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. 
 
 91 
 
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 : 
 
 100 
 
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 
 
. 
 
 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 
 
 103 
 
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: 
 
 167 
 
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 
 
 172 
 
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 Farm and Fireside, Houston ; 
 R. A. Higgins, Houston Post ; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal ; J. T. Cun- 
 ningham, Comanche Chief; G. H. Boynton, Hamilton Herald; F. M. Getzendaner, 
 
 274 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Uvalde Leader-News; W. G. Sterett, Part Lavaca Life; H. E. Ellis, Groesbeck 
 Journal ; Bruce McCarty, Eagle Lake Headlight ; E. K. Williams, Temple Tel- 
 egram ; J. M. Cunningham, Kennedy Advance; A. S. Crisp, Cuero Star; W. Straley, 
 Hico Review; E. P. Haney, Henrietta Searchlight; James I. Toner, Kingsville 
 Record ; E. Goethe, Weimar Mercury ; W. Z. Spearman, Whitewright Sun ; 
 R. C. Coulter, Stephenville Tribune ; John R. Lunsford, San Antonio Express ; 
 Tom B. Lusk, Italy News-Herald; W. M. Warlick, Dallas Presbyterian; J. O. 
 Smith, Elgin Courier ; Judd M. Lewis, Houston Post ; J. J. Taylor, Dallas News ; 
 C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; W. H. Wihitley, McGregor Mirror; D. R. 
 Harris, Henderson News ; O. P. Gresham, Temple Banner Knight ; R. F. Gates, 
 Bartlett Tribune; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; Maury Haltom, Nacog- 
 doches Sentinel ; W : . A. Bowen, Arlington Journal ; G. J. Marshall, Paris News ; 
 J. C. Florea, Richmond Coaster ; Wm. T. Eichholz, Cuero Deutsche Rundschau ; T. 
 R. Sparkman, Rockport Tribune ; P. O. Wilson, Taylor Texan ; Wm. Schofield, 
 Lockhart Post; Henry Reese, Jr., Gonzales Inquirer; J. M. Cooney, Port Lavaca 
 Times; George McQuaid, Galveston News; Tom H. Bell, Weatherford Herald; 
 J. H. Wurtz, San Antonio Light; Mrs. E. M. Chrestman, Grand Saline Sun; 
 W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and Chronicle ; Ashley Evans, Bonham News ; 
 W. S. Spotts, Bonham Favorite ; W. A. Johnson, Memphis Herald ; W. C. Vogel, 
 Dallas Feld and Flur ; Ernest Logsdon, Piano Star-Courier ; L. Seabrook, Port 
 Lavaca Wave; J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor; F. B. Baillio, Cleburne; A. B. 
 Haworth, Comanche ; LeRoy G. Stump, Port Arthur News; W. L. West, Living- 
 ston Enterprise ; S J. Thomas, Austin ; J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin ; 
 W. W. Dexter, Houston Texas Banker; Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage Register; 
 T. W. Perkins, McKinney Gazette; P. H. Roberts, Jr., Conroe Courier; Chas. M. 
 Barnes, San Antonio Express ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald ; R. E. Yantis, 
 Athens Review ; Mrs. Grace Mitchell, Robstown Reporter ; Shaw D. Ray, Winns- 
 boro Free Press ; H. K. Staples, Edna Herald ; J. A. Proske, Giddings Volksblatt ; 
 W. E. Gilliland, Baird Star; Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; J. C. Howerton, 
 Cuero Record ; D. L. Stump, ^alacios Beacon ; W. E. Cook, Victoria Facts. 
 
 275 
 
Thirty-third Annual Convention 19 1 2 
 
 THE thirty-third annual convention of the Texas Press 
 Association was held in the auditorium of the Carnegie 
 Library in Temple, and was called to order May 16, 1912, by 
 President J. A. Thomas. Father Heckman, pastor of the Cath- 
 olic Church of Temple, invoked divine blessings and guidance. 
 Hon. P. L. Downs welcomed the Association on behalf of the 
 city of Temple. Sid J. Thomas responded on behalf of the 
 Association. Miss Laura Hamner of the Temple High School 
 welcomed the Association to the city and invited the editors 
 to visit the school, where later an informal reception was held. 
 
 The following committees were announced : 
 
 Finance O. H. Poole, W. Straley, F. B. Robinson, Harry 
 Koch, Frank Ezzell ; 
 
 Constitution and By-Laws D. R. Harris, W. B. Whit- 
 man, W. Z. Spearman, J. D. Hall, Shaw D. Ray ; 
 
 Memorial W. A. Bowen, R. E. Yantis, A. R. McCollum, 
 C. W. Geers, Joe Sappington ; 
 
 Resolutions Lee J. Rountree, Will H. Mayes, Mrs. 
 Grace I. Mitchell, W. M. Warlick, Harve P. Nelson; 
 
 Membership F. B. Baillio, H. F. Mayes, Harry Galbraith, 
 Levi A. Dunlap, W. C. Edwards ; 
 
 Revision of Roll W. H. Whitley, W. A. Johnson, O. P, 
 Gresham, J. M. Lewis, W. M. Cobb. 
 
 The President's address was referred to Lee J. Rountree, 
 C. F. Lehmann and C. E. Gilmore as a committee. 
 
 The following were elected to membership : 
 
 O. P. Pyle, Belton Journal; M. P. Daniel, Teague Herald; S. W. Barnhill, 
 Fort Worth Railway Journal ; R. G. Hollingsworth, Coleman Democrat- Voice ; 
 S. C. Findley, Comanche Pioneer- Exponent ; Will A. Harris, Woodman Journal ; 
 A. H. Luker, Grapeland Messenger; Henry Hurr, Flatonia Argus; A. A. Wortham, 
 Corsicana Sun ; H. A. Gibbs, Harlingen Star ; L,. E. Dicus, Bonham News ; J. O. 
 Nash, I>rena Register; E. G. Chiles, Cleburne Review; R. A. Gates, Centerville 
 Record ; W. A. Smith, San Saba News ; R. L. Fox, Moody Courier ; Ed. F. Black- 
 
 276 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 shear, Navasota Examiner- Review ; G. P. Power, Hamlin Printing Co. ; Maurice 
 Bell, May Messenger; J. C. Thomas, Childress Post; H. A. McDougle, Tyler 
 Courier-Times; D. H. Cunningham, Jr., Comanche Pioneer- Exponent ; M. E. Lan- 
 caster, Lett Tribune; John E. Cooke, Rockdale Reporter; G. B. Whitley, Italy 
 News-Herald ; H. B. Burke, Briggs Review ; A. W. Sledge, Ballinger Banner- 
 Leader ; Robert Phillips, Iredell Sentinel ; James Howerton, Hallettsville Herald ; 
 Miss Carrie F. Childress, Sipe Springs Record ; A. C. Baldwin, Austin Tribune. 
 
 The following members responded to call of the roll: 
 
 Ross Simpson, Grand Prairie Texan ; R. A. Gates, Centerville Record ; R. L. 
 Fox, Moody Courier; Henry Hurr, Flatonia Argus; C. W. Geers, Fort Worth 
 S. W. Magazine; J. P. Nash, Lorena Register; W. A. Smith, San Saba News; Ed. 
 F. Blackshear, Navasota Examiner-Review ; Will A. Harris, Woodman Journal ; 
 W. J. Williams, Lometa Reporter; Mrs. W. B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine; R. 
 F. Gates, Bartleft Tribune ; John R. Lunsford, San Antonio Express ; J. H. Lowry, 
 Honey Grove Signal ; Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial ; J. A. Thomas, 
 Mineola Monitor; E. P. Haney, Wichita Falls Searchlight; H. F. Mayes, Brown- 
 wood Bulletin; R. E- Yantis, Athens Review; O. P. Gresham, Pythian Banner 
 Knight; A. H. Luker, Grapeland Messenger; M. P. Daniel, Teague Herald; A. A. 
 Wortham, Corsicana Sun; W. Straley, Hico News-Review; O. H. Poole, Cleburne 
 Review; E. G. Chiles, Cleburne Review; G. B. Whitley, Italy News-Herald; L. E. 
 Dicus, Bonham News; R. M. Thompson, Goldthwaite Eagle; S. J. Thomas, Austin; 
 W. B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine ; J. M. Lewis, Houston Post ; F. B. Baillio, 
 Cleburne; Ashley Evans, Bonham News; J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; 
 Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; Miss M. E. Neal, Carthage Register; Will H. 
 Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin ; W. A. Bowen, Arlington Journal ; E. K. Williams, 
 Temple Telegram ; J. W. Northrup, Giddings News ; C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville 
 Herald ; W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and Chronicle ; L. Seabrook, Port Lavaca 
 Wave; Miss Maid J. Allen, Commerce Commercial; F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde 
 Leader-News; Shaw D. Ray, Winnsboro Free Press; Harry Galbraith, Terrell 
 Transcript; Henry Edwards, Troup Banner; Harve P. Nelson, Greenville Banner; 
 W. S. Spotts, Bonham Favo'rite ; Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News; J. M. Adams, Plain- 
 view News ; Lon Davis, Sealy News ; J. L. McCaleb, Carrizo Springs Javelin ; W. 
 H. Whitley, McGregor Mirror; O. C. Harrison, Seymour Banner; W. A. Johnson, 
 Memphis Herald; Joe Sappington, Temple Telegram; Mrs. E. M. Chrestman, 
 Grand Saline Sun ; T. J. Cunningham, Comanche Chief ; J. C. Howerton, Cuero 
 Record; Maurice Bell, May Messenger; Harry Koch, Quanah Tribune-Chief; F. T. 
 Roche, Georgetown Sun ; Miss Carrie Childress, Sipe Springs Record ; D. H. Cun- 
 ningham, Jr., Comanche Pioneer-Exponent; H. E. Faubion, Marble Falls Mes- 
 senger; Miss Williemae Warrock, Rosebud News; W. Z. Spearman, Whitewright 
 Sun; A. B. Haworth, Comanche; D. R. Harris, Henderson News; J. P. Chambless, 
 Cleburne Chronicle ; Levi A. Dunlap, Meridian Tribune ; C. E. Gilmore, Wills 
 Point Chronicle; J. C. Florea, Richmond Coaster; W. M. Cobb, Smithville Times; 
 Fred E. Horton, Greenville Banner ; Mrs. Grace Mitchell, Robstown Reporter ; 
 H. T. Timmons, Roby Banner; H. B. Savage, Belton News; Henry Reese, Jr., 
 Gonzales Inquirer ; A. R. McCollum, Waco Tribune ; J. A. Proske, Giddings 
 Volksblatt; J. G. Murphy, San Angelo Standard; R. A. Alford, Leander Record; 
 F. B. Robinson, Waco Times-Herald; O. P. Pyle, Belton Journal; A. C. Baldwin, 
 Austin Tribune ; H. A. McDougal, Tyler Courier-Times ; W. H. Hawkins, Stephen- 
 ville Empire ; A. W. Sledge, Ballinger Banner-Leader ; R. O. Gresham, Temple Mir- 
 ror; S. W. Barnhill, Fort Worth Railway Journal; Frank Ezzell, Ferris Wheel; 
 John H. Cullom, Dallas; W. G. Sterett, Port Lavaca; W. L. Warrock, Rosebud 
 
 277 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 News; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier- Light ; T. C. Richardson, Sutherland 
 Springs Health Resort ; J. S. Perry, Temple Telegram ; J. M. Cunningham, Ken- 
 nedy Advance; J. O. Smith, Elgin Courier; W. T. Carter, Killeen Herald; T. W. 
 Perkins, McKinney Courier-Gazette; Robert Phillips, Iredell Sentinel. 
 
 Papers were read as follows : 
 
 Henry Edwards "Outworn Ideas, Like Outworn Type, 
 Should Be Thrown Into the 'Hell Box'." 
 
 J. P. Chambless "Soliciting Job Work for a Newspaper 
 Office." 
 
 Harry Koch "How to Secure Advertising." 
 
 Col. A. R. McCollum "Past and Present of the Texas 
 Press Association." 
 
 C. E. Gilmore "The Advantages of Membership in the 
 Texas Press Association." 
 
 J. H. Lowry "Potpourie." 
 
 Joe J. Taylor "The Ethics of Journalism." 
 
 Levi A. Dunlap "The Art of Printing." 
 
 T. J. Cunningham "Securing and Holding Subscriptions." 
 
 Homer D. Wade "The Commercial Interests and the 
 Newspapers, Co-Operating in Material Development." 
 
 E. St. Elmo Lewis of Detroit, Michigan, read a paper on 
 "How to Secure Advertising and How to Serve the Adver- 
 tiser." He had the distinction of being about the highest 
 authority in the United States on advertising, and to the 
 printers' supply men of Dallas the Association was indebted 
 for the treat of so splendid a paper from so competent a source. 
 Claud Cross of Fort Worth, competent authority in his 
 line, talked about a "Cost System" and illustrated his paper 
 with charts. 
 
 Miss Gladys Mayo of Commerce favored the convention 
 with a violin solo, and was accompanied on the piano by Miss 
 La Verne, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Cates of Bartlett. In 
 response to a recall, Miss Mayo gave a piano recital. Mr. 
 Stephenson of Cleburne favored the convention with an ode, 
 being accompanied on the piano by Mrs. J. R. Ransone, Jr., 
 of Cleburne. Mrs. F. W. Botts of New Orleans rendered a 
 
 278 
 

 HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 beautiful vocal selection which so pleased her audience that 
 she was called to render another selection. 
 
 The annual oration, "American Ideals," was by F. M. 
 Getzendaner. The annual poem, "The Plea of an Editor's 
 Wife," was read by W. S. Spotts. The annual essay was by 
 Miss Maid J. Allen and was entitled, "The Record We Write." 
 
 A resolution by W. D. Cox, complimentary to and lauda- 
 tory of the Temple newspapers, was offered and adopted. It 
 recited the splendid daily reports of the doings of the Associa- 
 tion by the Daily Telegram, its cartoons and illustrations ; the 
 special edition of The Mirror, prepared especially for this 
 convention; and the special illustrated edition of the Pythian 
 Banner Knight. The praise bestowed upon the newspapers of 
 Temple was fully deserved. 
 
 A series of resolutions by W. A. Bowen and R. E. Yantis 
 were offered and adopted requesting the members of the As- 
 sociation to urge through their papers closer co-operation be- 
 tween the business men and the farmers, and indorsing the 
 plan of the Farmers' Union of holding cotton, marketing same 
 only as demanded ; also indorsing the idea of industrial educa- 
 tion in the rural and public schools. 
 
 The office of historian of the Association was created, on 
 the motion of Will H. Mayes, and F. B. Baillio was elected to 
 that position for life; and he was authorized to select such 
 assistants as he might desire. Thereupon, he appointed Col- 
 onel A. R. McCollum of the Waco Tribune, W. A. Bowen of 
 the Arlington Journal and C. W. Geers of Fort Worth and late 
 of the Denton Monitor. 
 
 Among the papers read was that by C. W. Geers on "The 
 Progressiveness and Unprogressiveness of the Country 
 Press;" and that by John R. Lunsford on "The Editorial 
 Page." 
 
 Officers were elected as follows : 
 
 President W. C. Edwards, Denton Record and Chronicle; 
 Vice President Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News; 
 
 279. 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; 
 
 Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; 
 
 Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; 
 
 Attorney Clarence E. Gilmore, Wills Point Chronicle; 
 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress; 
 
 Historian F. B. Baillio, Western Newspaper Union; 
 
 Essayist Mrs. Grace Mitchell, Robstown Reporter; 
 
 Orator Henry Edwards, Troup Banner; 
 
 Poet Judd Mortimer Lewis, Houston Post. 
 
 Executive Committee At Large: M. E. Foster, Charles S. 
 Diehl, W. B. Whitman, George McQuaid. Congressional districts, 
 one to sixteen Harvey Miller, C. L. Schless, D. R. Harris, W. S 
 .Spotts, G. W. McKnight, John E. Cooke, A. H. Luker, J. C. Florea, 
 J. C. Howerton, J. O. Smith, W. H. Whitley, O. H. Poole, Harry 
 Koch, J. R. Lunsford, F. M. Getzendaner, G. E. Watford. 
 
 The following committees were appointed: 
 Printing John T. Risien, Sam P. Harben, Levi A. Dun- 
 lap, Orion Procter; 
 
 Legislative C. E. Gilmore, E. P. Haney, John E. Davis, 
 J. G. Murphy, S. J. Thomas, E. M. Chrestman, A. N. Justiss, 
 R. B. Lockhart; 
 
 Programme F. B. Baillio, Harry Galbraith, T. H. Bell, 
 H. A. McDougle, T. J. Cunningham, G. H. Boynton, Shaw D. 
 Ray; 
 
 Delegates National Editorial Association Will H. Mayes, 
 Miss Maid J. Allen, Mrs. W. B. Whitman, J. A. Thomas, H. E. 
 Ellis, A. A. Wortham, Harve P. Nelson, R. O. Gresham, E. K. 
 Williams, A. C. Baldwin, L. E. Dicus, H. A. Gibbs, A. L. 
 Holland, Frank Ezzell, G. B. Whitley, L. Seabrook, W. 
 Straley, R. G. Hollingsworth, M. P. Daniel, J. H. Lowry, J. 
 R. Ransone, Jr., W. A. Bowen, W- Z. Spearman, J. P. Cham- 
 bless ; 
 
 Executive Committeeman National Editorial Association 
 Lee J. Rountree. 
 
 San Antonio was selected as the next place of meeting, 
 defeating Austin, Galveston and Wichita Falls. After singing 
 
 280 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 "God Be With You Till We Meet Again," the Association ad- 
 journed. 
 
 The following communication was read and ordered of 
 record : 
 "To the Members of the State Press Association of Texas, in 
 
 convention assembled : 
 
 "Dear Sirs : With knightly courtesy we greet you ! 
 
 "Recognizing the great value and importance of your dis- 
 tinguished body, we feel honored in having you designate 
 Temple as your meeting place, and heartily congratulate our- 
 selves in having the opportunity to show you that courtesy so 
 deserving of your splendid membership, and the great profes- 
 sion to which you belong. 
 
 "In our opinion, no occupation or profession, collectively, 
 makes as many sacrifices for the good of humanity, and for 
 the upbuilding and prosperity of State and Nation, as the 
 press. Therefore, you should ever receive our cordial com- 
 mendation and our unstinted co-operation. 
 
 "As the oldest bank in Temple ; as the largest bank in this 
 section ; as the largest financial institution in Central-West 
 Texas; we beg to tender you the kindly offices of this insti- 
 tution during your sojourn in our city. We would be glad to 
 have you make free use of our banking rooms, our office equip- 
 ment, our office force our stenographers are particularly 
 always at your command. 
 
 "If you should be without funds (we assume of course 
 that this would be accidental, because a newspaper man always 
 has money), we would be very happy to cash, without ex- 
 change, and without endorsement other than your badge show- 
 ing membership in your Association, such checks as you would 
 like to draw on your home bank, covering your incidental 
 needs ; or extend to you any other courtesies or accommoda- 
 tions that will advance your pleasure, increase your comfort, 
 and make joyful your stay in Temple. 
 
 281 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 "With cordial good wishes for your happy sojourn in Tern- 
 pie and safe return to your homes, 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 P. F. Downs, Cashier." 
 P. L. Downs, Cashier." 
 
 282 
 
Thirty-fourth Annual Convention 1913 
 
 THE thirty-fourth annual convention of the Texas Press 
 Association was held in San Antonio, and was called to 
 order by President W. C. Edwards in the convention hall 
 of the Gunter Hotel, May 15, 1913. Bishop Mouzon of 
 the M. E. Church, South, delivered the invocation. Addresses 
 of welcome were made by Joseph Emerson Smith, manag- 
 ing editor of the San Antonio Express, and L. J. Hart, 
 manager of the Gunter Hotel. The response to the addresses 
 of welcome was by J. H. Lowry. The President's annual 
 address was referred to Lee J. Rountree, O. P. Gresham and 
 E. C. Hunter, as a committee. 
 
 The following committees were appointed : 
 
 Resolutions J. R. Ransone, Jr., G. H. Boynton, C. W. 
 Wilson, A. N. Justiss, L. E. Haskett ; 
 
 Finance J. J. Taylor, Henry Edwards, F. B. Baillio, John 
 E. Cooke, O. P. Gresham, F. M. Getzendaner, C. F. Lehmann, 
 J. H. Lowry; 
 
 Constitution and By-Laws J. A. Thomas, W. A. John- 
 son, Tom H. Bell, E. P. Haney, E. C. Hunter; 
 
 Memorial W. S. Spotts, Will A. Harris, N. P. Houx, 
 C. W. Geers, W. C. Vogel ; 
 
 Membership H. P. Nelson, Levi A. Dunlap, Harry Koch, 
 R. D. Hudson, J. E. H. Railey ; 
 
 Revision of Roll O. H. Poole, C. W. Taylor, J. M. Cun- 
 ningham, W. H. Whitley, J. C. Thomas. 
 
 The following was read : 
 
 "DeZavalla Chapter, descendants of the patriots and 
 founders of Texas, wishes to welcome the press of Texas and 
 their families and friends to historic San Antonio. Most of you 
 are friends, and we thank you for the patriotic work you have 
 
 283 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 done on the history of Texas. You have taught through the 
 columns of your papers. A cordial and heartfelt welcome. We 
 are glad you are here and want you to stay with us always." 
 
 The following were elected to membership : 
 
 C. M. Carpenter, Buda Star; J. L. Spencer, Mart Herald; Zenos Deer, Bishop 
 News; Homer D. Wade, Stamford News-Tribune; R. A. Yantisi, Athens Review; 
 Richard E. Zeiske, Bellville Times; T. G. Locke, Fowlerton Reporter; Ed Howard, 
 Wichita Falls Times ; Lloyd P. Lockridge, Austin Statesman ; R. K. Phillips, 
 Weatherford Democrat; Edwin J. Keist, Dallas Times-Herald; Henry Mueller, 
 Brenham Volksblatt ; Sam C. Holloway, Deport Times; L. H. Bridges, Luling 
 Signal; B. F. Harigel, LaGrange Journal; J. L. Pope, Amarillo News; George B. 
 Kirwan, Riviera Journal; R. J. Edwards, Denton Record-Chronicle; Charles 
 Mrazek, Garwood Express; E. J. McGuirk, Calvert Picayune; D. O. Bell, Co- 
 lumbus Citizen ; L. P. Henslee, Cross Plains Review ; W. J. Edgecombe, San An- 
 tonio S. W. Independent ; George C. Staples, San Marcos Record ; T. W. Lillie, 
 Crystal City Chronicle; Clifton H. Tupper, San Antonio Traction Magazine; A. B. 
 O'Flaherty, Corpus Christi Democrat; George W. Baker, Dallas Auto Journal; AH 
 B. Schroeter, Runge News; John W. Stayton, Corpus Christi Caller; M. W. Florer, 
 Dallas News ; Richard Hudson, Farmersville Times ; Roy Woodward, Pearsall 
 Leader; Emmett R. Hambrick, Dallas Times-Herald; Albert Ernst, Victoria 
 Deutsche Zeitung; H. F. Schwenker, Brady Standard; W. M. Stanberry, Mid- 
 lothian Argus ; R. M. Curtis, Jr., Falfurrias Facts ; Sam Fore, Jr., Floresville 
 Chronicle; S. D. Chestnut, Kennedy Advance; Harry M. Johnson, Houston Post; 
 W. E. Cage, Pharr Clarion; J. H. Waggoner, Whitewright Sun; W. L. Ballew, 
 El Campo Citizen; H. N. Fitzgerald, Fort Worth Record; M. E. Wallace, Bryan 
 Eagle; G. A. McNaughton, San Marcos Times-Leader; R. W. Barry, Beeville 
 Bee; E. L. Price, Aransas Pass Progress; W. B. Collins, Llano News; Monroe 
 Drew, Kaufman Herald ; Joseph E. Smith, San Antonio Express ; B. Q. Evans, 
 Dallas Free Lance ; A. W. Davis, Falfurrias Facts ; Max Bendy, Corpus Christi 
 Democrat ; Cecil Home, Cleburne Review ; W. L. Turner, Madisonville Meteor ; 
 Miss Mattie Middlefton, Waxahachie ; R. C. Mecklin, Kingsville Record; Charles 
 W. Pyle, Belton Journal; S. H. Walthall, Orange Leader. 
 
