonio Light. t
271
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
Papers were read as follows :
F. B. Baillio "Texas Under Six Flags."
W. C. Edwards "Should the Press Give Free Publicity
to Fairs and Meetings of any Character Calculated to Boost
Certain Cities and Localities?"
W. A. Bowen "The Sphere and Influence of the Rural
Press."
S. C. Dobbs of Atlanta, Georgia "The Liability of the
Newspaper Publisher to His Readers."
Ashley Evans "Should Newspapers Accept as Paid Mat-
ter Arguments, Political or Otherwise, in Conflict With Its
Own Views?"
Tom H. Bell "Is There any Reason Why Newspaper
Ethics Should not be as Broad as Lawyers' Ethics?"
F. M. Getzendaner "Are Voting Contests Profitable, and
Should They be. Engaged in by Members of This Association?"
R. C. Dyer "The Mechanical Side of Newspaper Mak-
ing."
A. S. Crisp addressed the convention on "the aims, pur-
poses and business of the Printers' Mutual Fire Insurance
Association of Texas." R. S. Van Pelt of Philadelphia, who
had been in Texas several weeks going over the matter of
printer's cost with the job printers, showed by the aid of
charts the cost of jobs from the time they were figured on
until delivered to the customer. "Combats and Conquests of
Immortal Heroes," a book of more than passing interest, was
presented to the Association by its author, Charles M. Barnes
of the San Antonio Express.
As Governor O. B. Colquitt could not be present, as was
expected, Hon. Sid J. Thomas, a beloved member of the Asso-
ciation and Superintendent of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum at
Austin, explained why the Governor could not attend the con-
vention, and then outlined his (Thomas') work, stating that
he had more than four hundred and fifty children under his
charge and that the work was very interesting.
272
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
The committee on the President's address expressed the
opinion that it was one of the ablest, most timely and patriotic
addresses ever delivered before Texas editors. Limitations of
space preclude a summary of the address in this volume.
During the convention the Calhoun County Times, J. M.
Cooney editor and publisher, issued "The Convention Times"
(daily), which was much appreciated.
A resolution offered by the committee on Finance, that the
dues of the delegates to the National Editorial Association be
not paid out of the funds of the Texas Press Association, was
adopted.
G. H. Boynton offered the following, which was adopted:
"Resolved, That this Association commend the stand taken
by our Representatives in the National Congress, including
our two Senators, upon the Tou Velle bill, prohibiting the
printing and sale of envelopes by the Government and de-
nounce the action of those responsible for smothering the bill
in committee.
'Resolved, That this Association call upon the newspaper
editors and publishers of other States, especially those of the
States whose Senators are willing to perpetuate so great an
injustice upon the country press, that they wage a vigorous
campaign against the outrageous custom to the end that it
be discontinued."
The following officers were elected :
President J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor;
Vice President W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and Chronicle;
Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo;
Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune;
Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald;
Attorney A. B. Haworth, Comanche;
Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress;
Essayist Miss Maid J. Allen, Commerce Commercial;
Orator F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader-News;
Poet W. S. Spotts, Bonham Favorite.
Executive Committee J. G. Marshall, Paris News; Henry Ed-
273
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS
wards, Tnoup Banner', W. B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine, Dal-
las; C. H. McMaster, Galveston Tribune; Ernst Goethe, Weimar
Mercury; A. R. McCollum, Waco Tribune; Cyrus Coleman, Hen-
rietta Independent; F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader-News; R.
O. Gresham, Temple Mirror; Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage Regis-
ter; Zeb Spearman, Whitewrig'ht Sun; N. P. Houx, Mexia News;
J. M. Lewis, Houston Post; R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; J. P.
Chambless, Cleburne Chronicle; J. R. Lunsfcwd, San Antonio Ex-
press; W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star.
The following committees were appointed :
Legislative A. S. Crisp, W. A. Johnson, E. P. Haney, S.
J. Thomas;
Printing Sam P. Harben, Frank Ezzell, W. M. Warlick,
John E. Davis.
Programme F. B. Baillio, T. B. Lusk, J. J. Taylor, D. R.
Harris, F. C. Thompson ;
Delegates, National Editorial Association R. E. Yantis,
J. H. Lowry, J. R. Ransone, Jr., W. A. Bowen, W. H. Whitley,
H. V. Hamilton, Charles M. Barnes, J. S. Hardy, Ernest Logs-
don, Tom H. Bell, G. H. Boynton, J. H. Wurtz ;
Alternate Delegates Bruce McCarty, E. M. Chrestman,
R. R. Smith, Will A. Holford, J. D. Moffitt, Shaw D. Ray, J.
A. Phillips, W. L. West, J. T. Risien, A. N. Justiss, J. E.
Grinstead.
Temple was selected as the next place of meeting, over
San Antonio, Galveston, Port Arthur, Kingsville and Hous-
ton. President Ransone was presented with a beautiful cut-
glass punch bowl. The excursion was to Port O'Connor where
the editors were treated royally. The fish fry and barbecue
on Magnolia Beach was by no means the least enjoyable fea-
ture of the entertainment provided by the hospitable people of
Port Lavaca.
Members present at Port Lavaca:
Joe Sappington, Joe Sap's Tales, Temple ; A. M. Kennedy, Marlin Democrat ;
R. O. Gresham, Temple Mirror ; Sam H. Dixon, Texas Far 