 Miss Helen Brackenridge addressed the convention on the 
 subject of " Woman's Rights." 
 
 Following. the talk of D. C. McCaleb, publicity agent of 
 the railroads, the following were appointed a committee to 
 ascertain at what price per inch an advertisement could be in- 
 serted in every weekly paper printed by members of the Texas 
 Press Association : Harry Koch, W. A. Bowen, R. O. Gresham, 
 H. F. Mayes and R. M. Hudson. 
 
 Papers were read as follows : 
 
 Will H. Whitley "How the Publisher Can Best Reach 
 the Foreign Advertiser." 
 
 284 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 N. P. Houx "Pioneer Days in the Newspaper Field of 
 Texas." 
 
 Ernst Goethe "Why Advertising Rates Should Be Ad- 
 vanced." 
 
 F. C. Thompson "The Best Way to Build Up a Country 
 Circulation." 
 
 M. W. Florer "The Postal Laws and the Newspapers." 
 
 J. O. Smith "How I Raised My Advertising Rates and 
 What It Did For Me." 
 
 John E. Cooke "Job Printing From the Stock Room and 
 Cases to the Customer." 
 
 C. B. Gillespie and C. W. Taylor "Is the Freedom of the 
 Press Menaced by the Powers That Be?" 
 
 R. E. Yantis "The Newspaper and Its Mission." 
 
 J. M. Adams "How I Estimate Cost/' 
 
 E, R. Hambrick and D. Matt Thrash "The Gathering of 
 Local News." 
 
 O. C. Harrison and Harve P. Nelson "The Newspaper 
 and Its Mission." 
 
 J. S. Daley "How the Publisher Can Best Reach the 
 Foreign Advertiser." 
 
 Addresses were made by Colonel Henry Exall, president 
 of the Texas Industrial Congress on "The Texas Industrial 
 Congress and the Press ;" by R. T. Milner, president of the 
 A: & M. College; W. B. Bizzell of the College of Industrial 
 Arts at Denton on "The Girls' A. & M. of Texas;" and by 
 Governor O. B. Colquitt. The annual oration, "Opportunities 
 for Service," was by Henry Edwards. The annual essay, "A 
 Model Newspaper," was by Mrs. Grace Mitchell. 
 
 A feature of the convention was the address of Governor 
 Colquitt over the long distance telephone from Austin to San 
 Antonio, through the courtesy of the Southwestern Tele- 
 graph and Telephone Company. The arrangements were so 
 perfect that every word of the Governor was heard distinctly 
 by each and every member of the Association. 
 
 285 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 The Legislative committee submitted the following report: 
 
 "The recent session of the Legislature enacted no laws of especial significance 
 to the newspaper printing business. An ineffectual effort was made, as it has 
 been at almost every session of the Legislature for several years to amend the libel 
 law of the state to the end that newspapers might have reasonable protection in 
 the discharge of their duty to the public in both the capacity of news gatherers and 
 in the discussion of public matters and public morals wherein it happens now and 
 then to become necessary to discuss and criticise persons, particularly public offi- 
 cers derelict in the discharge of public duty. So uncertain is the present law until 
 it is practically impossible to lay down a hard and fast rule and say 'this is libel' 
 and 'this is not.' 
 
 "It is to be hoped that future efforts to amend this law will yield better re- 
 sults. Indeed, we cannot refrain from suggesting that this association could serve 
 the 'public and serve its members by taking some steps looking to the drafting and 
 presentation to the next Legislature for consideration of a just and reasonable libel 
 law that would clearly define the rights of publishers and afford them protection 
 from the attacks of the shyster, the demagogue and the hypocrite, and at the same 
 time protect the public from dishonest and unscrupulous newspaper men who might 
 seek to use the power of the press for the destruction of the business and reputa- 
 tion of others. A dishonest newspaper man is no better than any other dishonest 
 person and the publishers owe it to the public as well as themselves to aid in prx> 
 tecting the public from such. 
 
 "The question often occurs in a newspaper office as to what is the legal rate 
 for advertising. There is no general legal rate for matter published in newspapers 
 in Texas. There is a rate fixed by law for such matters of advertising as may be 
 used by the state or any of its schools or various departments of government, 
 such as the publication of constitutional amendments. This rate is $1 per square 
 of 100 words for the first insertion and 50 cents per square for each subsequent 
 insertion of the same matter. In addition to this, there are a few items of court 
 and ^county affairs that require publication, which will be referred to later. 
 
 "There is no more reason for fixing the basis and price at which newspapers 
 shall sell their space, an arbitrary price, without consideration for circulation, con- 
 ditions, etc., to the state or any of its various branches of government than there 
 is reason to fix the price of flour and bacon sold to the state institutions without 
 regard for their market value or cost of production. It might be, and probably 
 would be wise, and it would be just to the newspapers at the same time, to require 
 that no publisher could charge the state, or for any legal advertising required by 
 law a greater price than that charged for commercial advertising of the same class. 
 We are oi the opinion that this matter need only to be properly presented to the 
 members of the Legislature to be fairly adjusted. 
 
 "Following are some of the matters required by law, or permitted by law, to 
 be published and for which a charge may be made. We are indicating the fact 
 where there is a price fixed by law : 
 
 "Citations. In practically all civil suits the law permits the citing of defend- 
 ants to such suit by publication of the citation in some newspaper published in the 
 county of the suit where the residence of the defendant is unknown. This publi- 
 cation has to be made for four successive weeks prior to return day (ten days be- 
 fore the first day of the court at which the case is to be called), that is, the last 
 day of publication must be ten full days before the first day of the court. Trie-re 
 is no price fixed for the publication of citations. The usual custom is to make 
 arrangements with the plaintiff in the suit and the better plan is also to look 
 to him for the pay. In suits against unknown heirs, permitted under our law, the 
 publication must be made for eight successive weeks ; also the publication must be 
 made for eight weeks if the case is to be tried at the first term of court after the 
 suit is filed. Four weeks' publication completes the service but the case must go 
 over one term. The eight weeks' publication does not apply to divorce suits. 
 
 "Sale of Land Under Execution. Notice of the date of sale of land to be 
 sold under execution or the foreclosure of a deed of trust, must be published three 
 successive weeks in some newspaper where the land is to be sold. The law fixes 
 a price for this service at fifty cents per square of ten lines brevier for the first 
 insertion and thirty cents per square for subsequent insertions, the charge in no 
 event, regardless of the length, to be more than $5.00 for all three insertions. 
 
 "Delinquent Tax Lists. The law reouires the delinquent tax list of each 
 county in the state to be published annually for three successive weeks and fixes 
 the price at a maximum of 25 cents per tract of land so advertised. This is done 
 by contract with the Commissioners' Court or tax collector. (Article 7692, Revised 
 Statutes, 1911.) 
 
 286 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 "Treasurer's Quarterly Report. The County Clerk of each county is required 
 to have published the quarterly report of the County Treasurer as made to the 
 Commissioners' Court and verified by that body. No price for this is fixed by law 
 but is a matter of contract between the publisher and the Commissioners' Court 
 or the County Clerk. (See Article 1450, Revised Statutes of 1911.) 
 
 "Proposed Amendments to the Constitution. Proposed amendments to the con- 
 stitution of the State must be published for four weeks, commencing at least three 
 months before the election at which they are to be voted upon. This service is 
 paid for by the State at the rate provided by law as heretofore mentioned. 
 
 "These references here include the principal items, at least, that may be or are 
 required to be published. There may be some minor ones overlooked in the haste 
 in preparing this report. 
 
 "We desire to direct special attention to the requirements as to the publication 
 of delinquent tax lists and the quarterly reports of County Treasurer. These two 
 provisions of the law and particularly the one referring to delinquent taxes, are of 
 the utmost importance to the public and it is our observation that comparatively 
 few counties in the State have lived up to either of these requirements of our 
 law. Entirely aside from the matter of printing them, we are of the opinion that 
 the newspapers of the state will do a patriotic service if they can induce those in 
 authority to observe these two requirements. In some counties in our state there 
 are thousands of dollars of delinquent taxes due on land that could be, and should 
 be, collected and the failure to collect the same not only deprives the State and 
 County of that just portion of tax money but sooner or later involves the owners 
 of the land in no end of trouble to get their titles cleared of the clouds cast there 
 by virtue of delinquent taxes, perhaps delinquent from some remote vendor who is 
 either dead or gone beyond the reach of recovery of the amount of the taxes from 
 him. The failure to publish the delinquent tax list each year and make every 
 effort to collect these taxes is largely responsible for this condition. 
 
 THE LIBEL LAW. 
 
 "It was the purpose of your committee to arrange as comprehensive a brief as 
 possible of the libel law of our State but to do so would require more space than 
 we have at our disposal. We, therefore, are forced to omit the subject altogether 
 or confine it to extracts from the statutes and some suggestions that might pos- 
 sibly aid a busy editor to avoid some of its pitfalls and snares. Hence we adopt 
 the latter plan. 
 
 "The libel law of Texas is composed of two separate and distinct branches of 
 the law, civil and criminal libel. The one is the most resorted to by those who 
 feel themselves injured and aggrieved at the publishers of newspapers, the other 
 is most usually resorted to to punish some malicious person for some writing or 
 printing, outside of a newspaper, to defame character." 
 
 CIVIL LIBEL. 
 
 Article 5595. Definition. "A libel is a defamation expressed in printing or 
 writing or by sign and pictures, or drawings, tending to blacken the memory of 
 the dead, or tending to injure the reputation of one who is alive and thereby ex- 
 pose 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. 
 
 Art. 5596. Mitigation of Damages and Defense. "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 pub- 
 lication was made, and any public apology, correction or retraction made and pub- 
 lished by him of the libel complained of. The ' truth of the statement or state- 
 ments in such publication (complained of as libelous) shall be a defense to such 
 action. 
 
 Art. 5597. Privileged Matter. "The publication of the following matters by 
 any newspaper or periodical, as defined in Article 5595, 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 admin- 
 istration of the law. 
 
 2. A fair, true and impartial account of all executive and legislative proceed- 
 ings that are made a matter of record, including reports of legislative committees, 
 and of any debate in the Legislature, or its committees. 
 
 287 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 3. A fair, true and impartial account of public meetings, organized and con- 
 ducted few public purposes only. 
 
 4. A reasonable and fair comment or criticism of the official acts of public 
 officials and of other matters of public concern published for general information. 
 
 Aft. 5598. "Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to amend or repeal any 
 penal law on the subject of libel." 
 
 This is all of the statute of this State on civil libel but in construing its va- 
 rious provisions the courts have made a good deal more law out of it. 
 
 CRIMINAL LIBEL. 
 
 The criminal libel law is neither so simple nor so brief nor does it apply so 
 exclusively to newspapers. Article 1151 of the Penal Code of the State defines 
 libel as follows : 
 
 "He is guilty of libel who, with intent to injure makes, writes, prints, 
 
 publishes, sells or circulates any malicious statement affecting the reputa- 
 tion of another with respect to any matter or thing pointed out in this 
 
 chapter." 
 
 The punishment for one found guilty of libel is a fine of not less than one 
 hundred nor more than two thousand dollars, or by imprisonment in the county 
 jail for not more than two years. 
 
 Without attempting to quote from the statute "haec verba" further we offer 
 some brief suggestions as to the law as shown by the Penal Code : 
 
 The "intent to injure," made a part of the definition of libel, is presumed 
 without further proof of intent if such would be the natural consequence of the 
 libel. 
 
 To come within the definition of libel the publication must convey the idea : 
 (a) That the person to whom it refers has been guilty of a penal offense; (b) or 
 that he has been guilty of some act or omission though not a penal offense, which 
 is disgraceful to him as a member of society and the natural consequence of which 
 is to bring him into contempt among honorable persons ; or (c) that he has some 
 moral vice or physical or mental defect or disease which renders him unfit for inter- 
 course with respectable society and such as should cause him to be generally 
 avoided; or (d) that he is of notoriously bad or infamous character; or (e) that 
 any person in office or a candidate therefor, is dishonest and therefore unworthy of 
 such office, or that .while in office he has been guilty of some malfeasance rendering 
 him unworthy of the place. 
 
 But it is no offense to make true statements of fact or express opinions as to 
 the integrity or other qualifications of a candidate for any office or public place 
 or appointment. Nor is it any offense to publish true statements of fact as to the 
 qualification of any person for any occupation, profession or trade. 
 
 No statement made in the course of legislative or judicial proceedings, whethef 
 true or false although made with intent to injure and from malicious purposes, 
 comes within the definition of libel. 
 
 In the following cases the truth of any statement charged as libel may be 
 shown in justification of the defendant. 
 
 Where the publication purports to be an investigation of the official conduct 
 of officers or men in a public capacity. Where it is stated that a person has been 
 
 fuilty of some penal offense and the time, place and nature of the offense is speci- 
 ed in the publication. Where a person is charged with being of notoriously bad 
 or infamous character. Where the publication charges any person in office, or a 
 candidate therefor with want of honesty, or having been guilty of malfeasance in 
 office, rendering him unworthy of the place. 
 
 In other cases than those mentioned above the truth of the facts stated in the 
 libel cannot be inquired into. 
 
 Art. 1161. Avoiding of Responsibility, How? "The editor, publisher or pro- 
 prietor of a public newspaper may avoid the responsibility of making or publish- 
 ing a libel by giving the true author of the same, provided such author be a resi- 
 dent of this State and a person of good character, except in cases where it is 
 shown that such editor, publisher or proprietor caused trie libel to be published 
 with malicious design." 
 
 This article refers only to criminal libel. 
 
 All the Statute on criminal libel refers only to that branch of it and has no 
 bearing or effect on actions for civil libel. 
 
 As stated at the beginning of that portion of this report with reference to 
 libel, it is impossible to even briefly refer to the holdings of the courts on some 
 of the questions presented by both "the criminal and civil Statutes, but this much 
 is submitted in the hope that it may be of service to some one. 
 
 Will H. Whitley, R. M. Hudson, O. C. Harrison, F. C. 
 
 288 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Thompson and Levi A. Dunlap were appointed a committee to 
 suggest a rate to be charged for foreign advertising and report 
 at the next annual convention. 
 
 Mrs. J. O. Smith of Elgin entertained the Association 
 with a select reading which was well rendered and generously 
 applauded. Mrs. H. A. Gibbs of Harlingen favored the con- 
 vention with a song which was heartily encored. She was 
 accompanied on the piano by Mrs. C. F. Lehmann. 
 
 The annual dues were fixed at one dollar and fifty cents. 
 
 Clarence E. Gilmore, general attorney of the Association, 
 submitted the following report : 
 
 "Acting as general attorney for the Press Association, I 
 took up last year with the State Insurance Board the matter 
 of insurance rates on gasoline engines, believing the rate as 
 promulgated by the board to be entirely too high for the 
 hazard. After going into the matter in person with the board, 
 I was able to secure a substantial reduction in the rates, the 
 amended rates taking effect September 20, 1912. The new 
 rate reduces the rate under division (a) of the Gasoline Power 
 Schedule, as shown on page 38 of the General Basis Schedules, 
 from twenty-five to ten cents ; and the rate under division (b) 
 from fifty cents to twenty-five cents. That means that on an 
 unapproved gasoline engine where sixty-five cents additional 
 charge has been made the rate- should now figure thirty-five 
 cents. As most of the newspaper offices of the State use 
 gasoline power this should be a considerable saving to the 
 large shops and in the aggregate save the publishers of the 
 State a good deal of money." 
 
 The following, which had been referred to the committee 
 on resolutions, was, on recommendation of that committee, 
 adopted : 
 
 "We learn with pleasure of the determination of President 
 Wilson to appoint George D. Armistead postmaster at San 
 Anionio and wish to congratulate our honored President on 
 the wisdom of his selection." 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 The following report of the committee on resolutions was 
 adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, The custom in vogue in Texas of posting all 
 notices of bond, school, and other elections, as well as other 
 matters that are of general and special interest, on bulletin 
 boards, live-oak trees, and plank fences, is a relic of the dark 
 ages and a reflection on the intelligence of the people of today 
 who take and read the newspapers to keep themselves inform- 
 ed; and 
 
 "Whereas, It is time this custom was abolished in the 
 interest of the reading and thinking public ; therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That the Texas Press Association, individually 
 and collectively, demand of the law-making bodies of Texas 
 that it change the law so that all notices now required to be 
 posted shall be published in each and every paper in the city, 
 county or district affected ; provided, that the paper in which 
 such notices are printed shall be paid for same at not less than 
 regular state rates ; and be it further 
 
 "Resolved, That the members of this Association urge 
 upon their respective representatives in the Legislature the 
 justness of our position and secure their support of the propo- 
 sition in the interest of the people ; and that our legislative 
 committee draft a bill in accordance with this resolution and 
 look after it at the next regular session of the Legislature." 
 
 The following officers were elected : 
 
 President Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News; 
 
 Vice President D. R. Harris, Rusk County News; 
 
 Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; 
 
 Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; 
 
 Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald; 
 
 Attorney C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point; 
 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress (Life); 
 
 Historian F. B. Baillio, Western Newspaper Union (Life); 
 
 Essayist Richard Hudson, Farmersville Times; 
 
 Orator C. B. Gillespie, Houston Chronicle; 
 
 Poet Clarence Ousley, Fort Worth Record. 
 
 Executive Committee: At Large E. M. Chrestman, E. C. Hun- 
 
 290 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 ter, John F. Luibben, J. C. Thomas; Districts, one to sixteen H. A. 
 Gibbs, R. O. Gresham, H. V. Hamilton, Will A. Holford, A. N. 
 Justiss, Bruce W. McCarty, Harvey Miller, H. P. Nelson, J. E. H. 
 Railey, Shaw D. Ray, Lee J. Rotmtree, W. A. Smith, Ben F. Smith, 
 W. L. Turner, G. E. Watford, Homer D. Wade. 
 
 The following committees were appointed : 
 
 Printing John E. Cooke, R. J. Edwards, O. P. Gresham, 
 Sam P. Harben ; 
 
 Legislative Jos. O. Boehmer, A. S. Crisp, C. E. Gilmore, 
 J. M. Kennedy, Lloyd P. Lockridge, Will H. Mayes, O. H. 
 Poole, C. W. Taylor; 
 
 Programme F. B. Baillio, W. A. Bowen, E. P. Haney, 
 W. S. Spotts, G. B. Whitley, Walter B. Whitman, C. W. 
 Wilson ; 
 
 Delegates to the National Editorial Association G. H. 
 Boynton, R. F. Gates, J. H. Cullom, J. S. Daley, Monroe Drew, 
 Levi A. Dunlap, Henry Edwards, Frank Ezzell, Harry Gal- 
 braith, F. M. Getzendaner, Ernst Goeth, O. C. Harrison, D. R. 
 Harris, L. E. Haskett, Harry Koch, J. L. McCaleb, G. W. 
 McKnight, Mrs. Grace Mitchell, Miss M. E. Neal, T. W. 
 Perkins, R. R. Phillips, J. L. Pope, E. L. Ramsey, H. F. 
 Schwenker, Wilford B. Smith, H. B. Terrell, R. M. Thompson, 
 W. H. Whitley, A. A. Wortham ; 
 
 Committeeman National Editorial Association Lee J. 
 Rountree. 
 
 The following committee was appointed to investigate the 
 feasibility of establishing a home for superannuated members: 
 Charles M. Barnes, Frank P. Holland, F. T. Roche. 
 
 Wichita Falls was elected over Corpus Christi as the next 
 place of meeting. 
 
 The secretary submitted the following report: 
 
 TO THE MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION: 
 
 I beg to submit to you the following report of expenses which have been in- 
 curred in handling the affairs of the association during the five years which I have 
 been secretary 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912 and an estimate of the expense for 1913, 
 which will include all items as paid for in the last four years : 
 
 Total expense for 1909 $323.30 
 
 Total expense for 1910 367.27 
 
 Total expense for 1911 451.35 
 
 Total expense for 1912 421.90 
 
 291 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 ESTIMATE Expense for 1913 - 415..00 
 
 Average expense of the association per year, 5 years 39J.OO 
 
 Receipts. 
 
 Receipts from all sources 1909 $319.60 
 
 Receipts from all sources 191U 386.00 
 
 Receipts from all sources 1911 368.90 
 
 Receipts from aJl sources 1912 358.00 
 
 Average income from all sources per year, for four years 358.00 
 
 Or $33.00 per year less than the expense of the association. The greater portion 
 of this deficit has been for the last two years when the new members have been 
 failing to pay their annual dues. To show you how the members respect their 
 dues, I read you the result of last year's drafts : 
 
 "Made draft on 161 members, following the Temple meeting, for a total of 
 $251 due by them, I received payments to the amount of $88.00 from 84 members, 
 showing that 77 refused to pay their dues or honor draft of this association. The 
 collection of this $88 cost the association $10.50 or 12% for collecting." 
 
 I estimate that this year's receipts will amount to $460 which would give us 
 a balance over expense for this year (also estimated) of $45.00. This is caused 
 from the fact that we are adding more than an average number of new members, 
 almost, if not doubling, either of the past two years. 
 
 Take the association on a basis of 300 members, all paying their dues regu- 
 larly ? with an average expense of $391 we would have a deficit of $91 each year, 
 provided we received no new members. Take the same expense, same number 
 of paying members at $1.50 per year would bring in $450 against an expense of 
 $391 or $59 for an emergency each year. 
 
 I have written to twenty-five state association secretaries, received information 
 from nineteen. These nineteen give me the amount of their dues ; we find out of 
 this number seventeen state associations are charging $1.50 and $2 per year dues, 
 two are charging $1, which are Arkansas and Florida, neither of which issues com- 
 plete minutes, nor prints the papers which are read before the association. 
 
 The secretary has worked with the members, tried by personal letters in more 
 than fifty instances, to get those who are far in arrears to pay up, sent out 
 drafts, written more than 400 letters this year; this, besides the 850 sent out to the 
 press in general, and in every other manner endeavored to keep the finances in the 
 clear. As long as the new members keep to an average of 30 each session, and 
 the older ones pay up with any regularity, we can run on $1 per member, other- 
 wise, either raise the dues or cut the papers out of the mirrutes, is the only sug- 
 gestion your secretary can make. 
 
 Respectfully submitted to San Antonio meeting, May 15-17, 1913. 
 
 SAM P. HARBEN, Secretary. 
 
 The following members responded to roll call: 
 
 J. R. Ransone, Jr., Cleburne Enterprise; Sam C. Holloway, Deport Times; 
 
 A. H. Luker, Grapeland Messenger ; R. W. Barry, Beeville Bee ; S. D. Chestnutt, 
 Kenedy Advance ; S. M. Fore, Jr., Floresville Chronicle- Journal ; R. M. Curtis, Jr., 
 Falfurrias Facts; R. M. Hudson, Irving Index; Richard E. Zeiske, Bellville Times; 
 H. F. Schwenker, Brady Standard; Zenos Deer, Bishop News; Ed Howard, Wich- 
 ita Falls Times; Paul Baker, Albany News; R. H. Roberts, Jr., Rosenberg Herald; 
 Albert Ernst, Victoria Deutsche-Zeitung; Henry Miller, Brenham Volksblatt; O. 
 C. Harrison, Seymour Banner; D. O. Bell, Columbus Colorado Citizen; R. A. 
 Yantis, Athens Review; T. G. Locke, Fowlerton Reporter; R. K. Phillips, Weather- 
 ford Democrat; W. C. Easterling, Alpine Guide; W. Straley, Hico News- Review; 
 R. L. Fox, Moody Courier; John W. Stayton, Corpus Christi Caller; Richard 
 Hudson, Farmersville Times ; J. L. Spencer, Mart Herald ; Charles Mrazek, Gar- 
 wood Express ; F. C. Thompson, McKinriey Examiner ; G. A. NcNaughton, San 
 Marcos, Times-Leader ; S. H. Walthall, Orange Leader; Chas. W. Pyle, Belton Jour- 
 nal-Reporter, Roy Woodward, Pearsall Reporter ; O. H. Roberts, Aransas Pass Prog- 
 ress ; S. H. Bridges, Luling Signal ; W. E. Cage, Pharr Clarion ; R. C. Mecklin, 
 Kingsville Record; W. C. Vogel, Feld & Flur ; M. E. Wallace, Bryan Eagle; 
 Homer D. Wade, Stamford News-Tribune ; W. C. Edwards, Denton Record-Chroni- 
 cle ; H. N. Fitzgerald, Fort Worth Record ; B. F. Harigel, LaGrange Journal ; Geo. 
 
 B. Kirwan, Riviera Journal ; J. E. H. Railey, Weatherford Herald ; Levi A. Dunlap, 
 
 292 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Meridian Tribune; Tom W. Perkins, McKinney Courier-Gazette; A. B. O'Flaherty, 
 Corpus Christi Democrat ; M. G. Thomas, Anson Enterprise ; J. A. Proske, Gid- 
 dings Volksblatt ; H. B. Terrell, West News ; A. W. Davis, Freeport Facts ; J. S. 
 Daly, Dublin Progress; Mrs. Grace I. Mitchell, Robstown Reporter; A. C. Bald- 
 win, Austin Tribune; Monroe Drew, Kaufman Herald; Geo. C. Staples, San Mar- 
 cos Record ; F. M. Getzendaner, Uvalde Leader-News ; Joseph Emerson Smith, 
 San Antonio Express; T. W. LilHe, Crystal City Chronicle; H. E. Faubion, Marble 
 Falls Messenger; Mrs. C. M. Hughes, Wharton Spectator; L. Seabrook, Port 
 Lavaca Wave; Henry Reese, Gonzales Inquirer; A. N. Justiss, Corsicana Courier- 
 Light ; R. G. Hollingsworth, Coleman Voice ; Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo ; 
 H. T. Timmons, De Leon Free Press ; L. E. Haskett, Childress Index ; C. W. 
 Wilson, Mineral Wells Index; R. M. Thompson, Goldthwaite Eagle; W. S. Spotts, 
 Bonham Favorite; W. S. Smith, San Saba News; F. B. Baillio, Cleburne; John E. 
 Cooke, Rockdale Reporter ; W. T. Eichholz, Cuero Rundschau ; C. B. Gillespie, 
 Houston Chronicle; C. W. Geers, Fort Worth S. W. Magazine; G. B. Whitley, 
 Italy News-Herald ; C. W. Gordon, San Antonio ; Miss Margie E. Neal, Carthage ; 
 W. A. Johnson, Memphis Hall County Herald; C. W. Taylor, Rogers News; 
 J C. Thomas, Childress Post; Edgar P. Haney, Wichita Falls Searchlight; E. S. 
 Ramsey, Thorndale Thorn; J. O. Smith, Elgin Courier; R. O. Gresham, Temple 
 Mirror; Walter B. Whitman, Holland's, Dallas; Mrs. Walter B. Whitman, Hol- 
 land's, Dallas ; Harold Baldwin, Sabinal Sentinel ; W. J. Edgecombe, San Antonio 
 S. W. Independent; W. L. Dubose, Devine News; Harry Koch, Quanah Tribune- 
 Chief; A. D. Jackson, Crystal City; N. P. Houx, Mexia Herald; E. Goethe, 
 Weimar Mercury ; Hervey F. Mayes, Brownwood Bulletin ; Will H. M&yes, Brown- 
 wood Bulletin ; John R. Lunsfordi, San Antonio Express ; A. M. Kennedy, Marlin 
 Democrat ; O. P. Gresham, Temple Pythian Banner-Knight ; Henry Edwards, Troup 
 Banner ; W. H. W/hitley, McGregor Mirror ; Harry Johnston, Houston Post ; A. 
 W. Sledge, Ballinger Banner; G. H. Boynton, Hamilton Herald; G. W. Faulkner, 
 Santa Anna News; J. A. Thomas, Mineola Monitor; J. H. Wurtz, San Antonio 
 Light; W. A. Harris, Woodman Journal, Dallas; H. P. Nelson, Greenville Ban- 
 ner; A. S. Crisp, Cuero Star; Frank P. Holland, Dallas Farm & Ranch; W. A. 
 Bowen, Arlington Journal ; H. E. Ellis, Houston Post ; J. M. Cunningham, Kenedy 
 Advance; B. F. Smith, Lockney Beacon; Joe J. Taylor, Dallas News; C. F. Leh- 
 mann, (Treasurer), San Antonio; R. F. Cates, Bartlett Tribune; J. S. McCaleb, 
 Carrizo Springs Javelin; S. C. Findley, Comanche Chief- Exponent ; M. W. Florer, 
 Jr., Dallas News; Ross Simpson, Grand Prairie Texan; P. O. Willson, Taylor 
 Texan; Frank M. White, Waco; J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal; James 
 Howerton, Hallettsville Herald; H. A. Gibbs, Harlingen Star; J. S. Perry, Temple 
 Telegram ; R. A. Gates, Centerville Record ; J. E. Vernon, Lampasas Leader ; F. T. 
 Roche, Georgetown Sun ; O. H Poole, Cleburne Review ; G. W. Baker, Dallas 
 Auto Journal ; Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial ; Robert E. Conner, Lex- 
 ington Enterprise; W. L. Turner, Madisonville Meteor; C. M. Barnes, San An- 
 tonio Express ; E. C. Hunter, Sherman Democrat. 
 
Thirty-fifth Annual Convention 1914 
 
 '""T'HE thirty-fifth annual meeting of the Association convened 
 1 in Wichita Falls, Thursday, June 18, holding its sessions 
 in the Wichita Opera House and being called to order by Pres- 
 ident J. J. Taylor. Rev. McKee of the First Presbyterian 
 Church offered prayer. Mayor A. H. Britain in extending the 
 city's welcome to the Association spoke feelingly of his duties 
 as host to the body. On behalf of the local press, Edgar P. 
 Haney reaffirmed the welcome extended by the Mayor. Editor 
 J. H. Lowry of The Honey Grove Signal responded to these 
 addresses. 
 
 The following committees were named : 
 
 Committee on Finance G. B. Whitley, Progress, Jack- 
 sonville, chairman ; O. P. Gresham, Pythian Banner-Knight, 
 Temple; N. P. Houx, Evening Herald, Mexia; Sam Braswell, 
 Express, Venus ; H. A. Gibbs, Star, Harlingen. 
 
 Committee on Constitution and By-Laws W. A. John- 
 son, Hall County Herald, Memphis, chairman ; R. V. Reavis, 
 Register, Malone; Henry Edwards, Banner, Troup ; H. B. 
 Terrell, News, West ; Will A. Harris, Woodman Journal, 
 Dallas. 
 
 Committee on Memorial R. E. Yantis, Review, Athens, 
 chairman ; Orion Proctor, Bridgeport ; A. H. Luker, Messen- 
 ger, Grapeland ; F. C. Thompson, Examiner, McKinney ; W. 
 S. Spotts, Favorite, Bonham. 
 
 Committee on Resolutions Will H. Mayes, Brownwood 
 Bulletin, chairman ; Wm. A. Bowen, Journal, Arlington ; Harve 
 P. Nelson, Banner, Greenville; J. A. Thomas, Monitor, Min- 
 eola; M. E. Wallace, Eagle, Bryan. 
 
 Committee on Membership F. B. Baillio, Cleburne, 
 chairman ; J. H. Lowry, Signal, Honey Grove ; C. W. Wilson, 
 Index, Mineral Wells ; J. E. H. Railey, Herald, Weatherford. 
 
 294 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Committee on Revision of the Roll Lee J. Rountree, 
 Commercial, Georgetown, chairman ; W. C. Edwards, Record 
 and Chronicle, Denton ; J. M. Adams, News, Plainview ; John 
 E. Cooke, Reporter, Rockdale ; H. F. Schwenker, Standard, 
 Brady. 
 
 President Taylor's address to the Association was given, 
 in keeping with the usual custom, into the hands of a commit- 
 tee for recommendations. This committee consisted of J. H. 
 Lowry, F. B. Baillio and W. H. Whitley who reported full ap- 
 proval of the President's address. 
 
 The Genesis of This Volume. 
 
 (As shown on page 19 of the Minutes of the 33rd annual 
 session of the Association held at Temple in 1912, Lieutenant- 
 Governor Will H. Mayes made a motion which carried unani- 
 mously providing that the office of "Texas Press Historian" 
 be created and that Col. F. B. Baillio of Cleburne be made 
 permanent chairman of this office with power delegated to 
 select three assistants. Page 21 of that year's Minutes shows 
 that Col. Baillio accepted the office and publicly called upon 
 the members present to send him any and all data that they 
 might have or would be able to secure bearing on the history 
 and early organization of the Texas Press Association. He 
 requested specially that the members send him any parts of 
 biographies of the "Old Guard" who first blazed the way for 
 the present day prosperous organization. He appointed as 
 the three assistants provided by the motion C. W. Geers 
 of Fort Worth, Col. B. C. Murray of Denison and Col. A. R. 
 McCollum of Waco. At the 35th annual meeting of the Asso- 
 ciation two years after the author accepted the office of 
 Historian he made the report following, which is taken from 
 the Minutes of the Wichita Falls meeting; and while the report 
 in a number of respects paraphrases the Author's introduction 
 to this volume, the Editor, nevertheless, deems it well to insert 
 rhe report and the recommendations concerning it to show the 
 
 295 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 fidelity of the author and his purposes on the one hand and the 
 measure of gratitude felt by the Association on the other). 
 
 Special Report Historian. 
 
 To the President and Members of the Texas Press Association : 
 
 At the annual convention of the Association held in Tem- 
 ple, in May, 1912, I was elected historian, with the understand- 
 ing, on my part at least, that I was to undertake to write a 
 history of this organization. I have compiled a work which I 
 hope will meet your approbation if not your expectation, and 
 now beg to present it to you with this report. Never having 
 seen, or even heard of a history of a press association, I had 
 no "blazed trail" to travel and so had to work out a way of my 
 own. I have done my best ; and yet I must confess that I am 
 not altogether pleased with what I have accomplished. Still 
 it may serve the purpose of furnishing somewhat of the matter 
 a future and abler historian may need in compiling a better and 
 more complete history of this Association. 
 
 The book covers something more than four hundred pages 
 of manuscript, and is divided into four sections. 
 
 The first section is composed of eleven chapters, besides 
 the introduction. The introduction is something more than an 
 introduction, since it treats of matters that might have been 
 better segregated into a chapter. 
 
 The first chapter tells of the efforts made to organize a 
 State Press Association in 1853 ; and of the organizations of 
 1869 and 1873, and of the organization of the present Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 The second chapter deals with the efforts made to secure 
 the publication of legal notices; a subject which has been 
 before the Association at every annual convention since its 
 organization in 1880 
 
 The third chapter is a recital of the efforts made to secure 
 the enactment of the law of civil libel. Much space is devoted 
 to that, because it is beyond controversy the most important 
 
 296 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 legislation ever enacted in Texas wherein the press was and is 
 peculiarly interested. 
 
 The fourth chapter deals with the anti-pass law, and the 
 efforts made to secure its repeal or modification. 
 
 The fifth chapter tells of the beginning of printing in 
 Texas, in 1819. 
 
 The sixth chapter compares the printing plants of pioneer 
 days with the plants of today; and attempts to show the im- 
 provements made in printing machinery since even the days of 
 Benjamin Franklin. 
 
 The seventh chapter deals with the growth and develop- 
 ment of printing in Texas since the beginning in 1819. 
 
 The eighth chapter is devoted to our fraternal dead 
 "Lest we forget." 
 
 The ninth chapter is about print paper, and the advance 
 made in that line. 
 
 The tenth and eleventh chapters are not perhaps germane 
 to history, but exercising an author's privilege I tell of the 
 duties of an editor, in part, as I see it ; and the value of news- 
 paper files and the importance of their preservation. 
 
 Part second is given over to the proceedings of the Asso- 
 ciation, from its organization up to, and including, the annual 
 convention held in San Antonio in 1913, showing where and 
 when the convention was held, who presided, who responded 
 to roll call, and the papers represented, who were elected to 
 membership, and the papers represented, the committees ap- 
 pointed, the legislation attempted and perfected, papers read, 
 etc. 
 
 Part three is composed of biographical sketches of the mem- 
 bers. In this connection your historian begs to complain that 
 out of about four hundred self-addressed and postage-prepaid 
 postal cards sent out by the secretary to the members asking 
 for biographical sketches, not more than one hundred and fifty 
 have so far been returned. Was it because of modesty or of 
 indifference? Some names will be left out of the book, and 
 
 297 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 all for want of the data asked for and which could have been 
 easily given. It is not too late yet if the tardy ones will get 
 busy. 
 
 Part four is a reproduction of the history of the early 
 newspapers of Texas from 1819 to 1884, by Judge A. B. Nor- 
 ton, which is a most interesting and valuable work within 
 itself. 
 
 I desire to return grateful acknowledgements and thanks 
 to the members of the Association who so kindly donated the 
 Corona typewriter, which has greatly facilitated the work and 
 enabled me to complete it in time to present it to you at this 
 annual convention. Without it, I do not see how I could have 
 accomplished what I have within the time. 
 
 I desire to return thanks to Mr. A. D. Hodge, of the West- 
 Cullom Paper Company of Dallas, for his kindness in donating 
 the paper on which the manuscript of this book was written. 
 I am sure the Association, as a whole, will join me in that. 
 
 The book, which has been a labor of love, and that without 
 the expectation or desire of fee or reward, pecuniary or other- 
 wise, is presented to you with the hope that it will meet with, 
 at the least, a qualified approval. The Association, each and 
 every member of which I count as a dear friend, has paid me 
 many times over in kindnesses and honors conferred upon me, 
 and I will feel amply repaid for the work I have done if only it 
 pleases you. I only request if from any cause you see fit not 
 to print the book that you will kindly return the manuscript 
 to me. 
 
 With a feeling of deepest gratitude for all the Association 
 has done for me, I beg to be remembered always as the true 
 and faithful friend of each and all of you. 
 
 F. B. BAILLIO. 
 
 Upon motion of C. F. Lehmann, which was duly carried, 
 the chair appointed D. R. Harris of Henderson, Henry Ed- 
 wards of Troup and Will H. Mayes of Austin, to take charge 
 
 298 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 of the manuscript and report of the Historian and make recom- 
 mendations to the Association respecting disposal of the same. 
 This committee made the subjoined recommendations and also 
 introduced the resolutions of thanks to the author which fol- 
 lows thereafter. Both the recommendations and the resolu- 
 tions were unanimously adopted by the Association. 
 
 Report of Committee on Disposition of Historical 
 Manuscript. 
 
 To Hon. J. J. Taylor, President Texas Press Association : 
 
 We, your committee to whom was referred the matter of 
 recommendations respecting the HISTORY OF THE TEXAS 
 PRESS ASSOCIATION as written and compiled by Col. 
 F. B. Baillio in compliance with a commission from this Asso- 
 ciation given to him at its 33rd annual session held in Temple, 
 beg leave to report as follows : 
 
 1. We recommend that this history, which, while it pur- 
 sues a hitherto untrodden path in the annals of the craft, is a 
 classic covering a wide scope and touching many points vital 
 and interesting in the ethics and history of journalism in 
 Texas, be published. 
 
 2. We recommend that C. F. Lehmann, Sam P. Harben 
 and Will A. Holford be appointed a committee on publication 
 with full power to contract for the issue of an edition of 300 
 to 500 copies as may seem best in their judgment. 
 
 3. We recommend that this committee on publication, 
 after ascertaining the cost per volume of this edition in sub- 
 stantial binding, prepare a brief circular describing the scope 
 of the history and naming the price at which the volume can 
 be supplied to purchasers, such price to be based on the actual 
 cost of production ; and that this committee mail this circular 
 to all members of the Association and other newspaper pub- 
 lishers in the State together with a letter asking that each 
 member or publisher purchase at least one volume. 
 
 4. We recommend that a steel engraving of the author 
 
 299 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 be the frontispiece of the volume; and that such biographical 
 sketch of the author as may appear in the volume be placed on 
 the page opposite the frontispiece. 
 
 5. We recommend that the sum of $100.00 be appropri- 
 ated from the Treasury of the Association for the purpose of 
 supplying copies of this volume to the libraries of the State 
 institutions of learning and to the leading public libraries of 
 the State. 
 
 Resolutions Thanking the Author. 
 
 Whereas, Col. F. B. Baillio has for more than a generation 
 evidenced his fidelity and love for the newspaper fraternity 
 of Texas, and particularly for the Texas Press Association, 
 first by never having missed a session thereof, and in a thou- 
 sand nameless other ways, from the "God bless you" and the 
 hearty handshake for the young, obscure or timid member, to 
 the sacrifice of his means and time for the promotion of the 
 every interest of the Association ; and, 
 
 Whereas, in the evening of his life, he has added a crown- 
 ing service in the production of a history of the Association 
 that is original and a classic covering a field of research and 
 requiring an effort that one less faithful, less loving and less 
 sincere, would have shrunk from ; therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That this Association here express its sincere 
 and grateful thanks to him for his unvarying and inspiring 
 devotion to its interests and for the great labor of love which 
 has found its best expression in the history which he was 
 commissioned to write. And further that the members of 
 this Association ever remember him and his dear ones when 
 offering their petitions to our God. 
 
 The following were elected to membership : 
 
 Joe M. Moore, Lone Oak News; John R. Mays, Corsicana Courier- Light ; 
 C. W. Warwick, Randall County News, Canyon ; J. Frank Smith, McKinney Ex- 
 aminer ; John Gould, Wichita Falls Daily Times; T. R. Poole, Greenville Herald; 
 Tom C. Gooch, Dallas Times-Herald; S. E. Miller, Mineral Wells Hustler; Joe 
 M. Warren, Clarendon News ; Jack H. Estes, Texas & Pacific Magazine, Dallas ; 
 C. H. Abbott, Southwestern Telephone News, Dallas; R. Shuffler, Olney Enter- 
 
 300 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 prise ; W. W. Thornton, Texarkana Daily Texarkanian ; Sefch Gunter, Lindale Re- 
 porter ; W. W. L,everett, Gainesville Signal; Claud Councill, Alvord News; E. A. 
 Carlock, Paducah Post; J. W. Gay, Crawford Advance; G. G. Dunkerly, Ennis 
 Daily News ; D. S. Harrison, San Augustine Tribune ; A. W. Perkins, Dallas 
 Home & State; James Calvert, Wichita Falls Times; J. F. Kempton, Jr., Dallas 
 Farm & Ranch; Claude Callan, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram; Frank W. Thomason, 
 Petrolia Enterprise ; John Grundy, Byers Herald ; Oscar Martin, Haskell Free 
 Press; E. G. Atlee, Dallas County Record, Dallas; Fred L. Haskell, Childress 
 Index; B. T. Shepherd, Memphis Democrat; Tom Finty, Jr., Dallas Evening 
 Journal; H. W. Blakeslee, Associated Press, Dallas; Frank P. Holland, Jr., Hol- 
 land's Magazine, Dallas ; Sam A. Roberts, Burkburnett Star ; Mrs. Lraura V. 
 Hamner, Claude News ; Keating Ransone, Cleburne Enterprise. 
 
 The Association adopted the following resolutions which 
 were reported regularly to the body by the committee on reso- 
 lutions, Will H. Mayes, chairman : A resolution by W. C. 
 Edwards commending the General Managers of Texas rail- 
 roads for their attitude in using the press of the State to ac- 
 quaint the public with the relationship which exists between 
 railroads and the public ; a resolution by Mayes and Baillio for- 
 bidding to any member the right to vote by proxy ( See report 
 of Committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitting Section 
 22 to by-laws) ; a resolution by Wm. A. Bowen endorsing the 
 participation by the State of Texas in the Panama-Pacific Ex- 
 position to be held in San Francisco in 1915; a resolution by 
 Will H. Mayes endorsing the National Editorial As- 
 sociation in its efforts to have Congress forbid the printing 
 and sale by the Government of envelopes in competition with 
 private printers, and urging the membership of the Association 
 to take the matter up by letter and editorial with their respec- 
 tive Congressmen ; a resolution by W. E. Wallace favoring the 
 amendment of the State Printing Laws, making compulsory 
 the publication of notices pertaining to sales made under law 
 to enforce collection of debts, and requiring the President of 
 the Association to appoint a committee of three to draft a law 
 seeking to correct the matters complained of and go to Austin 
 to make an effort to secure its passage ; a resolution by Wm. 
 A. Bowen and C. F. Lehmann instructing the Secretary of the 
 Association to request in the name of the Association all Texas 
 Congressmen and Senators to support a bill then pending in 
 
 301 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Congress to amend the Interstate Commerce Act so that news- 
 papers would be permitted to exchange advertising space for 
 interstate transportation ; a resolution by J. A. Thomas assur- 
 ing to Mr. James Buchanan, who had recently retired from the 
 managership of the American Typefounders Company of Dal- 
 las the Association's sincere esteem and best wishes for his 
 happiness and prosperity, wherever he might go or whatever 
 business he might engage in; a resolution by D. R. Harris 
 commending the work of the Texas Industrial Congress, 
 pledging the support of the Association to the Congress, ex- 
 pressing sorrow at the death of the President of the Congress, 
 Col. Henry Exall, Texas' foremost agriculturist, and commend- 
 ing the Exall Farm Book as a plain, practical book on better 
 farming and of much benefit to Texas farmers. 
 
 The Association also adopted a resolution by the Resolu- 
 tion Committee expressing the sincerest gratitude to the 
 unrivaled citizenship of Wichita Falls for the courtesies of 
 unusual hospitality and cordiality. This resolution contained 
 among many other beautiful sentiments the fo'lDwing beauti- 
 ful lines : 
 
 "There are words we can not utter, 
 
 There are thoughts too sweet for words 
 Though our voices in our partings 
 Were as musical as birds'." 
 
 Other resolutions and motions were introduced from the 
 floor and passed, their subject matter being mainly to extend 
 sympathies to members detained by sorrows and bereavements 
 or to commend the work of certain committees. One motion 
 of special import, made by W. C. Edwards, and passed, pro- 
 vided that the papers of absent members of an annual program 
 should not be read from the floor but only printed in the 
 minutes. 
 
 The Association, in adopting the report of the Committee 
 on Constitution and By-Laws, made Article 5 of the constitu- 
 tion to read as follows and added to the by-laws "Section 22" 
 below : 
 
 302 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Article 5. The officers of this Association shall be one 
 president, one vice-president, an attorney, one secretary, one 
 assistant secretary, one treasurer, and an executive committee 
 (to be composed of one member from each congressional dis- 
 trict) and of which the president shall be ex-officio chairman, 
 and the secretary shall be ex-officio member. These shall be 
 elected annually by the association except the executive com- 
 mittee, which shall be appointed by the president, and the 
 assistant secretary, who shall be appointed by the secretary. 
 There shall be also one permanent flag custodian and one per- 
 manent historian, which officers shall be elected by the associa- 
 tion as vacancies occur. There shall also be chosen, at each 
 annual meeting, an orator, an essayist, and a poet, whose 
 duties shall be to deliver at the next annual meeting thereafter, 
 respectively, an oration, an essay and a poem. 
 
 Section 22 (By-Laws). All votes cast by the members of 
 this Association upon any question up for consideration at 
 any annual session shall be cast by each member, not by proxy 
 or substitution, but in person ; provided that the secretary may 
 cast the vote of the association when by vote of the Associa- 
 tion he is empowered so to do. 
 
 The Finance Committee's report was adopted approving 
 the reports of the secretary and treasurer and instructing the 
 secretary to draw on each member of the Association whose 
 dues are delinquent. The secretary's salary was fixed at $75.00, 
 as for previous years. The secretary's report showed total 
 collection of $566.00 since his former report ; the treasurer's 
 report showed a balance on hand, as of May 31, 1914, of 
 $104.17. The report of the finance committee having in charge 
 the entertainment of the National Editorial Association which 
 had visited Texas that year, showed a balance on hand of the 
 entertainment fund (raised by voluntary subscriptions of the 
 members of the Texas Press Association) of $101.00. This 
 sum was turned into the treasury of the Texas Press Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 303 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Officers for 1914-15: 
 
 President D. R. Harris, Rusk County News; 
 Vice President Walter B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine, Dallas; 
 Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; 
 Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; 
 Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, Hallettsville Herald, (Houston); 
 General Attorney C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point, Life Member; 
 Essayist Mrs. Laura Hamner, Claude News; 
 Orator Lee J. Rountree, Georgetown Commercial; 
 Poet J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal; 
 Historian F. B. Baillio, Cleburne; 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress. 
 Executive Committeeman N. E. A. Tom W. Perkins. 
 Executive Committee, State-at- Large Henry Edwards, 
 Jno. W. Stayton, E. P. Haney, Judd Mortimer Lewis. 
 
 Executive Committee, Congressional Districts R. B. 
 Lockhart, D. S. Harrison, R. H. Richardson, J. D. Moyer, 
 Frank Ezzell, A. N. Justiss, A. H. Luker, R. F. Gates, L. 
 Seabrook, C. A. McNaughton, W. H. Whitley, O. H. Pooie, 
 Harry Koch, H. F. Mayes, F. M. Getzendaner, S. E. Miller. 
 Printing Committee Sam P. Harben, R. O. Gresham, R. 
 F. Gates, C. F. Lehmann. 
 
 Legislative Committee J. A. Thomas, W. C. Edwards, 
 C. E. Gilmore, Lloyd P. Lochridge, C. B. Gillespie, W. S. 
 Spotts, Wm. A. Bowen, Ed F. Blackshear. 
 
 Committee to Investigate Feasibility of Establishing 
 Home for Superannuated Members Chas. M. Barnes, Frank 
 P. Holland, F. T. Roche. - 
 
 Program Committee F. B. Baillio, Walter B. Whitman, 
 Will A. Holford, J. R. Ransone, Jr., E. C. Hunter, R. E. Yantis, 
 Thomas H. Napier. 
 
 Delegates to N. E. A. Miss M. E. Neal, Carthage; A. C. 
 Baldwin, Austin ; C. M. Barnes, San Antonio ; Will H. Mayes, 
 Brownwood; Frank P. Holland, Dallas; N. P. Houx, Mexia ; 
 Joe J. Taylor, Dallas ; J. S. Daley, Dublin ; J. H. Lowry, Honey 
 Grove; H. B. Terrell, West; G. B. Whitley, Jacksonville; Fred 
 
 304 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 B. Robinson, Waco; R. E. Yantis, Athens; W. A. Johnson, 
 Memphis; W. A. Adair, Marshall; A. R. McCollum, Waco; 
 R. M. Johnston, Houston; H. A. Gibbs, Harlingen; Monroe 
 Drew, Kaufman; John E. Davis, Mesquite; F. C. Thompson, 
 McKinney ; Ashley Evans, Bohham ; M. E. Foster, Houston ; 
 H. V. Hamilton, Palestine ; C. F. Lehmann, Houston ; L. J. 
 Rountree, Georgetown. 
 
 The social features provided by the civic and social organ- 
 izations of Wichita Falls were so numerous and varied that 
 limitations of space forbid their enumeration. Miss La Verne 
 Gates, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Gates, charmed with 
 several of her most choice readings and Mrs. Fred W. Botts of 
 New Orleans thrilled the convention with a solo of rarest qual- 
 ity. Excursions were made to the oil and gas fields of Petrolia 
 and visits made to Lake Wichita and to many of the numerous 
 industrial plants of the entertaining city. 
 
 Corpus Christi was chosen for the 36th annual meeting 
 (1915) by a vote of 45 to Austin's 35 after the withdrawal of 
 Mineral Wells, the only other candidates for the next meeting. 
 A silver tea set was presented to retiring President Taylor, 
 Hon. Lee J. Rountree making the presentation address. 
 
 A brief of the program shows : 
 
 Annual Address President J. J. Taylor 
 
 The Business End of a Country Newspaper. .R. M. Thompson 
 
 Should Mail-Order Advertising be Taken? Orion Proctor 
 
 My Idea of What a Country Newspaper 
 
 Should Be Will A. Holford 
 
 Should the Newspaper and Job Office Be 
 
 Divorced? J. R. Ransone, Jr. 
 
 The Value of Newspaper Files and Their 
 
 Preservation J. E. H. Railley 
 
 Is the Country Publisher Spending too Much 
 
 for Improvements ? B. F. Harigel 
 
 305 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 The Proper Care of Type and Machinery. . . .Will H. Whitley 
 
 School of Journalism Dean Will H. Mayes 
 
 About the Job Office and Job Printing E. L. Stone 
 
 Getting Foreign Advertising Frank P. Holland, Jr. 
 
 The Telephone as an Asset to the Publisher. .J. E. Farnsworth 
 
 Newspaper Problems Wright A. Patterson 
 
 Cleanliness and System in the Newspaper Office. .Ben Hartley 
 
 How to Run a Successful Magazine Walter B. Whitman 
 
 The members attending the thirty-fifth annual convention 
 follow : 
 
 C. H. Abbott, J. M. Adams, E. G. Atlee, F. B. Baillio, H. W. Blakeslee, Ed 
 F. Blackshear, W. A. Bowen, Sam Bras-well, James Calvert, R. F. Gates, Claude 
 Callan, M. Clendenin, John E. Cooke, Cyrus Coleman, Claud Council!, J. S. 
 Daley, R. B. Donnell, Henry Edwards, Jack H. Estes, W. C. Edwards, Frank 
 Ezzell, G. W k Faulkner, S. C, Findley, H. A. Gibbs, C. E. Gilmore, Tom C. 
 Gooch, John Gould, R. O. Gresham, Jas. A. Greer, O. P. Gresham, John Grundy, 
 Mrs. Laura Hamner, E. P. Haney, D. R. Harris, Will A. Harris, Fred L. Haskett, 
 Jr., Frank P. Holland, Jr., Sam C. Holloway, Fred Horton, N. P. Houx, Ed 
 Howard, L. P. Henslee, E. M. Hulbert, W. A. Johnson, J. F. Kempton, Jr., Harry 
 Koch, C. F. Lehmann, F. M. Littlepage, J. H. Lowry, A. H. Luker, Thos. B. 
 Lusk, Oscar Martin, Will H. iuayes, John R. Mays, S. E. Miller, Joe M. Moore, 
 B. C. Murray, Harve P. Nelson, A. W. Perkins, R. K. Phillips, T. R. Poole, 
 J. L,. Pope, Orion Proctor, J. E. H. Railey, J. R. Ransone, Jr., Keating Ransone, 
 R. V. Reavis, Sam A. Roberts, Fred B. Robinson, Lee J. Rountree, H. T. 
 Schwenker, B. T. Shepherd, R. Shuffler, Ross Simpson, A. W. Sledge, J. Frank 
 Smith, W. S. Spotts, John W. Stayton, W. Straley, Joe J. Taylor, H. B. Terrell, 
 J. A. Thomas, J. C. Thomas, W. G. Thomas, Frank W. Thomason, F. C. Thomp- 
 son, Homer D. Wade, M. E. Wallace, C. W. Warwick, Joe M. Warren, W. L. 
 West, C. W. Wilson, W. H. Whitley, G. B. Whitley, Walter B. Whitman, R. E. 
 Yantis, W. W. Simmons. 
 
 306 
 
Thirty-sixth Annual Convention 1915 
 
 THE thirty-sixth annual meeting of the Association con- 
 vened in Loyd's Pavilion in Corpus Christi, Thursday 
 morning, June 10, 1915, President D. R. Harris presiding. Rev. 
 J. W. Sikes of that city invoked God's blessings upon the body. 
 Mayor Roy Miller of the city extended formal welcome in most 
 happy phrase and Dean Will H. Mayes of the School of Jour- 
 nalism of the State University responded thereto. President 
 Harris then delivered his annual address, "a classic of the craft 
 and a masterpiece worthy and true." At this particular time 
 a very tense international situation had arisen because of the 
 sinking of the Lusitania which caused the loss of more than 
 100 American lives; and because the Secretary of State had 
 resigned because of disagreement with President Wilson. The 
 Association, true to its traditions of patriotism unanimously 
 adopted the following resolution introduced by Col. Frank P. 
 Holland, Sr. : 
 
 Resolved, That this Association instruct the secretary to 
 send by telegraph the following message to President Wood- 
 row Wilson : 
 
 "The Texas Press Association, in convention assembled, 
 unreservedly endorses your policy for our country in the 
 present world crisis. And we hope that when the horrible con- 
 flict is ended, guided by your unyielding love of righteous 
 peace, she shall have passed through its frightfulness without 
 so much as the smell of fire on her garments, this nation, as 
 the friend of humanity and the one power that in the midst 
 of insanity remained sane, will be turned to by the world to 
 shape the terms of universal peace and lead in the rehabilita- 
 tion of mankind." 
 
 The following reply to the message wired to President 
 Wilson was received : 
 
 "The Whitehouse, Washington, June n, 1915. My Dear 
 
 307 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Mr. Harben : The President has received your very kind mes- 
 sage of June loth, and has asked me to thank you warmly for 
 it. He desires me to assure you, and through you, the mem- 
 bers of the Texas Press Association of his genuine apprecia- 
 tion of this expression of confidence and support. He is 
 greatly heartened by your generous words. Sincerely yours. 
 -J. P. Tumulty, Secretary to the President." 
 
 The following preamble and resolution proposed by Henry 
 Edwards was, by motion of the body, wired to Col. Baillio, the 
 author and compiler of this volume : 
 
 "The absence of Col. F. B. Baillio from this meeting of 
 the Texas Press Association is noted by every member with a 
 feeling of keenest disappointment, it being the first time he has 
 failed to be present within the memory even of our longest 
 time members. The cheery smile and the soulful handclasp 
 and brotherly greeting by which he has hitherto invariably 
 contributed so materially to the good fellowship of our annual 
 meetings are lacking. We know that his spirit is with us now 
 though his body is claimed at home by infirmities of the flesh ; 
 therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, That our secretary be requested to wire him as 
 follows: 'Every member of the Texas Press Association feels 
 a sorrow inexpressible at your absence ; and our prayers ascend 
 for your speedy restoration to good health. With the most 
 affectionate greetings to you, we keep you ever in our memory. 
 
 'Texas Press Association.' " 
 
 The following committees were named : 
 
 Committee on Finance Will C. Edwards, chairman, 
 Record and Chronicle, Denton ; W. Sherwood Spotts, Fannin 
 County Favorite, Bonham ; Sam C. Holloway, Times, Deport ; 
 John E. Davis, Mesquiter, Mesquite; J. H. Lowry, Signal, 
 Honey Grove. 
 
 Committee on Resolutions John E. Cooke, Reporter, 
 Rockdale, chairman ; A. H. Luker, Messenger, Grapeland ; J. R. 
 Ransone, Jr., Enterprise, Cleburne ; M. E. Wallace, Eagle, 
 Bryan ; C. H. Abbott, Southwestern Telephone News, Dallas. 
 
 308 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Committee on Constitution and By-Laws Henry Ed- 
 wards, Banner, Troup, chairman ; G. H. Boynton, Herald, 
 Hamilton ; J. P. Chambless, Signal, Snyder ; Cyrus Coleman, 
 Independent, Henrietta; W. W. Thornton, Texarkanian, Tex- 
 arkana. 
 
 Committee on Membership Tom B. Lusk, News-Herald, 
 Italy, chairman; R. A. Alford, News, Granger; Ben F. Smith, 
 Beacon, Lockney; Geo. B. Whitley, Progress, Jacksonville; 
 J. E. H. Railley, Herald, Weatherford. 
 
 Committee on Revision of the Roll Lee J. Rountree, 
 Commercial, Georgetown, chairman; C. F. Lehmann, San An- 
 tonio; Sam M. Braswell, Express, Venus; O. P. Gresham, 
 Pythian Banner-Knight, Temple; J. A. Thomas, Monitor, 
 Mineola. 
 
 Memorial Committee (This committee appointed at 
 Wichita Falls for one year) R. E. Yantis, Review, Athens, 
 chairman ; F. C. Thompson, Examiner, McKinney ; Sam P. 
 Harben, Echo, Richardson. 
 
 The President's address was placed in the hands of a 
 committee composed of Lee J. Rountree, G. E. Watford and 
 J. C. Florea, who in due time submitted a report accepting the 
 address and commending the administration of President Har- 
 ris as "wise, business-like, unselfish and worthy of emulation." 
 
 Telegrams and letters of regret appear in the Minutes 
 from more than a score of members who had a notable record 
 for regular attendance at the annual meetings the absence of 
 a majority of whom was due to unusually heavy rains disar- 
 ranging railway traffic in portions of the State. Will C. Ed- 
 wards submitted a list of forty upon whom the Association 
 bestowed the distinction of honorary membership because of 
 their services to the Association, their rank in the councils of 
 state, their attainments in the ranks of business or their 
 achievements as educators and men of affairs. The honorary 
 list is too long for publication here. 
 
 Upon report of the committee on membership the follow- 
 ing were elected to membership in the Association : 
 
 309 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 L. T. Hoyt, Mercedes Tribune; Geo. Waverly Briggs, Galveston News; G. I/. 
 Carnes, Carthage East Texas Register ; R. V. Holland, Holland's, Dallas ; J. H. 
 Davenport, Austin American ; Hal H. Sevier, Austin American ; James C. White, 
 Brownwood Bulletin ; J. P. Simpson, Portland Reporter ; M. M. McFarland, 
 Alpine Avalanche ; Mrs. E. Gertrude Gibbs, La Feria Leader ; Andrew Folsom, 
 Corpus Christi Democrat ; C. T. Tyron, Corpus Christi Democrat ; Webster F. 
 Hays, Mt. Enterprise Herald; George D. Armistead, San Antonio Express; Ed- 
 ward L. Manson, McGregor Mirror; John N. Green, Leonard Graphic; Isadore 
 Moritz, Edinburg Hidalgo Advance; Fred I. Massengill, Terrell Transcript; L. G. 
 Waggoner, Miami Chief; C. L. Phillips, Milfocd News; A. G. Richardson, McLean 
 News; Z. S. Armstrong, Garland News; M. S. Sellers, Brady Sentinel; Fred 
 Wankan, Piano Star-Courier; M. D. Townley, Lampasas Blade; V. M. Loring, 
 Mason County News, Mason ; Robt. L. Baldridge, Clifton Record ; L. F. Wadte, 
 Talpa Post; Chas. R. Devall, Mt. Vernon Optic-Herald; E. E. Allen, Alto 
 Herald; C. C. Cox, Wolfe City Sun; S. W. Adams, Port Lavaca Wave; Georg-e 
 Neu, Brenham Banner; D. N. Barrow, Dallas Progressive Farmer; Grade Callo- 
 way, Comanche Chief- Exponent; L. W. Wilkinson, Rockwall County Tribune; 
 Rockwall; R. T. Craig, Chandler Times; Will W. Price, Brackettville News-Mail; 
 Miss Ida M. Farrell, Glazier Review; W. N. Beard, Ft. Worth Southwest 
 Magazine; F. A. Taylor, Longview Leader; M. C. Wilkes, Llano News; Wyche 
 Greer, El Paso Times; C. M. Nichols, Kimble County Citizen, Junction; J. Claude 
 Wells, Hedley Informer; D. B. Coates, Kilgore Chronicle; T. A. Buckner, Kerr- 
 ville Advance ; Ben Ford, Cherokee Sun, Rusk ; A. H. Willbern, Llano Search- 
 light; P. N. Thomas, Wood County Democrat, Quitman; Fred M. Herndon, Win- 
 dom Herald ; Miss Clara Linton, Hamilton Record ; C. M. Evans, Bryan Eagle ; 
 Clint Thompson, McKinney Examiner. 
 
 O. C. Harrison who, at the thirty-fourth annual conven- 
 tion, had shown to the body the wide variations and irrecon- 
 cilable differences in prices of job work, as charged by the 
 printers of the State ; and who had then been appointed to 
 compile data and make recommendations at the next meeting 
 looking to the establishment of more nearly uniform prices, 
 had been detained from attending the next (35th) annual 
 meeting. True to the task committed to him, he appeared at 
 this meeting with his report, submitted a form of job-envelope 
 and asked that a committee be appointed to co-operate with 
 him in getting the system which this envelope implied before 
 the Association. H. H. Orem, Tom B. Lusk and E. L. Manson 
 were appointed to assist Mr. Harrison. 
 
 The following resolution, a deserved "flower for the liv- 
 ing," signed by C. F. Lehmann, W. C. Edwards and G. B. 
 Whitley, was passed without reference to the Committee on 
 Resolutions : 
 
 310 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 "Whereas, our untiring secretary, the Hon. Sam P. Har- 
 ben, has, during all the years of his incumbency, shown an 
 unparalleled fidelity and efficiency in the discharge of his 
 duties ; and, whereas, for the present year in particular, he has 
 made unusual sacrifices in his personal affairs through which 
 the entire membership of the Association find themselves direct 
 beneficiaries in a large and material manner, and through 
 which the Association finds itself increased in new member- 
 ship beyond the record of growth for any previous year; 
 therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That this Association, by unanimous vote, 
 express its most sincere thanks to our beloved secretary and 
 commend to the individual members, for their emulation, his 
 faithful service, untiring fidelity and unflagging zeal." 
 
 Later during the convention, the Minutes show, D. C. 
 McCaleb gained recognition "under the plea of personal privi- 
 lege," and presented to Secretary Harben a beautiful silver 
 service, the gift of the individual members of the Association 
 in further attestation of his eminent services. 
 
 The following resolutions formulated by the committee 
 on resolutions, or approved by them, were adopted : A series 
 of resolutions thanking the people, Rotary Club and other 
 organizations of "Corpus Christi by the Sea" for the hospitality 
 and entertainment extended ; a resolution thanking W. G. 
 Crush, Geo. F. Lupton and E. F. Blomeyer, all distinguished 
 railroad general passenger agents ; a resolution thanking Hon. 
 Earl W. Hodges, Secretary of State for Arkansas and Secre- 
 tary of the Press Association of that commonwealth, for his 
 proffered services to assist in campaign in Texas to require by 
 law the publication of legal notices ; a resolution by Rountree, 
 Whitman and Gaston approving the rural school bill and com- 
 mending the legislature for its passage ; a resolution by Con- 
 gressman Sumners favoring legislation favorable to a better 
 system of marketing; a resolution by W. J. Buie commending 
 ihe School of Journalism of the State University; a resolution 
 
 311 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 by Blackwell favoring the right of contract as now applied to 
 interstate transportation, which right is denied by the Inter- 
 state Commerce Commission. 
 
 From the floor Will A. Harris introduced a resolution 
 endorsing Hon. Lee J. Rountree for the presidency of the 
 National Editorial Association. This was adopted unanimous- 
 ly by the body as was also a resolution by Lehmann making 
 the Hon. Earl W. Hodges, Secretary of the Arkansas Press 
 Association, an honorary member and inviting him to accept a 
 place on the program of the next annual convention. 
 
 The report of the Committee on Constitution and By-Laws 
 was adopted by the body and thus again our "old friend so 
 often in the limelight," Article 5 of the constitution, was 
 changed. This article whose evolution through the series of 
 years covered by this history is indeed remarkable, whatever 
 may be its changes in the future, now stands as follows : 
 
 Article 5. The officers of this association shall be one 
 president, one vice-president, an attorney, one secretary, one 
 assistant secretary, one treasurer, these to be elected annually, 
 and an executive committee, to be composed of six (6) mem- 
 bers, of which the president shall be ex-officio chairman, and 
 the secretary shall be ex-officio member. These shall be elect- 
 ed for a term of three years ; two (2) being elected by the Asso- 
 ciation each year, provided that the first year two shall be 
 elected for one year and two for two years only, and one assis- 
 tant secretary shall be appointed by the secretary. There 
 shall be also one permanent flag custodian and one permanent 
 historian which officers shall be elected by the Association as 
 vacancies occur. There shall also be chosen at each annual 
 meeting, an orator, an essayist, and a poet, whose duties shall 
 be to deliver at the next annual meeting thereafter, respec- 
 tively, an oration, an essay and a poem." 
 
 From the report of G. H. Boynton, chairman of the Special 
 Legislative Committee appointed by the Association to secure, 
 if possible, the passage of a just and adequate law requir- 
 
 312 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 ing the publication of legal notices, rather than the posting of 
 same, we reproduce the text of the bill which was introduced 
 in the Thirty-Fourth Legislature. This bill was drawn by 
 Judge E. G. Senter, a former member of the Association and 
 its General Attorney for years, a champion of the Association, 
 we may say, to whose talent and zeal we are more largely 
 indebted perhaps than to any other individual for the enact- 
 ment into law of those measures affecting the Association and 
 advocated by it in former years. The measure, though it failed 
 of passage, is as follows : 
 
 A Bill to be Entitled 
 
 An Act to require the publication in some newspaper of 
 general circulation of all notices now required by law or con- 
 tract to >be given of any act or proceeding, whether public or 
 private, or relating to a judicial, executive or legislative matter, 
 which notice is now authorized by law or contract to be made 
 by posting notices in one or more public places, fixing the time 
 of such publication, and the compensation, repealing all laws 
 and parts of laws in conflict herewith and declaring an emer- 
 gency. 
 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE 
 
 STATE OF TEXAS: 
 
 Section i. That whenever by law or contract notice is 
 required to be given of any act or proceeding, whether public 
 or private, or relating to a judicial, executive or legislative 
 matter, which notice is now authorized, either by law or con- 
 tract to be made by posting notices in one or more public 
 places, such notices shall hereafter be given by publication 
 thereof, in a newspaper of general circulation, which has been 
 continuously and regularly published for a period of not less 
 than one year, in the county in which said act or proceeding is 
 to occur. 
 
 Section 2. All notices published under the provisions of 
 this act shall be printed at least once each week for the period 
 of time now required for posting such notices. 
 
 313 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Section 3. In the event no paper should be published in 
 the county where such notice is required to be given, publica- 
 tion thereof shall be made in a newspaper published in any 
 county nearest thereto. 
 
 Section 4. The price to be paid for all publications re- 
 quired by this act shall be one dollar per square of one hundred 
 words, for the first insertion and fifty cents per square for each 
 subsequent insertion. 
 
 Section 5. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with the 
 provisions of this act are hereby repealed. 
 
 Section 6. There being no adequate and uniform law 
 requiring publication of notices required to. be given, creates 
 an imperative necessity requiring the suspension of the con- 
 stitutional rule that all bills be read on three several days and 
 the same is hereby suspended, and this law shall become 
 effective from and after its passage and it is so enacted. 
 
 The report of the finance committee, adopted by the con- 
 vention, approved the reports of the secretary and the treas- 
 urer; instructed the secretary to drop from the rolls all mem- 
 bers more than two years in arrears with their dues and to 
 notify such members of the action ; and fixed the salary of 
 the secretary at $100.00 per year. The secretary's report show- 
 ed collections made since his previous report amounting to 
 $714.00. The treasurer's report showed cash on hand, as of 
 June 5, $330.62. 
 
 Officers for 1915-16: 
 
 President Walter B. Whitman, Holland's, Dallas; 
 
 Vice President Henry Edwards, Troup Banner; 
 
 Secretary Sam P. Harben, Richardson Echo; 
 
 Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Bartlett Tribune; 
 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress. 
 
 Treasurer C. F. Lehmann, San Antonio; 
 
 Attorney C. E. Gilmore, Wills Point; 
 
 Essayist Mrs. E. Gertrude Gibbs, La Feria Leader; 
 
 Orator W. A. Smith, San Saba News; 
 
 Poet J. H. Lowry, Honey Grove Signal; 
 
 Historian F. B. Baillio, Cleburne; 
 
 314 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daley, Dublin Progress. 
 
 Executive Committee (One year term) J. A. Thomas, 
 Will H. Whitley; (two year term) Frank P. Holland, Sr., W. 
 Sherwood Spotts ; (three year term) Lee J. Rountree, Tom B. 
 Lusk. 
 
 Printing Committee Sam P. Harben, S. D. Chestnutt, H. 
 A. McDougal, O. P. Gresham, W. E. Gilliland. 
 
 Legislative Committee G. H. Boynton, William P. Hob- 
 by, A. R. McCollum, W. A. Johnson, R. F. Gates, John E. 
 Davis, E. P. Haney, C. W. Boner. 
 
 Program Committee F. B. Baillio, W. C. Edwards, Sam 
 C. Holloway, Henry Edwards, J. H. Lowry, R. E. Yantis, Sam 
 M. Braswell. 
 
 Memorial Committee L. J. Rountree, John E. Cooke, 
 Ashley Evans, Frank Gaston, N. P. Houx. 
 
 Delegates to N. E. A. D. R. Harris, Will H. Mayes, T. B. 
 Lusk, J. P. Chambless, J. R. Ransone, Jr., A. N. Justiss, W. S. 
 Spotts, Joe J. Taylor, Miss M. E. Neal, W. L. West, A. H. 
 Luker, C. L. Phillips, Robt. L. Baldridge, Edward L. Manson, 
 R. W. Barry, Wm. A. Bowen, W. J. Buie, W. W. Thornton, 
 J. A. Thomas, H. P. Nelson, C. W: Wilson, J. E. H. Railey, R. 
 M. Thompson, G. E. Watford, Cyrus Coleman, Will W. Price, 
 Grade Galloway, J. A. Proske, N. T. Blackwell. 
 
 Mineral Wells, Marlin, Austin, El Paso, Fort Worth and 
 Texarkana were candidates for the next place of meeting and 
 each city had eloquent advocates in its behalf. El Paso was 
 triumphant. 
 
 The formal program, as revealed by the papers publish- 
 ed in the Minutes of the session, follows : 
 
 Address of Welcome 
 
 Hon. Roy Miller, Mayor of Corpus Christi 
 
 Response to Address of Welcome Dean Will H. Mayes 
 
 Annual Address President D. R. Harris 
 
 What Does the Publisher Owe to the 
 
 Advertiser? Walter B. Whitman 
 
 315 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Country Correspondence as an Aid to Circulation 
 
 Building J. S. Daley 
 
 The Value of a Pretty Make-Up H. A. Gibbs 
 
 Methods of Arriving at the Value of Newspaper 
 
 Space Sam M. Braswell, Harry Koch 
 
 How to Get and Hold Subscriptions Tom W. Perkins 
 
 Legislative Publicity James Holt, Memphis, Tenn. 
 
 Is the Establishment of an Association Advertising 
 
 Bureau Practicable? W. C. Edwards 
 
 Why Schools of Journalism? Dean Will H. Mayes 
 
 The Pay-in-Advance 'Subscription Plan 
 
 Does It Pay? B. F. Harigel, Harve P. Nelson 
 
 Should the Country Weekly Club With the Metropolitan 
 
 Papers? R. W. Barry, J. E. Cooke, M. W. Florer 
 
 The Mechanical Department R. C. Dyer 
 
 Newspaper Publicity Judge Hiram Glass 
 
 Order and System in a Country Print 
 
 Shop Mrs. Grace I. Mitchell 
 
 Members present at the Corpus Christi meeting: 
 
 Ernst Goethe, G. E. Watford, W. G. Sterett, Mrs. Walter B. Whitman, 
 Walter B. Whitman, Mrs. E. M. Hulbert, John E. Davis, Mrs. H. P. Nelson. 
 T. E. Arterberry, W. S. Spotts, W. W. Thornton, Henry Miller, J. A. Thomas, 
 W. L. West, H. A. McDougal, A. H. Luker, D. R. Harris, Henry Edwards, 
 Geo. B. Whitley, Frank P. Holland, Sr., R. M. Johnston, Sam C. Holloway, Sani 
 M. Braswell, J. R. Ransone, Jr., J. W. Gay, R. A. Gates, Claud Councill, H. A. 
 Gibbs, H. B. Terrell, Will A. Harris, John W. Stayton, F. C. Thompson, C. F. 
 t,ehmann, J. E. H. Railey, W. M. Stanberry, R. W. Barry, J. T. Robison, Levi 
 A. Dunlap, J. F. Kempton, Jr., J. L. Pope, Cyrus Coleman, L. P. Henslee, 
 Frank W. Thomason, Homer D. Wade, D. O. Bell, C. W. Boner, J. A. Proske, 
 J. L. McCaleb, O. C. Harrison, W. P. Hobby, Louis J. Wortham, C. N. 
 Ousley, M. W. Florer, B. F. Harigel, Alf B. Schroeter, W. L. Dubose, C. M. 
 Carpenter, Sain Fore, Jr., H. E. Faubion, John F. Lubben, Bruce W. McCarty, 
 A. N. Justiss, Frank W. White, W. J. Yates, Ed Satterwhite, Frank Gaston, 
 Monroe Drew, L. H. Bridges, Mrs. Grace I. Mitchell, R. M. Hudson, S. D. 
 Chestnutt, W. A. Smith, R. E. Zieske, Sam P. Harben, C. M. Evans, Jeff McLe- 
 more, Geo. H. Atkins, C. F. Tyron, W. N. Beard, H. L. McKnight, Fred M. 
 Herndon, A. H. Willbern, T. A. 'Buckner, J. Claude Wells, M. C. Wilkes, Will 
 M. Price, R. T. Craig, Grade Galloway, G. W. Nou, Chas. R. Devall, S. W. 
 Adams, Robt. L, Baldridge, M. D. Townley, C. L. Phillips, Andrew Folsom, 
 Isadore Moritz. Edward L. Manson, Frank McElreath, C. M. Nichols, V. M. 
 Loring, L. T. .Hoyt, George Waverly Briggs, G. L. Carnes, R. V. Holland, Hal 
 H. Sevier, James C. White, J. P. Simpson, Jr., M. M. McFarland, J. C. Florea, 
 Mrs. E. Gertrude Gibbs, Fred L. Massengill, C. W. W'ilson, W. E. Cooke. 
 
 316 
 
PART III 
 
 A History of Early Texas Newspapers, An 
 
 Essay Prepared and Read by the Late 
 
 Judge A. B. Norton Before the 
 
 Texas Press Association at its 
 
 Annual Convention held 
 
 in San Antonio, in 
 
 May, 1886. 
 
HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN TEXAS. 
 By A. B. Norton. 
 
 The following essay, read by the late Judge A. B. Norton 
 before the Texas Press Association, at its annual convention 
 held in the city of San Antonio, May, 1886, is deemed of 
 sufficient interest to justify its reproduction. He says: 
 
 To write up the history of journalism in this country, and 
 the more particular history of newspapers of Texas, is the 
 duty assigned me by this Association. 
 
 Broad is the field and very prolific, yet requiring much 
 of labor and research on the part of the gatherer and gleaner. 
 The history of the country may be said to be almost entirely 
 embraced in its journalism ; by tradition and through the 
 newspapers we learn it all. Of the country at large we will 
 say but little in our discourse, because we feel that the empire 
 of Texas requires our more immediate attention. In this 
 semi-centennial year of Texas Independence it is meet and 
 proper that a review and history of our journalism should be 
 made to a Texas Press Association. 
 
 Sixty-seven years have passed since the printing press 
 made its appearance in Texas ; and fifty-seven have gone by 
 since the first issue of a newspaper in the territory embraced 
 in the limits of our State. 
 
 The first printing press and office was established at 
 Nacogdoches for the purpose of publishing pronunciamentos, 
 circulars, orders and documents of an official character when 
 this was a province of Mexico. There had been for some 
 time a printing office at Natchitoches, Louisiana, and that 
 was the nearest one. 
 
 At San Felipe de Austin, about fifteen miles southeast of 
 where the flourishing town of Bellville stands, was placed 
 
 318 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 the second printing press. That section of country bearing 
 the name of Austin county was made the center of the great 
 colonizer, Stephen F. Austin, in 1821, and hither came the 
 early pioneers of our civilization. The name of San Felipe 
 de Austin was conferred upon the headquarters ; Stephen F. 
 Austin was commissioned political chief, and here a land 
 office was opened and titles issued to the colonists among 
 whom were the Bordens, Robbinses, Shipmans, Prators, 
 Abner Kuykendall and sons, the Cummingses, Lakeys, Pet- 
 tuses, Whites, Parkers, Leagues, Oliver Jones, Isam Belcher, 
 Dave Talley, Kennedy and others. Each family received 
 a square league (4,427 acres) for pasturage and a labor (177 
 acres) for cultivation. The land office was well conducted 
 and the surveys of 1824 were so correctly made that, it has 
 been said, there has been no difficulty since in finding the 
 surveys from the directions in the titles. To these hardy 
 pioneers life was in the rough and they lived in the rugged 
 simplicity of nature, not exactly subsisting on the John the 
 Baptist diet of locusts and wild honey, but their main 
 dependence was upon the wild deer for clothing and for pro- 
 visions a fat deer for meat and a poor one for bread. The 
 dearest object of all on the earth to the early Austin colonists 
 was the deer. They had traveled in wagons over rough and 
 rugged roads in a journey of months and carrying only 
 scanty supplies and but few implements and to the unerring 
 rifle they looked for the provisions. The soil was in the 
 freshness and beauty of virginity, unfurrowed and untouched 
 by man. 
 
 The hostile Indians were around the colonists, restricting 
 their hunting, and at times there was much suffering. One 
 of the hunters of the families has left on record that the 
 children used to run to meet him when he returned from the 
 chase and that the circumstance which most tried his feelings 
 in his life was the looks of the children when the meat was 
 exhausted and he failed to bring any. 
 
 319 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 The first manufacturing started was dressing buckskins 
 for clothes. The first importation was by some of the colon- 
 ists, from Matamoras, Mexico, of seed corn on pack mules. 
 
 The first horse thieves were Indians of the Tonkawa 
 tribe, who in the summer of 1823 stole from a settler on 
 the Brazos, below the La Bahia road, his horses. They 
 were pursued to the camp of the Tonkawa tribe, fifty miles 
 down the river, when the horses were found and delivered 
 up and the tribe, who were friendly to the whites, handed 
 the thieves over to them and they were tried and flogged 
 before them all ; and there was no further stealing from the 
 settlers by any of that tribe. Soon after, the Waco Indians, 
 who were a villianous tribe, stole all their horses and escaped 
 with them across the Yegua river. With the Carankawa 
 Indians on the Colorado river, there was some fighting in 
 1823. 
 
 In 1824 a Mexican horse drover was robbed and wounded 
 by a party of his countrymen on the Atascasito road, a few 
 miles west of the Colorado. The wounded drover, escaping, 
 gave notice to the settlers who followed and overtook some 
 of the robbers on the right bank of the Brazos river, at a 
 point opposite Groce's, and, after killing them, put their heads 
 on poles by the roadside, as was the custom in the United 
 States at that time in punishing highwaymen and they 
 served as mile posts in the early days to deter wrong doers. 
 
 The first office in Nacogdoches, in July, 1819, was under 
 the editorial management of Horatio Bigelow, an adventurer 
 from Massachusetts. In addition to publications for the 
 authorities, it is asserted by some whom we have met that 
 there was a sheet with the news at times issued at this office, 
 but no copies are in existence. 
 
 From the second press, that at San Felipe, there was 
 issued in 1829, a newspaper (The first issue was dated Sep- 
 tember 29, 1829, and it was published until July 1832), bear- 
 ing the appropriate name of "The Cotton Plant," and of which 
 
 320 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Godwin B. Gotten was editor and proprietor. Gotten pub- 
 lished at this office a small pamphlet history of Texas in 
 1829. 
 
 In January, 1831, "The Gazette of Texas" was published 
 on this press, and after a few numbers its name was changed 
 to "Mexican Nation" by Father Michael Muldoon, who had, 
 in 1830, made his advent from Mexico to live here "in high 
 clover." Under the Mexican law, marriages could only be 
 solemnized by a Catholic priest. There was none in the 
 colony, but, nevertheless, men and women "jined together," 
 signing a bond in presence of a magistrate under a penalty of 
 $10,000 to be man and wife; and, to obviate clerical objec- 
 tions, the church ceremonies were to be performed when the 
 priest "hove in sight." It will be noted that liberality prevail- 
 ed, and although there was not a sou in the colony they gave 
 bonds quickly for $10,000 when necessary. An old citizen 
 writes of Michael, "he was a kind-hearted, liberal-minded old 
 gentleman, who did everything he could for the colony and 
 nothing against it. He baptized everybody, performed the 
 marriage ceremony for all who wished to get married, took 
 his pay in cattle, the legal tender of that day, and drank his 
 wine merrily. He wrote for the little newspaper many humor- 
 ous and entertaining articles, both in prose and verse. He is 
 kindly remembered by all who knew him." The chairman of 
 our committee of arrangements at San Antonio, General H. 
 B. Andrews, was one of the youths baptized by the good 
 Father, and speaks well of him. Let us, too, cherish the 
 memory of him, for he did square work in those early days. 
 
 Among the number of talented and ambitious men who 
 put in an appearance at that time were David G. Burnet, 
 the brothers, W. H. and Patrick C. Jack, Jack A. and W. H. 
 Wharton, R. M. Williamson, W. B. Travis, Ira R. Lewis, 
 Thomas J. Chambers, Mosely Baker, Gail Borden and others 
 who made our history. John W. Kenny with his family 
 arrived in November 1833, and built his cabin where the town 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 of Washington was afterward built. For thirty years he 
 lived there until his death. 
 
 When San Felipe was burned, the town went down. The 
 government officers then, for the want of houses, went to 
 Columbus and transacted public business there. San Felipe, 
 or St. Phillip, was in part rebuilt and was the county seat of 
 Austin County till 1847. I* 1 the public records the place is 
 styled the town of Austin, until the new capital of the Re- 
 public was located on the Colorado when the name, together 
 with the title and honors of the capital, were removed to that 
 city. The Congress of 1836 established precincts, nearly cor- 
 responding to the counties subsequently formed. There were 
 two associate judges : Thomas Barnet and Robert Kleberg. 
 R. M. Williamson, "Three Legged Willie," was the first judge 
 of the district court which met in 1837; Judge Benjamin C. 
 Franklin succeeded in 1838. 
 
 San Felipe, with the exception of Nacogdoches and the old 
 Missions below San Antonio, is the oldest town in Texas. It 
 was founded by Stephen F. Austin, and chartered by the 
 Mexican government in 1824, and was incorporated under 
 the name of San Felipe de Austin. The charter granted by 
 the Mexican government embraced five leagues of land, 
 extending from the Brazos river to the San Bernard, a dis- 
 tance of ten miles. Before the Revolution, the town proper 
 contained about 300 acres. It was the principal trading 
 point in the State and contained several thousand inhabi- 
 tants. During the struggle for liberty, it was for a time 
 the seat of government ; and the first congress of the Repub- 
 lic convened at San Felipe. During the year 1834, General 
 Houston, for the safety of his army as he believed, ordered 
 the destruction of the town, and it was entirely destroyed. 
 After the Independence of Texas was accomplished, the town 
 was again incorporated and the incorporation has been kept 
 alive by annual election of officers ; yet its glory has depart- 
 ed ; and only in name and tradition does its greatness and 
 
 322 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 fame linger in the memory of the oldest inhabitant, who 
 transmits to the younger generation the salient points in its 
 history. 
 
 The next paper in Texas was "The Constitutional Advo- 
 cate and Texas Public Advertiser," published in Brazoria by 
 D. W. Anthony, editor and proprietor, from January 1st, to 
 July i6th, 1833. D. W. Anthony was from the North, a 
 lawyer and man of genius. He died at his post of cholera in 
 1833, and the paper ceased to be issued. Brazoria was a 
 pretentious seaport town. The schooner, "Wild Cat," was 
 its main dependence for regular connection with the outside 
 world, by which it received letters and papers from New 
 Orleans in from one to two weeks, and New York's latest 
 dates in three or four weeks. Mrs. Jane H. Long, the ac- 
 complished widow of General Long, kept the principal hotel, 
 whereat lawyers, doctors, et al., did congregate with much 
 regularity three times a day. The town of Velasco was 
 noticed in the January ist number as having been attractively 
 laid out ; and we may add it has been pretty much laid out 
 ever since ! Increased mail facilities are promised, a steam- 
 boat has been purchased for the Brazos upper river naviga- 
 tion, stages are to be run between Brazoria and San Felipe, 
 etc. The building of a monument to the memory of those 
 who fell the preceding year in the battle of Velasco is advo- 
 cated. That was fought by the people under Captain John 
 Austin, who attacked and captured Fort Velasco which was 
 commanded by Colonel Ugartechea. Three cases of cholera 
 in Brazoria are reported in the number of February 16, all in 
 one family, just arrived ; and in a card, Drs. C. G. Cox and 
 T. F. L. Parrott give it as their opinion that the disease is 
 not contagious. This is the first cholera visitation the papers 
 of Texas record. Wm. H. Wharton issued proposals for the 
 publication of a newspaper in Brazoria, to be called "The 
 Voice of the People." Hence, it is surmised, came the name 
 of Judge A. P. Thompson's paper in 1837, in Houston. 
 
 323 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 In May 1833 the lower Brazos river was higher than 
 ever known before or since by four feet, and until the 23rd 
 of June crops were submerged ; and that summer and fall 
 there was much destitution and suffering. The people had to 
 live almost entirely on "jerked" beef till the crops of 1834. 
 
 In January, 1835, a paper was published at Brazoria styled 
 "The Texas Republican" by F. C. Gray, who was from New 
 York, on the old press of Gotten, and it was the only paper in 
 Texas, and continued to be published until August, 1836, 
 when the press and material is believed to have been disposed 
 of and subsequently used by Leger and Thompson in their 
 office. Gray was a singular character, and a man of spright- 
 liness. His wife was a very cunning, shrewd woman and 
 she was charged with an intrigue to get Santa Anna out of 
 the country. He became under suspicion and pulled up and 
 moved to California and became very wealthy. Subsequently, 
 he went back to New York and committed suicide. 
 
 The next paper was started by Gail and Thomas H. Bor- 
 den and Joseph Baker at San Felipe. This was called "The 
 Texas Telegraph and Land Gazette," and it was the fore- 
 runner of the "Telegraph," of long continuance in Texas. 
 It was started in August, 1835, and when the people of the 
 locality were driven from their homes by the Mexicans, in 
 April, 1836, the press was carried to Harrisburg, where the 
 government made a stand. As the twenty-second number of 
 the paper was about being issued, the forms having been 
 made up, proof corrected, and six copies only had been work- 
 ed off when the Mexican forces appeared, the citizens were 
 driven before them and the press and type were seized and 
 the whole material thrown by the Mexicans into Bray's 
 Bayou. Our informant was one of the persons so fortunate 
 as to receive one of the six copies that had been struck off. It 
 was then published in quarto form and made a very neat 
 appearance. Harrisburg was then the seat of government, 
 as everything had been moved from Washington after the 
 
 324 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 convention that declared Texas Independence had in hot haste 
 adjourned and officials had gone to Groce's and thence to 
 Harrisburg. 
 
 Matagorda became a place of much prominence in early 
 Texas days, and there, in 1835, a paper was established by 
 Simon Mussina and published for about three years. We had 
 the promise of a number of this old paper, but upon search 
 our friend reports he "found it missing." Mussina is a well- 
 educated, intelligent, public-spirited gentleman of cultivated 
 taste, who is now enjoying his "otium cum dignitate" as a 
 private citizen at Austin, and is an exception to our news- 
 paper men of the past, having a competency of this world's 
 goods. 
 
 In August, 1836, the Bordens had bought a new press 
 and material at New Orleans; and they established it at 
 Columbia and subsequently moved it to Houston. "The Tele- 
 graph," as revived, was run by Gail and Thomas H. Borden 
 (Baker having disposed of his interest to them), and was 
 published at Houston. Subsequently, the Bordens sold out 
 to J. W. Cruger and Francis Moore, soldiers, who had come 
 from Ohio as members of The Buckeye Rangers, commanded 
 by Captain J. C. Allen, in 1836. 
 
 In the latter part of 18.77 a paper was published in Bra- 
 zoria, called "The Texas Planter," by Theodore Leger and 
 A. P. Thompson. Leger was a finely educated Frenchman 
 who had been driven from France on account of his political 
 views. He spoke English indifferently, but was a good writer 
 and much of a gentleman. Thompson was an Englishman 
 who came to Texas as a member of Moorehouse's New York 
 Battalion, of which Major Charles DeMorse was also a mem- 
 ber. The motto of the paper was "Vox Populi, Vox Dei," 
 and the citizens then called Thompson "Vox Populi," and 
 Leger "Vox Dei." This paper was published for about one 
 year. It was spicy and vigorous. Thompson was at the time 
 very dissipated, but he was a man of great ability as a writer 
 
 325 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 and was much beloved. He lived in Galveston, and died there 
 lamented by old friends. 
 
 About this time, a new city sprang into existence and upon 
 its advent it was heralded to the world by a paper, the largest, 
 handsomest, and ablest in Texas. And as time has rubbed 
 his effacing finger roughly over the place and all its con- 
 nections, it will not be inappropriate to relate the history 
 of San Luis City with the San Luis Advocate. West of Gal- 
 veston, in the water there is a little speck upon the map, ap- 
 parently not larger than a man's hand ; nevertheless, an 
 island about one mile square called San Luis. On the north- 
 ern point of this island was once a city, as loud with the busy 
 hum of life, and as full of hope as many another place has 
 been. It started out in its early youth with a printing press, 
 a cotton press, a steamboat all belonging to its proprietors ; 
 and vessels freighted with cotton and merchandise rode the 
 waters, bearing their pennants proudly on the waves. Tod 
 Robinson, Matthew Hopkins, F. A. Sawyer, W. B. P. Gaines, 
 Ferdinand Pinkard, James Love, James R. Jennings, James 
 F. Perry, Wm. H. Jack, Judge J. R. Morris, J. Templeton 
 Doswell, and others, united together and purchased of Perry, 
 agent of Austin, the whole peninsula, estimated at about a 
 league of land, bought a steamboat, a staunch craft called 
 "The Constitution," which for some years plied in the waters 
 of the Colorado and Brazos, erected a cotton press and pur- 
 chased a printing press. Tod Robinson and Matthew Hop- 
 kins were the principal editors and managers and Samuel J. 
 Burnett the publisher of the paper, which they conducted 
 with signal ability for about two years, adding much to the 
 prosperity and growth of the city. During this time, forty 
 houses were erected in San Luis ; it had its commission and 
 forwarding merchant, in the person of Mr. Andrews, and two 
 stores whereat goods were sold by Mr. Hopkins and Mr. 
 Woodhull. The enterprising men above named at this city 
 projected the first bridge of length and the first canal in 
 
 326 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Texas. Mr. Hopkins superintended the building of a bridge, 
 from San Luis to the main land, 1320 feet, contracting for the 
 plank from Angus McNeill, who then had a mill at Houston. 
 The canal was undertaken to connect San Luis Bay with 
 Qyster Creek and the Brazos river, and Oyster Creek was to 
 be used as a feeder. Something less than a mile was to be 
 cut for this purpose. At the time this city was under full 
 headway it was believed by many that it would eclipse Gal- 
 veston. But, as with all great enterprises, before Congres- 
 sional subsidies, Credit Mobiliers and Back Pay ways of 
 "raising the wind" were known, failure ensued for want of 
 money. It is worthy of note, however, that San Luis had in 
 early times a high reputation as a harbor. Commodore Anya, 
 an old Mexican commodore, told Mr. Hopkins and others at 
 Houston, that during the Mexican and Spanish war he was 
 with a fleet of vessels that took refuge in that harbor, and that 
 they were safely there for two or three weeks, and that there 
 was then about sixteen feet of water on the bar and he be- 
 lieved San Luis to be a better harbor than Galveston. The 
 shipment of cotton reached about 5,000 bales. In 1841 there 
 was more cotton shipped at San Luis than at Galveston. 
 But San Luis, with its great expectations, has passed away, 
 and there is not a house to mark the spot, not a plank, or a 
 stone to tell that it was once a part of that city. The build- 
 ings and materials generally were moved to its rival city. Its 
 60 to~ioo votes have died or gone to other parts. Of all its 
 proprietors, the only ones now living are Ferdinand Pinkard 
 and J. Templeton Dbswell now in New Orleans. Matthew 
 Hopkins, the old clerk of the United States District Court at 
 Austin, who died recently, was one of the number. Mr. Hop- 
 kins was born in the city of New York in 1808, emigrated 
 to Montgomery, Alabama, and from thence to Galveston in 
 October, 1838. Tod Robinson was a distinguished lawyer, a 
 finished scholar, and one of the best writers Texas has had. 
 For two seasons he served in the House of Representatives of 
 
 327 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Texas. He followed his brother-in-law, A. P. Crittenden, 
 who had moved to California in 1850 or 1851. Robinson soon 
 acquired a high standing in the profession of the law and was, 
 I believe, one of the Supreme Judges of that State at the time 
 of his death. 
 
 In 1838 a man by the name of Warren J. Niles published 
 a paper in Houston of which no copy can be found ; and yet it 
 is said to have been very ably conducted. 
 
 At Velasco, in 1838, the hopes of many prominent men 
 were clustered, and it was a center of great thoughts and 
 expectations. The following specimen of job work of that 
 period is presented, also copies of early papers for your 
 inspection, and I believe that in typographical execution, neat- 
 ness and finish they are not surpassed in these days. (Here 
 follows a reproduction of an invitation to a Fourth of July 
 dinner and ball to be given at the Archer House in the city of 
 Velasco on July 4, 1838, and signed by Thos. J. Green as presi- 
 dent of the Velasco Association. The printing was by the 
 Telegraph Press, Houston.) 
 
 The first paper at Galveston was "The Galveston Times," 
 edited, published and owned by Ferdinand Pinkard, now resid- 
 ing at New Orleans. He was an intelligent, social gentleman 
 of good business habits and greatly esteemed. His paper 
 showed the very "age and body of the times." 
 
 "The Galveston Civilian" was established on the 8th of 
 May, 1838, by Hamilton Stuart. During the intervening years 
 it has had its vicissitudes as usual to journals. But very few 
 changes were made as to conduct or management during the 
 most eventful years of our his'ory. Hamilton Stuart was its 
 controlling spirit. A native of Kentucky, by nature con- 
 servative, the paper was throughout his connection with it an 
 advocate of law and order and good movement. 
 
 "The Matagorda Gazette" succeeded Mussina's paper and 
 was edited and published by J. W. Dallam, widely known as 
 the author of Dallam's Digest. Dallam was a lawyer of abil- 
 
 328 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 ity, a fine writer, and much liked. He died, and his widow, 
 who was a daughter of S. Rhoads Fisher, married the Honor- 
 able Jno. W. Harris and is now residing in Galveston. Dugald 
 McFarland afterwards edited the paper. He had been a sol- 
 dier in the army and immigrated from Alabama. He died 
 many years ago. The influence of the press helped Matagorda 
 materially. It had at the time a population ranging from 800 
 to 1,000. 
 
 In 1839 a paper was started at Richmond on the Brazos 
 called "The Gazette," of which Robert Eden Handy, one of 
 General Houston's volunteer aids at San Jacinto, was editor. 
 Handy was one of the founders of Richmond. He was a 
 native of New York and a gentleman of culture and refine- 
 ment. Richmond was laid off in the spring of 1837 by Handy 
 and Lusk, who owned the press. The latter was a native of 
 Enfield, Connecticut, and was born and brought up in the 
 neighborhood of Ex-Governor E. M. Pease. In attempting to 
 cross the Navidad in 1841, when the river was high, he was 
 drowned. Richmond had at the termination of the paper a 
 population of 300 or 400, and was regarded as one of the 
 most promising towns of the State. 
 
 "The National Intelligencer" was a large and ably con- 
 ducted newspaper published by Major Samuel Whiting in 
 Houston, 1838-39. Henry W. Jewett, who was educated at 
 Cambridge, Massachusetts, was a ripe scholar and was for a 
 time its editor. He was for a time private secretary to 
 President Lamar, was afterwards a senator and Judge of the 
 District Court, residing in Leon County. The old citizens 
 recognized in him an able lawyer and a most worthy man. 
 
 "The National Banner" was, about the same period, pub- 
 lished in Houston. A gentleman named Smith, Wm. Jeff 
 Jones (afterwards a District Judge and of Galveston county), 
 and Major George W. Bonnell, were each for a time, editor of 
 "The National Banner." But we have not been able to learn 
 the dates at which they were respectively attached. 
 
 329 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Captain John N. O. Smith, a first-class printer and man 
 of talent, was long connected with the Houston press. In 
 1842 he was captain of the Houston company in the Somer- 
 ville Expedition. 
 
 At Washington on the Brazos, shortly after Houston 
 established the seat of Government there, at least from the fall 
 of 1842 till after annexation, a paper was published called 
 "The Vindicator" and edited by "Ramrod" Johnson, or Thom- 
 as J. Johnson, who resided for some time at Washington and 
 LaGrange. He had been a schoolmaster in Kentucky, came 
 to Texas, became a lawyer, and for a time was Judge. He 
 was a writer of pungency and force. 
 
 At LaGrange was a paper called "The LaGrange Intelli- 
 gencer," gotten up by a Mr. Bradburn, a practical printer. It 
 was subsequently published by Mr. McLellan and edited by 
 S. S. B. Fields, who from his remarkable puffing capacity as 
 well as his initials was called "Steamboat Fields." It contin- 
 ued till 1845 or '4-6, when Fields moved to Austin where he 
 died in April, 1846. This paper was continued with consider- 
 able ability, and its main feature was its denunciation of 
 General Houston for his removal of the seat of government, 
 etc. 
 
 In the fall of 1839 "The Austin Gazette" was started by 
 Samuel Whiting, publisher, with George A. Teulon as editor 
 and Joel Miner as foreman. Whiting was from Hartford, Con- 
 necticut, and had been for some years in Texas. Teulon was a 
 well educated and very eccentric Englishman. Teulon went 
 to the West Indies, and is reported to have died afterwards 
 in China. The removal of the seat of government broke 
 Whiting up. 
 
 In January, 1840, "The Texas Centinel" was commenced 
 at Austin by Jacob W. Cruger and George W. Bonnell. 
 Cruger was of the old firm of Cruger & Moore of Houston. 
 Bonnell was a native of Steuben county, New York. He had 
 at different times edited papers in Selma and Mobile, Ala- 
 
 330 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 bama, and at Aberdeen, Mississippi. He came to Texas as a 
 volunteer in 1836, was Major commanding the Milam Guards 
 and other troops on the frontier in 1838 and in 1842, and went 
 with the Somerville Expedition to Mexico. He was one of 
 the guards over the Texas camp at the battle of Mier, Decem- 
 ber 25, 1842, retreated with his comrades on hearing of the 
 defeat in Mier, was captured ten miles west of the Rio Grande, 
 carried back to the river and there murdered. The printers on 
 "The Centinel" were Martin Carroll Wing, from Vermont, 
 who drew a black bean and was shot by the Mexicans at 
 Salado, Mexico, in April, 1843 ; Joseph A. Clark, late a preacher 
 in Hood county; William Clark, from Steuben county, New 
 York ; and John Henry Brown, then a boy of nineteen or 
 twenty, now mayor of Dallas. 
 
 About the year 1840 a paper called "Red Lander" made 
 its appearance at San Augustine, edited by Canfield, which at 
 once took a leading position among journals. Canfield sub- 
 sequently moved out to the Nueces country and has been lost 
 sight of. 
 
 "The Texas Planter" at Columbia was published in 1841, 
 '42 and '43 by Samuel J. Durnet, when he moved the press 
 and material to Galveston and merged his office with Hamil- 
 ton Stuart, and together they published "The Civilian" for 
 many years. Mathew Hopkins was during most of the time 
 the editor of "The Planter," and published a series of able 
 articles on organization and education, etc. Here he wrote 
 and issued the first serial novel ever published in Texas, under 
 the title, "Marianna and her Wrongs," scene laid in Mexico; 
 Cortez and his mistress were the principal characters. Its 
 numbers appeared for about a year, and it has been spoken of 
 to us as a highly finished production. Hopkins was a gentle- 
 man of excellent education, and unexceptionable character, 
 and a very smooth writer. He died in Austin, where he had 
 resided for many years, holding the position of clerk of the 
 United States District Court. 
 
 331 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 E. H. Gushing for about two years edited "The Planter" 
 at Columbia. He was a native of New Hampshire, a graduate 
 of Dartmouth College, and first engaged in teaching the young 
 idea in old Brazoria how to shoot. Entering into the editorial 
 line, he soon acquired a high reputation as one of the leading 
 newspaper men. He gave to "The Houston Telegraph" its 
 greatest reputation, and made it the leading Democratic paper 
 in the State. Having disposed of his establishment for some 
 $30,000 in gold, he engaged in the book and stationery busi- 
 ness at Houston until his death. 
 
 Returning to "The Telegraph," we will give a brief 
 epitome of its history and of incidents connected with the 
 paper and its editors and publishers. Gail and Thomas H. 
 Borden were succeeded by Humphreys ; then came Gruger and 
 Moore ; Harvey H. Allen & Co. succeeded them ; then E. H. 
 Gushing, who continued its publication until after the War, 
 when he sold out and C. C. Gillespie became editor. J. G. 
 Tracy for a time was publisher, and then the entire outfit was 
 disposed of to General J. W. Webb. After an interval of some 
 years the office was bought at sheriff's sale by A. C. Gray & 
 Co., who were, until its end, its publishers. While in the 
 office, frequently we examined the old files and received from 
 A. C. Gray, who learned his trade in Brazoria, and was regu- 
 larly in the printing business for many years, such informa- 
 tion as he could impart. "The Telegraph," having started at 
 Columbia, had been moved to Harrisburg, and press and ma- 
 terial were deposited by the Mexicans in what they deemed 
 the most suitable "banks," those of Bray's Bayou. The origi- 
 nal press, subsequently fished up out of the Bayou after the 
 battle of San Jacinto, is now in Houston, a memento and per- 
 petual reminder of the past. As before stated, a new office was 
 purchased and the paper was revived by the Bordens and 
 Baker at Houston. Of the Bordens we have heretofore spoken 
 somewhat, but will briefly itemize their subsequent careers. 
 Thomas was the first commissioner of the general land office 
 
 332 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 of Texas and made a good officer. He was a man of much 
 inventive talent, industry and enterprise. He lived his latter 
 years at Galveston, having a competency and enjoying the 
 respect and confidence of all men. Gail Borden served as col- 
 lector of the port of Galveston for a time, and in various posi- 
 tions of life discharged the duties of a good citizen. He exper- 
 imented for a time with the meat biscuit, and afterwards suc- 
 cessfully engaged in the manufacture of Borden's condensed 
 milk which, besides giving him a princely fortune, made his 
 name familiar as a household word in all countries and climes 
 where milk is used and caused him to be justly styled a pub- 
 lic benefactor. He died, leaving a large fortune and, what was 
 better than all else, a good name. He was one of the most 
 benevolent, kind-hearted gentlemen we have ever known ; and 
 as a man and citizen,Texas may be proud of his memory. His 
 family resides in Westchester county, New York, in Elgin, 
 Illinois, and in Colorado county, this State. 
 
 Joseph Baker was a native of Maine, immigrating to Tex- 
 as with his brother in 1831, and served as a soldier in the 
 Revolution. He was well educated, taught school and wrote 
 for the papers. Locating in San Antonio, he was for a long 
 time a judge, and subsequently a translator in the land office. 
 He was very social, fond of his cups, sang exceedingly well, 
 and was popular in early times. One of his songs, which he 
 stepped off as an overshot wheel, was a great favorite. He 
 died in Austin in May, 1848. 
 
 Humphreys was a man of fine talent and is said to have 
 been a good printer, but not a driving, pushing newspaper 
 man. He did not long remain in the business. In 1838 he was 
 elected brigade inspector of Morehouse's brigade, when the 
 militia was designed to be placed on a war footing. It was 
 said that he died in Houston. 
 
 John W. Eldridge, editor at the same time, has also passed 
 from view. J. W. Cruger and Francis Moore were not print- 
 ers, but they took a lively interest in the newspaner business. 
 
 333 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Dr. Francis Moore published a very useful book on Texas 
 for immigrants, in 1843, an< ^ designed getting out another 
 edition at the time of his death, which occurred in the North 
 about 1866. His widow was 'keeping a boarding house in 
 Brooklyn, New York, and his children residing with her the 
 last known of them. Dr. Moore was for a time State geologist, 
 was a man of considerable ability as a writer and, above all, 
 of high moral character and great personal integrity. "Poor, 
 but honest," was the remark usually coupled with the name 
 of our old one-armed friend, Francis Moore. Cruger was also 
 a worthy man ; died without having married, and his name is 
 extinct in our land. 
 
 Among the amusing incidents of their newspaper career 
 was their having in the office a pet bear which was captured 
 while a cub and kept as a play-fellow and as a curiosity to 
 show to the strangers coming to the country. He became 
 quite mischievous, however, and very troublesome at times. 
 The water for the office was hauled in barrels and kept in the 
 office in an open barrel. Bruin, whenever he got loose, would 
 overturn the barrel and spill the water over the floor. On one 
 occasion, after the paper had been made up and the printers 
 gone to their dinner, he got loose, concluded that he would go 
 on with their work, and accordingly gathered up the forms in 
 his strong embrace and carried them to the press, where he 
 pied them, delaying that week's issue. This is the first bear 
 we have any account of in a Texas printing office. 
 
 Lancelot Abbots was the foreman of the paper at San Felipe 
 published by Borden and Baker, and also for some years after 
 its removal. He was a soldier in the Revolution, participating 
 in the battle of San Jacinto, an Englishman by birth, a thor- 
 oughly educated printer, and withal a gentleman. Subse- 
 quently he returned to England, where he resided when last 
 heard from. He wrote much in favor of immigration to Texas 
 and labored earnestly in our behalf. 
 
 Joel Miner was for a considerable time a printer in "The 
 
 334 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Telegraph" office, and subsequently in the printing office at 
 Austin. He was a native of Vermont, and first entered Texas 
 as a volunteer in 1836. He had worked in offices in New 
 York and other Northern cities and in France, where he ac- 
 quired a knowledge of French and perfected himself as a 
 printer upon "Galignani" and other journals. 
 
 "The Telegraph" was edited in the winter of 1836 and 
 spring of 1837 by Edward Britton, who was a fine scholar and 
 could converse in English, French, Spanish and Italian. The 
 Bordens employed him as a regular writer. He afterward 
 went to Mexico, and nothing further is known of him. 
 
 Harvey H. Allen was a native of New York and one of the 
 Allen family who were the first settlers of Houston. He was 
 an easy, graceful writer, well educated, kind and genial. He 
 died in Houston, and his widow married General Sam Flour- 
 noy of Wood county, moving there with her children. 
 
 "The Northern Standard" was established at Clarksville 
 in 1842 by Charles DeMorse. Major DeMorse came to Texas 
 as a soldier and subsequently settled down at Matagorda. 
 While at Austin, as a clerk, some of the Congressmen from 
 the Red River country induced him to go to that section and 
 start a newspaper. At Clarksville he is still editing and pub- 
 lishing "The Standard," which has, with some interruptions 
 by the war and in peace, kept steadily facing the breeze 
 "forever floats that standard sheet." 
 
 About the same time that "The Standard" was unfurled 
 to the Red River country, a beacon light was seen upon Gal- 
 veston Island, proclaiming lustily "The News." It was the 
 twenty-seventh paper in point of time to appear in Texas. 
 Wilbur F. Cherry and B. F. Neal issued the first number in 
 the fall of 1842. Cherry was a hard-working, industrious 
 printer from Ohio and died in 1873 in Galveston, having been 
 engaged in newspaper and job offices in Texas all the time 
 from 1842, and having experienced the usual tips and downs 
 of a printer's life. His family resides in Galveston. Neal 
 
 335 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 moved out to the Nueces country where he resided for many 
 years. Willard Richardson bought into the paper in 1845, 
 and for a time edited it in cog. He was from about Cape Cod, 
 Massachusetts. Dave Richardson, from the Isle of Wight, or 
 Man, England, bought into the office in 1848. From that 
 time, with slight intermissions, consequent upon rebellion, that 
 able paper has been published. The changes in proprietor- 
 ship have been few. During the War "The News," for greater 
 safety, was moved to Houston and there published. In the 
 fall of 1865 it reappeared in Galveston, published by W. Rich- 
 ardson, Richardson & Co. Weekly, at $5 per annum ; tri- 
 weekly, $12; and daily, $16; published by Belo & Co. 
 
 It was difficult during the "late unpleasantness" for paper 
 to be obtained, and "The Telegraph," "News," "Intelligencer," 
 "Gazette," and some other papers came down to a specie basis, 
 charging for subscriptions and advertising $30 Confederate 
 money to $i specie. The rate for weeklies was $120 and tri- 
 weeklies $240 per annum. I have many copies of papers print- 
 ed on rice-straw, wrapping, and wall papers, which will be 
 sore reminders to my great-great and everlasting grand chil- 
 dren of those terrible days in newspaper life. 
 
 The first daily paper in Texas was styled "The Morning 
 Star" and was published by Cruger & Moore of "The Tele- 
 graph" from about 1840 to '43 or '44. D. H. Fitch was its 
 editor. Fitch was an old friend and neighbor of Dr. Francis 
 Moore of "The Telegraph" in Steuben county, New York. 
 
 Having thus hurriedly sketched the history of the early 
 Texas press, we find it necessary from this period to give 
 more brief and condensed statements in regard to the news- 
 papers of Texas as they have become numerous and the sub- 
 ject has grown voluminous upon our hands. Before proceed- 
 ing, however, with the thread of our discourse we must here 
 say that the pioneers of the Texas Press were all gentlemen 
 of education and ability, were almost all soldiers of Liberty 
 and their respective papers were well edited and printed. 
 
 336 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 There was not a sorry man among them all, nor was there a 
 paper that would not have done credit to any old country. 
 
 The early settlers were generally men of culture and of 
 worth, and the conductors of newspapers were assisted by the 
 foremost men of the country. Oliver Jones of Massachusetts, 
 who had served in the congress of Coahuila and Texas, was a 
 very able man ; as also, Joshua Fletcher of New Hampshire, 
 first treasurer of Texas, who had been a Santa Fe trader; 
 Elisha M. Pease from Connecticut, governor of the State ; 
 James H. Raymond, from New York, since treasurer of the 
 State; Judge Peter W. Gray, C. L. Cleveland, General Hugh 
 McLeed, Waddill, and many others whom I might name, 
 contributed with their pens whatever they deemed would 
 prove of interest to the paper or beneficial to the people and 
 the country. 
 
 There were but few bad men in the country, and at the 
 earliest day the brightest intellects in the land gentlemen of 
 prominence, character and education were connected with 
 the press as editors, publishers or contributors. Hence, a 
 high standard was attained and kept up from the commence- 
 ment ; public sentiment was educated to a higher intellectual 
 standard than is usual in new countries ; and the most liberal 
 provision was made by the Constitution and the laws of the 
 Republic and State for education by public free schools, and 
 by colleges and universities, for all of which there were from 
 the earliest period the most liberal endowments. 
 
 337 
 
PAPERS PUBLISHED IN EASTERN TEXAS. 
 
 Under this head we give a list of papers published in what 
 was the old regime, the political division of Texas into con- 
 gressional districts, beginning at Sabine Pass in the first dis- 
 trict and taking the various counties in their order: 
 
 Jefferson County had the following papers, which were of few 
 days and full of trouble Sabine Pass Beacon, 1860, by McClanahan 
 & Co.; Sabine Pass Times, 1870, by C. W. Winn; Beaumont Banner; 
 Beaumont News-Beacon, 1872-3, G. W. O'Brien, W. B. Haldeman 
 and McClanahan, publishers; Neches Valley, 1874. 
 
 Jasper County The East Texan was published in Jasper for 
 about three years from 1852, sand did much to advance the interests 
 of the southeastern county. It was kept up by several public 
 spirited gentlemen, who contributed articles of an educational and 
 agricultural character. The East Texas Clarion was the next paper 
 and during 1860 it was well sustained, but after the War commenced 
 Leonard, the publisher, left and it suspended. A number of gentle- 
 men after the termination of the War purchased a press and ma- 
 terial with which the News-Boy took its existence in 1865 and 
 Edwjard I. Kellie, and Carraway, and Green, have been its principal 
 publishers. The East Texas Democrat was started by Kellie and 
 Brown in 1872, and continued for several years. The Baptist Mes- 
 senger was established in 1874 by W. M. Reese and McDonald. 
 
 San Augustine County The Red Lander was published by Can- 
 field and others from 1841 till 1847. The Texas Union was pub- 
 lished on the corner of Columbia and Mountezuma Streets at $3 in 
 advance or $5 at the end of the year. It was started in November, 
 1847, by S. D. Ball and its principal editor was B. F. Benton, a 
 nephew of "Old Bullion," who was an able writer and very much 
 beloved. He was kilfled at Games' Mill, in Virginia. The Red 
 Land Gazette was published by A. D. McCutchen in 1857-8. The 
 Red Land Express was published in 1867 by McClanahan and 
 Plunkett, and subsequently by Thomas and King. The Beacon 
 appeared in 1867, . published by T. and W. McClanahan. The San 
 Augustine Texan was published for a time by George W. King. 
 
 Shelby County The Shelbyville Echo was published in 1859-60 
 for about one year. 
 
 338 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Panola County The Carthage Watchman in 1860 issued a few 
 numbers. The Texas Bulletin was published in 1860 by H. P. C. 
 Dulaney and Tom Cooley. The Panola Watchman started in July, 
 1873, by Tom M. Bowers, editor and publisher. 
 
 Nacogdoches County The Nacogdoches Chronicle, established 
 about 1852 by N. J. Moore and J. C. Harrison. Harrison's health 
 failing in 1854, E. W. Cave, who immigrated from Philadelphia, 
 Pennsylvania, in 1853, and was engaged as foreman and business 
 manager, was placed in charge as editor and subsequently pur- 
 chased and ran the paper till the fall of 1859, when he became 
 Secretary of State under Governor Houston and continued in that 
 position until Houston wias deposed in March, 1861. N. J. Moore 
 resided for years at Sabine Pass. Harrison died in Nacogdoches 
 in 1854. Cave is at Houston, an officer of the H. & T. C. railroad. 
 The Chronicle, in the campaign of 1856, had a circulation .of about 
 5,000 copies. It exerted much influence, and was successful because 
 of the enthusiasm awakened everywhere for Governor Houston. 
 It was then the official paper of nearly all southeastern Texas. The 
 office was sold to H. C. Hancock, who continued it until March, 
 1862, when he disposed of it to H. C. Cundiff and in about one 
 year thereafter it went down. After the War, a paper of the same 
 name was published in 1867-8-9, by Wm. Clark, when it was dis- 
 continued. Hancock is dead. Clark was a member of the Eighth 
 Legislature and also of the secession convention of 1861, and was 
 a good lawyer at Nacogdoches. 
 
 339 
 
FIRST TYPE SET IN TEXAS. 
 
 "We are permitted through Mr. Job Male's kindness to 
 publish an item of some interest concerning the earliest print- 
 ing done in Texas : Mr. LeFebre set the type for the Consti- 
 tution of the State of Texas in 1825. At the time he was 
 working at Nacogdoches in the office of Mr. Milton Slocum, 
 who edited the first and only paper then published in Texas. 
 The paper was printed with one side in Spanish and the other 
 in English. The composing stick in which this work of the 
 State was done is still in the possession of Mr. LeFdbre, who 
 resides eight miles from Bryan, and who promised Mr. Hale 
 to lend him this relic, when it can be seen in this office. 
 
 "Hearne Enterprise." 
 "A. B. Norton, Esqr., Dallas, Texas. 
 
 "Dear Sir: Your letter of January 4, 1875, reached me 
 some three days ago, the enclosed 'clip/ which I now return 
 to you I have perused, I believe to be a fable. I have no 
 knowledge of a printing office being established at Nacog- 
 doches in the year 1825, or of any newspaper being published 
 there in that year. I have made diligent inquiry and can find 
 no evidence of its existence. In the year 1825 there was a 
 printing office at Natchitoches, La., and the newspaper pub- 
 lished there was printed in Spanish and English. Its name is 
 unknown to me. If Mr. LeFebre ever set up type in a printing 
 office in 1825 it probably was at Natchitoches, Louisiana 
 (frequently confounded with Nacogdoches, Texas, even at 
 this day). As for his setting up type for the Constitution of 
 the State of Texas at Nacogdoches in 1825, it is a sheer fabri- 
 cation. The relic (the composing stick) should be sent back 
 to Louisiana, -as it does not belong to Texas * * *. A printing 
 office was established in Nacogdoches, the first in Texas, in the 
 early part of July, i8iq. I will briefly state the causes that 
 brought it about by referring to past history. 
 
 340 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 "By virtue of the treaty made with France in 1803, the 
 United States obtained possession of Louisiana and what is 
 now known as Texas was considered as rightfully belonging 
 to the United States, and Mr. Jefferson declared the title of 
 the United States to be good as far as to the Rio Bravo. This 
 was disputed by Spain ; after much negotiation the United 
 States unwisely waived its claim and agreed with Spain to 
 make the Sabine River its western boundary by treaty made 
 February 22, 1819. This treaty was very unsatisfactory to 
 the people of the United States, particularly to the Southern 
 States. A public meeting was held at Natchez early in 1819, 
 and a company of volunteers raised for the invasion of Texas ; 
 James Long of Tennessee was elected its commander. He 
 left Natchez with about 75 men on the I7th of June, 1819, and 
 pushed on for Natchitoches, Louisiana, thence to the Sabine 
 and on to Nacogdoches, Texas, where in a short time after 
 his arrival he was able to muster about three hundred strong. 
 Nacogdoches had at that time a considerable population in 
 its vicinity, made up of several tribes of Indians (now 
 extinct), a great number of Mexicans, also a number of emi- 
 grant adventurers with their families from the adjoining 
 States. General Long and the leading men with him in taking 
 possession of Nacogdoches established a Provisional Govern- 
 ment and appointed a supreme council of which he was presi- 
 dent, which issued a declaration proclaiming Texas a free and 
 independent republic. A printing office, the first establishment 
 of the kind in Texas, was put in operation under the editorial 
 conduct of Horace Bigelow, and various laws were enacted for 
 the organization of the country. David Long was dispatched 
 with merchandise to the upper crossing of the Trinity to make 
 friends with and trade with the Indians ; Major Smith with a 
 company of forty men was stationed at the Cooshattie Village 
 on the Trinity ; Captain Johnson was sent to establish a Post 
 at the falls of the Brazos ; Captain Walker was detailed with 
 twenty-three men to fortify a position on the Brazos at the 
 
 341 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 old LaBahia crossing, and Major Cook was ordered to Pecan 
 Point. The dispersion of his forces led to ultimate disaster. 
 General Long was desirous of obtaining aid of the notorious 
 and celebrated pirate, John LaFitte, who had proclaimed him- 
 self governor of Galveston Island. He dispatched Captain 
 Gaines to the 'Monarch of Galveston and Viking of the Gulf to 
 procure of him munitions of war and military assistance ; the 
 embassy was courteously received, but he declined to render 
 any aid. LaFitte wrote to General Long conveying his best 
 wishes for his success and gave a caution to avoid the fate of 
 his predecessors, Magee, Kemper, Perry and others. Mean- 
 while the Spanish royalists were rapidly approaching; on the 
 nth of October they attacked Captain Johnson on the Brazos 
 and defeated him on the I5th. They attacked Walker's fort 
 and captured it. The enemy made an attack on the trading 
 post on the Trinity and destroyed it. Major Smith was defeat- 
 ed at the Cooshattie Village on the Trinity and those that 
 escaped fled to Nacogdoches. They were hotly pursued by 
 the royalists, Nacogdoches was abandoned by its inhabitants 
 and taken possession of by the Spanish forces commanded by 
 Colonel Perez. General Long had barely time to escape with 
 his family to the Sabine, closely pursued by the enemy. Thus 
 closed this disastrous campaign about the I5th of November, 
 1819. 
 
 "I would close my account of General Long by stating that 
 on reaching New Orleans he succeeded in assembling another 
 body of men under his command. He proceeded to Galves- 
 ton and from thence sailed down the coast to the mouth of the 
 San Antonio and marched (having in his company Colonel 
 Milam) upon Goliad, where he remained until intelligence was 
 received of the revolution in favor of Iturbide, and he was invit- 
 ed by the new government to the City of Mexico, whither he 
 went and was there assassinated by the connivance of the gov- 
 ernment. Another account states that Long and a portion of his 
 followers were taken prisoners and sent to the city of Mexico, 
 
 342 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 and that General Long himself was set at liberty and then 
 assassinated in that city. 
 
 "In your letter you ask me for information of the first; 
 printing press in Nacogdoches. * * * I have but little 
 knowledge of the several printing presses and newspapers that 
 have been established in Nacogdoches since the commence- 
 ment of the Texas Revolution * * *. Yours respectfully, 
 John Forbes." 
 
 Tyiler County The Woodville Messenger was published by Jo 
 A. Kirgan about May, 1856, and continued for a year and then the 
 establishment Was moved to Polk County under a promise of a 
 better support. 
 
 Liberty County The Liberty Gazette was published from 1855 
 until after secession. Win. Chambers was principal editor. The 
 Liberty Observer was established in 1870 by T. J. and L. C. Cham- 
 bers. 
 
 Polk County The Rising Sun was published at Livingston in 
 1859-60 by D. M. Crossland & Co., The Argus in 1868 by Jo A. 
 and E. M. Kirgan. 
 
 Trinity County There was at Sumpter, in the fall of 1860, a 
 small paper styled The Trinity Valley, published by Jo A. Kirgan, 
 which eked out for a short time a miserable existence, and its in- 
 dustrious publisher, for the support of his family, turned his atten- 
 tion to making hide-bottom chairs. 
 
 Houston County The Crockett Printer was established by 
 Osoar Dalton, who came from Louisiana in 1853, and was continued 
 by Dalton until he was killed at his case in 1860. It was one of the 
 liveliest, spiciest, and most humorous papers ever published in Texas. 
 Dalton was a hard-working, industrious printer. The last time we 
 called, in 1859, we found him working at the press with one of his 
 boys acting as roller, his wife and some of the children at the cases 
 setting type. He hailed us with: "Ah, Delhi, you find this family 
 all at work; we can only make our bread by putting everyone on 
 duty." The Crockett Argus was established in 1860 by J. M. Hall 
 and J. C. Hepperla and for a time edited by Preston Hay, one of 
 the most finished writers ever in the State; truly was Hay a genial, 
 whole-souled gentleman. After Hall committed a homicide at 
 Crockett he left the paper. Hepperla was killed during the War. 
 The Argus was published only in 1860 and 1861. Hay was an un- 
 compromising Union man and after secession retired to the Pen- 
 
 343 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 nington neighborhood and employed his mind in literary pursuits. 
 He prepared an interesting lecture on General Sam Houston, which 
 he delivered at several points in 1865-6, and shortly after returned 
 to Mississippi. The irrepressible Jo Kirgan entered this field in 
 the fall of 1861 and published the Courier, which he sold to James 
 R. Burnet, /who during the War ran the Quid Nunc at this place. 
 The Quid Ntmc was established and published in 1862-3-4 by James 
 R. Burnet, afterward a District Judge. The Texas Quid Nunc (new 
 series), was established in July, 1865, with J. H. Potts, as editor 
 and Botts land Leaverton publishers. The Crockett Sentinel was 
 published in 1866-7 by A. D. Elam and Leaverton. The Central 
 Journal was started in 1869 toy R. R. Gilbert, "High Private," and 
 L. L. Gilbert, who sold out to J. R. Burnet in 1870. The office 
 was burned in 1871. The East Texas Herald was established by 
 George W. Leaverton and Frank Bainey in 1873. Led with suc- 
 ceeded the latter. 
 
 Anderson County The Palestine Advocate wias established in 
 1855 by A. E. McClure, who subsequently associated Matt Dale in 
 its publication, and it has been continued by McClure and Ewing; 
 by J. W. Ewing; T. T. Gammage and R. A. Small; H. J. Hunter; 
 Ewing, Hunter and Nance; J. W. Ewing, and Ewing & Deming. 
 A. E. McClure was for many years clerk of the court; he died, 
 leaving an honorable record as a public officer and a gentleman. 
 Matt Dale was a member of the State Legislature and also of the 
 secession convention and was killed in Virginia during the War. 
 The Palestine American was started by A. J. Fowler in 1856 and 
 was published till 1859. It was a neatly executed journal. Its edi- 
 tor, Judge Fowler, died in 1885, in Anderson County. He served 
 as a member of the Congress of the Republic, as district judge, and 
 creditably filled many positions. The Trinity News, in 1867, was 
 published by W. F. Hamilton & Co. The Union Republican, in 
 1869, by W. H. Howard, John H. Morrison, and others. The Cen- 
 tral Journal, in 1870, by M'orrison and Farr. The Advertiser, by 
 Jasper Starr, at Starr's Academy, in 1869-70. New Era, 1874, T. J. 
 Chambers; succeeded by R. H. Small, editor, R. H. and J. T. Small 
 publishers. 
 
 Rusk County The Henderson Democrat, by M. D. Ector and 
 James Estill. The Star Spangled Banner was published by J. W. 
 Flanagan in 1856 as an American journal and was conducted with 
 much spirit. Mr. Flanagan has been a legislator, lieutenant governor, 
 and United States Senator. The Henderson Era, by Swan and 
 S. G. Swan, was a wide-awake American journal in 1857-8-9. The 
 
 344 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Henderson Times was established in 1859 by J. M. Dodson; and 
 continued to be published by J. M. Dodson & Co., tilll 1872. Since 
 then it has 'been continued by W. W. Spivey and Frank S. Blanton. 
 Dodson was an honest, good man, an old Whig and Unionist, and 
 after the War his paper became more conservative and democratic. 
 The Texas Farmer was established in 1868 by J. M. Dodson and 
 W. K. Marshall. 
 
 Cherokee County The Rusk Pioneer, 1849, by Rev. J. A. Clark. 
 The Cherokee Sentinel, about 1848, by A. Jackson and Long, first 
 started as a joint stock concern by A. J. Hood, Wm. Wiggins, et al. 
 The Texas Enquirer by W. T. Yeomans in 1855-6-7 and '60-61. The 
 Rusk Observer was established in 1865, published the greater part 
 of the time since by Veitch, Barron, Jackson and Templeton 
 Tom J. Johnson, editor; Jack Davis, H. S. Newland, J. Dillard, 
 Don A. Veitch, B. Barron, Williams, Sam A. Wilson, and 
 Jackson. Texas Freemason, in 1859-60, by Andrew Jackson and 
 W. T. Yeomans. Jacksonville Texas Intelligencer by Rev. J. K. 
 Street and D. C. Williams, established in 1871; A. R. McCollum 
 and J. H. Mason & Co. publishers in 1873-4. The Cherokee Ad- 
 vertiser, .established in 1870, Hogg (J. S.) and Templeton editors 
 and A. Jackson publisher. 
 
 Smith County The Tyler Reporter was established in 1854 
 by Stanley M. Warner and published afterwards by W. V. Hamilton 
 & Co., Sid S. Johnson and J. P. Douglass and Callahan and Hamilton 
 and D. C. Williams. Tyler Sentinel, 1860, by W. H. Smith. The 
 Confederate Journal. January, 1861, G. W. Chilton, editor, and 
 Irvin T. Cowsar, publisher. The Tyler Index, established in 1866 
 and published regularly since by S. D. Wood & Co., and H. C. 
 Hunt & Co., H. C. Manning and S. D. Wood. Tyler Weekly Jour- 
 nal, I. T. B. Coiwsar. The Tyler Newsletter, June, 1872, by C. L. 
 Collins. Martin's Texas Advertiser, published in 1871. The Tri- 
 Weekly Sun, 1871, by Horace Chilton. The Tyler Democrat, pub- 
 lished by H. V. Hamilton and L. H. Beaird in 1872. The Tyler 
 Reporter in 1873 published a daily for a short time, but discon- 
 tinued it for want of patronage. Troup had a paper, started by 
 C. L. Collins & Co., in 1874. 
 
 Harrison County The Star-State Patriot, published by Wither- 
 spoon and edited by Howard Burnside, 1848. It was a very hand- 
 some appearing, well conducted paper. Burnside was a graduate 
 of Kenyon College, Ohio, possessing considerable talent, and a 
 graceful writer. Fie died at Marshall. The Southern Pacific, a rail- 
 road paper, edited mainly by Josiah Marshall, in 1854-5; A. T. 
 
 345 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Smith, business manager. The Harrison Flag, established by Cap- 
 tain J. W. Biarrett in 1856, and published in 1857-8-9-'60, and until 
 his death a Whig and American journal conducted with great abil- 
 ity by as chivalrous a gentleman and as true a friend as ever lived. 
 After the War, The Harrison Flag was revived by Captain G. W. 
 Barrett, son of its founder, and continued till 1872. The Texas 
 Republican, established in 1849 by T. A. and Frank J. Patillo, 
 father and son, a strict construction Democratic paper. After a 
 few issues, T. A. Patillo disposed of his half-interest to R. W. 
 Loughery. Patillo & Loughery continued the paper for two years 
 when F. J. Patillo sold his interest to R. W. Loughery. In 1868 
 The Republican was consolidated with The Jefferson Times. The 
 name was given in hion'or of the Republic of Texas and the Repub- 
 lican principles of the Jefferson school. It was always ably edited 
 and neatly executed. The Marshall Weekly, the largest and hand- 
 somest paper ever in this section, published in 1869 by a company 
 of Republicans, Wm. Umbdemstock & Co., managers, H. R He Tick 
 editor. Of too great pretensions, it survived only a year. The East 
 Texas Bulletin was established April, 1871, by J. S. Lewis and 
 Hamments publishers; T. P. Hawley afterwards its editor. The 
 Marshall Reporter, April, 1871, by J. M. Kennedy. The Marshall 
 News, 1874, J. M. Curtis editor, Charles Martin publisher. The 
 Texas Iron Age, established in 1873, R. C. Clark editor and pub- 
 lisher; succeeded by J. W. Burch & Co., and W. Y. Leader. Halls- 
 ville News, 1874, by Charles Martin editor and publisher. 
 
 Marion County The first paper was The Herald, established 
 by Frank Clark in 1854. He was an impetuous, impulsive writer 
 and conducted the paper with much ability. He died in 1856. The 
 Herald was continued by H. L. Grinstead in 1857; and in 1858 by 
 R. H. Ward, Jr.; in 1860, H. F. O'Neal published it as The Herald 
 and Reporter. The Jefferson Gazette was published by J. W. Nimmo 
 in 1857, and with him was associated Mike Farley in 1858. In 
 1860 The Herald and Gazette was published by Shad E. Eggers. 
 The Star-State Jeffersonian was published by James A. Warner 
 and Tom P. Ochiltree and was violent and denunciatory in the 
 winter of 1860-61. The Jimplecute was established in 1865, pub- 
 lished as a semi-weekly in 1867, by Taylor and Morgan; 1869 by 
 Tayilor and Campbell, afterwards by Ward Taylor, and Taylor, 
 McCutchen & Go. It suspended in 1872, was revived in 1874 by 
 Taylor, Morgan & Co. Trans-Mississippi Bulletin, Vol. 1, No. 1, 
 July 8, 1864; subscription price $25 per year; $15 for six months; 
 Allen Kirbie editor. The Commercial Bulletin, 1866-7, by Walker 
 
 346 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 and Kirbie. Norton's Union Intelligencer, 1867-8, by A. B. Nor- 
 1"0". and forred bv mo'b violence to suspend in 'the days of blciod 
 and crime. The Weekly Clarion started about July 1st, 1867, by 
 E. E. Collins and A. A. Spence publishers, Charles Lewis editor, 
 24x36, $3 per annum, published about six months. Motto: "Ex- 
 tremely right, or extremely wrong no middle ground for truth." 
 The Jefferson Times, May, 1867-8, R. W. Loughery and A. D. Mc- 
 Cutchen; weekly and daily, October, 1867; in 1868, consolidated with 
 The Marshall Republican, and continued as The Times and Re- 
 publican by R. H. Loughery until in 1872, when the office was 
 destroyed by fire. The Evening Reflector, a weekly school and 
 literary journal, 1868, F. J. Patillo editor and proprietor. The 
 Ultra Ku-Klux, a 24x36 paper was started about the 14th of April 
 by R. R. Haynes & Co., editors and proprietors; issued every 
 Thursday at $3 per year; "Devoted to a white man's government, 
 will abuse the carpet-baggers and scallawags up to the hub for 
 the money." "* * * This paper will advocate the Democratic 
 theory of our government and will heartily co-operate with white 
 men and Democrats throughout the length and breadth of the land." 
 It "Co-operated" for one year. The Jefferson Democrat, estab- 
 lished in 1870 and published by James & Houston, by Millton Park, 
 J. H. McEachern and by F. P. Alexander, daily and weekly. The 
 Home Advocate, established in 1869 by G. A. Kelley and continued 
 by F. J. Patillo; Rev. S. J. Tawkins was for a time its editor. 
 Christian Companion (Baptist), J. R. Clark, 1867. Evangelist 
 Register, Carpenter and S. Chadwick (Cumberland Presbyterian\ 
 established in December, 1865. Jefferson Radical, C. T. and C. W. 
 Garland, 1869, and continued in 1870-1-2. Tribune, by Dillard; 
 burned up January, 1874. Mail, daily and weekly, 1873, by a com- 
 pany of co-operative printers, editors and publishers, C. T. Thomas 
 business manager. The Magnet, tri-weekly, established in 1873, 
 G. W. Wooten editor, F. G. and J. H. Wooten publishers. Jefferson 
 N,ew Epoch, established as a Democratic daily in 1873, J. C. Rodgers 
 & Co., editors and publishers. The Weekly Jeffersonian, 1871, 
 called Radical for short, by Roberts & Co. Leader, daily, 1874, 
 W. Y. Leader editor and publisher. 
 
 Upshur County Tribune, 1860, by Trowell and brothers; Gilmer 
 Tribune, 1869, Irwin Cowsar. Sentinel, established in 1868, M. R. 
 Willeford editor; and I. B. Cowsar editor in 1869. 
 
 Gregg County Longview New Era, 1872, E. S. Terry editor and 
 J. S. Terry and son publishers. Longview News, 1871, Williams and 
 Hogg (J. S.). 
 
 347 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Wood County Free Press, J. E. Lemon and W. Banks. Herald, 
 1856-7-'60, W. J. Sparks. Quitman Clipper, A. P. Shuford, 1859-60; 
 revived in 1866-7-8-9. Texas Clarion, 1868, D. C. Williams. Jour- 
 nal, 1870, W. Alexander and I. B. T. Cowsar. Quitman News, 
 Hogg (James Stephen) and Davis. Martin's Texas Advertiser, 
 Mineola, Charles Martin editor and publisher; established in 1871 
 and shifted from Tyler to Mineola in 1873. 
 
 Titus County Mount Pleasant Union was established in July, 
 1860. The Southern Patriot, established in 1873, R. B. and H. B. 
 Haynes editors and W. L. Leuveur publisher. The Texas Press, 
 Mount Pleasant, established November 16, 1867, J. Hort Smith 
 editor, Adams and Jennings publishers; and B. Ober; in 1868, S. P. 
 Adams. 
 
 Hunt County The Greenville Gladiator was published by B. 
 W. Reilly in the year 1860; it was neatly executed, but inadequately 
 supported and thie pubilisher abandoned the field. The Greenville 
 Herald was established in 1869 and has been published for a time 
 by each of the following parties: J. C. Bayne, Jim Farr, J. D. Mc- 
 Camment, W. H. Ragsdale and H. E. Monroe. 
 
 Hopkins County The Independent Monitor, Sulphur Springs, 
 I860, by Ashcroft, Davis & Co. Hopkins Democrat, Tarrant, 
 1857-'60, by E. D. McKinney. Democrat Herald, 1858-59-'60, by 
 W. A. Wortham. Sulphur Springs Gazette, established in 1865, 
 W. A. Wortham editor and W. R. Hallum publisher; 1871, B. W. 
 Foster and R. M. Henderson and B. W. Reilly publishers. Texas 
 Ranger, December, 1866, B. W. Reilly; in 1867 by W. A. Wortham. 
 The Vidette, established in 1868 by Vic Rienhardt; Rev. M. H. 
 Neeley editor in 1873; Vic Reinhardt editor and publisher in 1874. 
 
 Van Zandt County The Canton Times was published in 1859 
 by Sid S. Johnson and wound up before its volume was completed. 
 The Canton Weekly News was published by A. W. Reilly, W. Man- 
 ning, and others from 1872-3-4. The Canton Times -was started in 
 1873 by a joint stock company consisting of a large number of per- 
 sons, each of whom wanted an organ to play tunes to his own 
 liking. It was edited by various parties till those who danced 
 became unwilling to pay the fiddler when it ceased to exist. Tom 
 Cooley was its last editor and publisher. 
 
 Kaufman County The Kaufman Democrat was published in 
 1860-61 by J. B. and B. W. Reilly. It ceased to exist the first 
 year of the War. J. B. Reilly started the Kaufman Inquirer in 
 1864, but it was of few days. The Texas Star made its appearance 
 in 1865, about the "break up," and has been run during its existence 
 
 348 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 as The Star or The Kaufman Star, B. J. Osborme, Green J. Clark, 
 R. A. Hindman, H. W. Kyser, T. W. Clark, G. W. Clark, and J. T. 
 Walker have been at various times its editors. It has been edited 
 principally by Judge Green J. Clark and R. A. Hindman, who by 
 articles upon immigration, ietc., brought the county favorably before 
 the public. 
 
 Henderson County The Athens Bulletin, 1873. The Athens 
 Courier issued its first number July 11, 1874, a Democratic journal, 
 W. P. Hutchinson editor and proprietor; in 1874 Holman and Fowler 
 succeeded as publishers. The Farmer and Granger, by Mrs. Anna 
 Hutchinson, started and ended in 1874. 
 
 Cass County Linden Times, 1859, by A. F. O'Neil. The Re- 
 porter, 1860, by O'Neil; in November, 1860, M. M. Mitchell became 
 its editor. 
 
 Bolwie County Texarkana Gate City News, 1874, G. W. Valiant. 
 Democrat, 1873-4, J. C. Bayne. Journal, 1874, H. S. Johnson. 
 
 Red River County The Northern Standard, 1842, by Charles 
 DeMorse, puiblished till 1861 and then suspended; revived in July, 
 1865, and continued as the Clarksvilk Standard, and The Standard, 
 to the present day. The Clarksville Messenger, published by Thomas 
 & Darnell from 1855 till 1858 when the office was removed to Mc- 
 Kinney. The editors and publishers were old line Whigs and 
 Americans, and their paper was weill edited and neatly published 
 during its entire existence. The Clarksville Tirnes was established 
 by W. J. Swain in 1873; he went to the legislature and the paper 
 has since be'en controlled by E. P. Rutherford as editor and Ham- 
 ilton and Rutherford as publishers. 
 
 Lamar County The Frontier Patriot was published at Paris 
 by E. Julius Foster in 1855-6; it was moved to Sherman to be on the 
 "Great Pacific Mail Route" which wias in contemplation from Texas 
 to California. The Paris Press, 1857, F. W. Miner editor and pub- 
 lisher; 1860, Miner and Crooks. The Paris Advocate, 1860; T. J. 
 Crooks till 1861. The Cosmopolitan was published in 1869 till 1873 
 by S. W. DeWitt. The Paris Press established in 1863, published 
 by W. H. Lewis, Lewis and Hilliard, and by Lewis and Hamner. 
 The Paris Enquirer, established in 1869, A. P. Boyd editor and 
 Thomas R. Newton publisher; 1871, A. H. Boyd publisher and E. L. 
 Dohoney editor. The Texas Vindicator was started in March, 1857, 
 by Richard Peterson and under his editorial management continued 
 till March 31, 1871. A short while before its dissolution it was 
 edited by James Walker, a spicy, dashing writer. The North 
 Texas was established in 1869, E. L. Dohoney editor and A. H. 
 
 349 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Boyd publisher. The Chartist was published in 1872-3 by F. W. 
 Miner; it was ably conducted, but started out on too large a scale 
 and proved unprofitable; its career was short only one year. 
 Common Sense was the name of a small paper published in 1874 
 by Richard Peterson. Religious Messenger, a Baptist paper, estab- 
 lished in 1874, Robert C. Buckner editor and publisher. 
 
 Fannin County Bonham Advertiser, R. Hunt; 1857, J. A. Clark; 
 
 1858, L. C. DeLisle till 1861; sold to J. W. Campbell who changed 
 the name to Review which was of short duration. The News, es- 
 tablished in 1866; W. H. Ragsdale and W. A. Evans, 1869; T. R. 
 Burnett and W. T. Gass in 1870; J. W. Finer and W. T. Gass in 
 1871; W. T. Gass in 1873; Finer and Chisholm in 1874. North 
 Texas Enterprise, established in 1871, Tom R. Burnett and Jim 
 Farr, and Burnett & Cox. Ladonia Enterprise, 1870, Tom R. Bur- 
 nett. Ladionia Courier, August 17, 1874, J. W. Avera editor and 
 publisher. Honey Grove Independent, T. B. Yarbrough editor 
 and W. A. Crooks publisher, 1874. 
 
 Grayson County The Advance Guard, at Sherman, 1868, Clay 
 Wells and Tom Grant; it became the Grayson Monitor, 1859-60, 
 J. B. Root publisher. The Sherman Patriot, by E. Julius Foster 
 in June, 1858; it was said to J. W. Whitaker, who published it for 
 a short time when Foster took it back. The Patriot was continued 
 as a Union paper in 1860-61, till the lever was torn out of the 
 press and destroyed and Foster was compelled to suspend; sub- 
 sequently he was murdered. Another Sherman Patriot was started 
 by a Republican joint stock company in 1870, A. L. Darnell editor 
 and The Patriot Printing Company publishers. The North Texas, 
 
 1859, Tom and Charles S. Grant, a Union journal, expired in 1861. 
 The Temperance Banner, 1872-3, G. A. Cutler and R. J. Brockett. 
 The Land Journal, 1872, North Texas Land Company publishers, 
 G. A. Cutler editor; died in six months. The Courier, established 
 in 1867, G. A. Dickerman; 1868, Dick Hopson publisher, Hare and 
 Dickerman editors; 1873, Crooks and Dickerman, Crooks and James. 
 The Register, 1873, Martin and Parker editors and publishers. 
 Democrat, 1873, Brown and Thompson. The Red River Journal, 
 first number with a red head, from Red River City, G. A. Cutler. 
 The "Infant Wonder" had the Denison Journal, 1872, started by 
 G. A. Cutler, who subsequently was associated with F. P. Baker 
 and then -sold out to him. The New South was published in 1873 
 by Dan Webster, who associated with himself T. W. Ham. * * * 
 The Denison Times succeeded and was for a time ably conducted 
 by Dan Wdbster until a majority of the joinit stock company owning 
 it put F. P. Baker, an old Kansas editor, at the helm with N. R. 
 
 350 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Baker publisher. The Denison News, started by B. C. Murray, in 
 1873, who continued its publication for many a year. 
 
 Collin County The Messenger was published at Mc'Kinney by 
 James W. Thomas for nearly eighteen years having for its motto, 
 "Pledged but to truth, to liberty and law; no favor sways us, no 
 fear can awe." It was a staunch Union journal, and since the War 
 the entire office was destroyed by fire. The editor has acquired a 
 reputation as an honest, conscientious man, of more value than 
 18-karat gold. The McKinney Enquirer was started in 1866 by 
 Gresham & Murray, who soion disposed of their interests to John 
 H. Bingham who continues its publication as an earnest and zealous 
 Democratic journal. The Piano News, March, 1874, by J. C. Son 
 and J. Routh, short lived. 
 
 Wise County The Advance Guard was started in 1870 by Tom 
 Bomar editor and Benjamin F. Galia publisher. 1873, W. J. Booth 
 and A. E. Blythe editors and W. A. Bowen publisher. 
 
 Jack County The Whiteman was published at Jacksboro in 
 1858-9 and '60 by Captain H. A. Hamner and Isaac R. Worrall; 
 it was mainly edited by Hamner and it was bitter, vile and abusive 
 toward Governor Sam Houston. In fact, the principal object of the 
 paper was to make war upon the Indian policy of Houston and to 
 break up the Indian reserve in Texas. The over-land stage line 
 to California passing through this county from Sherman west gave 
 it enlarged mail facilities, and being filled with sensational matter 
 it had a large circulation in the frontier range. It was in a great 
 part successful in destroying the reserves going actively into the 
 Secession movement. Hamner went into the service as an officer 
 in the expedition to New Mexico. * * * The Flea, a lively little 
 
 (Editor's Note: The Author's manuscript, closing with a page, 
 breaks abruptly at this point. The Editor has been unable to obtain 
 from any source further data respecting this peculiarly named paper.) 
 
 Cooke County The Gainesville Gazette, established in 1870 by 
 Bailey and Hamilton; Bailey, Choice and Dodson editors and pub- 
 lishers. Vidette, Gainesville, 1868-9, by C. W. Reinhardt; thence, 
 by the way of Pilot Point, moved to Sulphur Springs, Texas. Demo- 
 crat established in 1873, M. V. B. Bennett -editor and Bennett and 
 Trask publishers; it soon played out, and Martin Van Buren Ben- 
 nett returned to Kansas, where he holds high rank as a prohibition 
 orator. 
 
 Parker County The Weatherford News was the first paper in 
 this county and was established in 1856 by C. A. Vanhorn, who sold 
 out to D. O. Norton, its editor, who continued it through 1861. 
 In 1862, Norton was arrested; and he died while Judge of the 
 
 * 351 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 District Court, in 1867, of disease contracted in prison. The Texas 
 Signet established in 1872 by Newton and Battle. The Times and 
 Stock Journal established in 1868 by R. W. Duke; W. R. Graves 
 publisher in 1874, succeeded by Garland. The Whiteman, 1861. 
 Richey and Deavors. The Weatherford Post, October, 1870, hv 
 J. C. Stone and T. Low Garland. 
 
 Tarrant County Western Express, Birdville, 1855, by Court- 
 ney unltil he was killed by Colonel A. G. Walker, editor of the 
 Union. The Union, Birdville, 1857-9-'60, by Albert Gallatin Walker, 
 a native of Virginia, who was State Senator and filled, many posi- 
 tions and died in 1872. The Fort Worth Chief, in 1859-'6'0, by A. 
 B. Norton; the hostility of the people, growing out of secession 
 views, compelled its discontinuance after the hanging of Rev. 
 Anthony Buley and Crawford; re-establishmenit in 1870-71 by A. B. 
 Norton. North Texas Epitomist, established in 1873 by Will H. 
 Lawrence. Fort Worth Democrat, established in 1871 by a com- 
 pany of Democrats, R. R. Bibb publisher, J. W. Clevelnnd editor: 
 it was controlled by a joint stock company; in 1872 B. B. Paddock 
 editor and W. H. Graves publisher. The Standard, established in 
 1873, J. K. Millican & Co., with W. O. Stillman publisher. 
 
 Dallas County The Weekly Herald was established in Dallas in 
 1849 by J. W. Latimer and Wm. Wallis, and was subsequently run 
 by Latimer and J. W. Swindells; after the death of its founders, its 
 principal editors till 1875: Dr. Charles R. Pryor, Virginius Hutchins 
 in 1869-70, Robert Josselyn in 1871-2, D. McCaleb in 1873-4, John 
 Henry Brown and E. W. Baylor in 1875. Norton's Union Intelli- 
 gencer issued its first number at The Owl's Nest in Dallas County 
 in July, 1871, with the motto of Henry Clay, "Let us never despair 
 of the American Republic;" and was very hopeful of the future, 
 regarding Dallas as a good field for a promising young man to 
 operate in. The Dallas Weekly News was .started in 1872 by John 
 G. Walker and E. W. Baylor and terminated its existence in 1873; 
 it wajs a good newspaper, but not properly appreciated. The Texas 
 Signet, February 13, 1874, by the Signet Publishing Company, Lee 
 Newton editor with Mrs. Sue G. Newton as assistant; after a few 
 months struggle with "the rum power" it struck out for the frontier. 
 The Dallas Commercial, daily and weekly, established in 1874, 
 G. A. Cutler, editor and proprietor. 
 
 Denton County iDenton Monitor, established in 1868, Charles 
 W. Geers editor and publisher. Review, 1874, Teed and Bates. 
 Texas Democrat, Pilot Point, M. V. B. Bennett and W. M. Connell. 
 Pilot Point Citizen, 1874, John R. Miller editor and John W. Dale 
 publisher. 
 
PAPERS PUBLISHED IN WESTERN TEXAS. 
 
 Galveston County As heretofore stated Galveston had its first 
 paper, The Times, by Ferdinand Pinckard. The Civilian, estab- 
 lished by Hamilton Stuart in 1838, and published for a portion of its 
 existence as the Civilian and Gazette by Stuart, Durnet & Co., 
 H. Stuart & Co., with Menard, Brown, Cave, Murphy, and others 
 associated (editorially and in its publication. In the more pros- 
 perous times it was issued daily, tri-weekly and weekly; and then 
 again only tri-w.eekly and weekly; then only weekly, as circum- 
 stances ordened; after a brief suspension it was revived by W. H. 
 Pascoe. The Galveston Commercial, in 1838, by Johin S. Evans. 
 The Gialveston News, from a small weekly in 1842, grew into a 
 mammoth journal with daily and tri-weekly issues and a widely 
 extended circulation. Die Union, in the German language, was 
 established by Mr. Moore and boug.ht by Ferdinand Flake in 1857, 
 and acquired a large circulation amang the Germans throughout the 
 country till the secession question came up for discussion; and 
 Flake taking the Union side, his press and material were taken in 
 the broad light of day and thrown into Galveston Bay, in January, 
 1861, causi/ng Die Union to stop its issue during the frenzy of the 
 times. Ferdinand Flake had been long a resident of Texas, sym- 
 pathizing with the people, interested in the maintenance of the 
 "domestic institution," being himself a slave holder, yet he adhered 
 with tenacity to the National cause. Upon the termination of the 
 War he re-established Die Union and continued its publication till 
 his death. Flake's Bulletin was estaiblis-hed by Ferdinand Fla.li? in 
 1865 and was issued until his death, daily, tri-twieekly, and weekly 
 and had a very large circulation. It was Republican in politics 
 and, about 1867, '68, '69, it was more sought after for news than 
 ainy paper in Texas. There was a piquancy and freshness in its 
 articles, and it had M. Whilden and a corps of writers and re- 
 porters unsurpassed in Texas journalism. Flake died suddenly at 
 New London, Connecticut, July 18, 1872. A few months previous 
 it had passed into a joint stock company and the paper ceased 
 to exist. Selim Rinker, its business manager, by striking a balance 
 sheet could readily tell all interested how much easier it is for a 
 sought-after and topmost-round-of-the-ladder newspaper ,to make 
 reputation than to make money. No coin was there left to rattle 
 in his coffers. The Port Folio was a literary venture of F. D. 
 
 353 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Allen, supported by Joe A Kirgan, in 1857. It was issued semi- 
 monthly, but with all its bright promise it did not survive the year. 
 The Galveston Journal, in 1854. The Galveston Confederate was a 
 handsome appearing aind ably edited paper, published in 1855-56 by 
 Waddill and Cherry and advocating the politics of the American 
 party. Th'e Texas Christian Advocate was established about 1858 
 as an organ of the Methodist Church and has at different times 
 been edited aind managed by I. D. Johns, Veal and Johns, and 
 others. To escape the blockade, it was moved to Houston and 
 there published during the War. About 1869 it wais removed to 
 Galveston. It has always had a large circulation, the Church being 
 very strong in Texas. The Texas Post (German), established in 
 1869, has been about all its days conducted by O. and H. Dietzel. 
 It issues daily, tri-weekly and weekly. The Bulletin, August 5, 
 1865, Ridge Pas<chal. The Galveston Spectator was established by 
 Richard Nelson in 1871, advocating "equal rights for all men." The 
 Gailvestoin Standard was established by G. T. Ruby in 1871, and was 
 issued in 1871-2-3 semi- weekly; it was a neat appealing journal. 
 The Dispatch was started in 1869 by an association of printers and 
 for a 'short time its issues appeared daily, tri-weekly and weekly. 
 The Galveston Unabbangige (German), was established by J. H. 
 Baker. The Gadveston 'Mercury, issued daily and weekly in 1873 
 by J. H. Blaker and J. H. Wilson; in politics a hermaphrodite. 
 The Galveston Times, 1873, B. Rush Plumley editor, Times Pub- 
 lisihing Co. publishers. The Galvesto.n Republican, 1869, by W. T. 
 Clark; it gasped its last in about half a dozen issues. The Gal- 
 veston Medical Journal was published in 1866 by Greenville Dowell, 
 M. D., editor and proprietor, monthly, forty-eight octavo pages at 
 $5.00 per annum. 
 
 Harris County The Houston Telegraph, dating back to the 
 earliest times, has had its history as fully sketched as our space 
 will admit. It was revived after a short suspension, and under the 
 management of one of its earliest printers, A. C. Gray, as pub- 
 lisher made a fine appearance. The Houston Republic was pub- 
 lished in 1857-8-9-'60 by Captain Wm. A. Daily. It was a staunch 
 advocate of General Sam Houston, and in opposition to the Con- 
 vention Democracy. It was a'bly edited and well printed under 
 the management of an honest, incorruptible old Texan. The Bayou 
 City, a neutral in politics, was published in 1857. The Merchant's 
 Transcript was published by W. N. Bryant & Co., in 1874. The 
 Texas Christian Advocate aind the Galveston News "camped" in 
 Houston during the blockade and the time Galveston was occupied 
 
 354 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 by the Federal forces. The Baptist Herald, established in 1869, 
 has been for many years well 'handled by Rev. J. B. Link. The 
 Housiton Journal, by Diamond, Purdom & Co., in 1869, was a very 
 handsome appearing paper. Its career was closed by the death of 
 the Diamonds, who were very much mourned. The Valkstreund 
 (in German), was established in 1869 by Derwrner; it was pub- 
 lished for a time daily. The Houston Times was issued daily, tri- 
 weekly and weekly in 1869-70 by Kinney, Clandon & Shott. After 
 the death of Somers Kinmey, its principal editor, it ceased to exist. 
 The Houston Union, by J. G. Tracy and E. H. Quick, was es- 
 tablished in 1869. It issued daily, tri-weekly and weekly editions 
 until after the presidential election of 1872 when it was sold out to 
 J. H. Baker, who changed its name and politics. The Houston 
 Mercury was published but a few months in the city, under the 
 management of Baker & Wilson, when it moved to Galveston. 
 The Age was established in 1871, by Dan McGary, and has bee*n 
 published (by McGary & Hardcastle until in 1874), by S. W. Small. 
 Texas Deutsche Zeitung, established in 1872, Hugo Lenham editor 
 and publisher. Family Visitor, 1869, by B. T. Kavanaugh. The 
 Temperance Family Visitor, established in 1871 by B. T. Kavanaugh. 
 Houston Courier, born in September, 1872, Ashbel Smith editor, 
 Dietzel, Barton & Co. publishers; a large and handsome Democratic 
 daiily aind weekly, but survived only a few months. The Texas 
 Presbyterian was published in Houston about two years. The 
 Panopolist, ,an Old School Presbyterian paper, was published in 
 1856 by Rev. Jerome Twitcheil. 
 
 Brazoria County An account of the earlier papers, The Cotton 
 Plant, Texias Republican, San Luis Gazette, having already been 
 given somewhat at length, and The Dem'ocrat and Planter referred 
 to, I will only say that after Gushing, W. F. Swain conducted this 
 paper till Sece'ssiion brought about the War, and it ceased to exist. 
 
 Fort Bend County The paper first issued at Richmond was long 
 published by Sidney Call'ender, who was afterwards a Mier prisioner, 
 drew a white bean in the lottery of life, languished twenty-two 
 months in Mexican prisons and returned home with his comrades 
 and received with them an ovation from the people of his town and 
 country. The earliest paper at Richmond having been sketched. I 
 need oinly Say that after years had passed by, the Richmond Re- 
 piorter was edited in 1855-6 by R. H. Rawlins from Virginia. He 
 was a good writer but he returned to that State. The Reporter 
 was published till the War by Theo Noel. The Richmond Signal 
 in 1855-6-7 by Ed Bailey. The Four Counties, established in 
 
 355 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 1873 by J. M. Western and C. E. Collins, as a newspaper for Bra- 
 zoria, Font Bend, Wharton and Matagorda, Henry Parnall editor 
 and publisher in 1874. 
 
 Austin County In addition to the early papers heretofore 
 spoken of, wiere the following: The Texas Countryman was estab- 
 lished in Bellville in 1859 by J. P. Osterlhout; suspended during the 
 War; revfived in 1865, after which the office was moved to Hemp- 
 stead and shortly after Osterhout moved to the frontier range, hav- 
 ing been appointed Judge of the Bell District by Governor Davis. 
 The Sunny South in 1870 by Sam Hayford. The Hempstead Courier 
 wias published in 1859-60-61. The Hempstead Courier re-established 
 in 1874, Newman and Farr editors and publishers. 
 
 Waller County The Countryman at Hempstead was published 
 by Elliott and B'eeman in 1869. The Hempstead Reporter in 1870, 
 J. G. Rankin editor and publisher. The Messenger, established 
 in 1871, E. Hieronymus editor and publisher. 
 
 'Montgomery County Montgomery Register, 1870, by W. T. 
 Chalk & Co. The Montgomery Observer by G. W. Collins. The 
 Willis Observer, 1874, G. W. Collins and M. C. Leslie editors and 
 publishers. 
 
 Walker County The Huntsville Banner was published in 1848. 
 The Huntsville Item was established by George Robinson in 1850, 
 and stiill lives. The Presbyterian was published in 1857. There 
 wlas a paper, The Advocate, published by McCreary & Collins, 
 about 1857-9, advocating the claims of General Houston. The Times 
 was published by T. C. Caswell in 1869. The Union Republican was 
 established in 1868 by M. H. Goddin and continued under the man- 
 agement of M. H. Goddin and W. H. Howard; and in 1872, by 
 E. W. Brady to spasmodically throw off an issue till in the fall 
 of that year it "shuffled off its mortal coil." 
 
 Grimes County The Central Texan was published by Dr. D. C. 
 Dicksdn at Anderson, in 1856-7-8-9-'60. The Texas Baptist was 
 published in 1855, Rev. G. W. Baine's editor. The Lone Star 
 Ranger, by Captain Joseph Lancaster, at Navasota, in 1866-7-8-9- 
 70-1-2. The Central Texas Record, at Anderson, by Wilson & 
 Lambers, in 1866-7. The Weekly Record suspended in October, 
 1867. The Weekly Tablet was published by Quesenbury in 1869; 
 also, by Smith and Dawson and by John W r . Callahan and P. A. 
 Smith. The Gladiator was established at Anderson in 1869 by 
 George M. Shipper. Our old friend, Joe A. Kingan, regarding this 
 as a good field for a promising young man to operate in, furnished 
 
 356 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 a Home Journal in 1871, and subsequently changed the name to 
 The Grimes County Journal. 
 
 Leon County The Leon Pioneer was established at Center- 
 ville, about 1856, by Isaac and W. D. Woods; was published about 
 three years. The Centerville Times was established by B. W. 
 Cammer in 1859, and published in 1860 as The Texas Times. The 
 Experiment was published in 1869-VO-l by Johnston and Shipper. 
 The Leon Lone Star in 1872, B. P. Patrick editor and proprietor. 
 The Jewett Experiment, 1873. 
 
 Freestone County The Fairfield Pioneer was published 'by W. 
 L. Moody and J. L. Caldwell from 1856 till 1861, after the State's 
 secession. It 'Was revived after the War by J. Moreland, till 1867. 
 The Pioneer was 'subsequently bought by J. W. Fiishburn, who 
 moved the office ito the nearest railroad station and continued the 
 paper as the Mexia Ledger, established 1869, J. W. Fishburn editor 
 and proprietor. 
 
 Niavarro County Corsicana had its first paper, The Prairie 
 Blade, a Whig aind American exponent, in 1855-6-7, with D. E. 
 Bartley and other good writers for its columns. The Gors/icana 
 Observer was established in 1865; R. A. Van Horn, Dan Donaldson, 
 Wm. Croft, and L. T. Wheeler were principal conductors till 1874. 
 The Missionary Baptist, established February 3, 1870, by Thomas H. 
 Compere. The Independent wias published by Judge J. M. Thur- 
 mond in January, 1872. The Navarro Banner, a Democratic sheet, 
 was edited by Simpkins & Moore; lived during 1872. The Progres- 
 sive Age (Republican), was published by Zadek & Taylor, and 
 edited by John Flynn, in 1873. The office material subsequently 
 was sdld by Judge Thurmond and moved off to Grioesbeck. 
 
 Ellis County The Waxahachie Argus was established by J. D. 
 Shaw, an 1866, who was succeeded in 1867 by Frank Templeton; in 
 1869 Cummjns ciame into Uhe concern. The office Was then bought 
 by H. H. Sneed and called The Democrat; and in 1871, under his 
 influence, it advanced John C. Connor to Congress, when, his object 
 having .been accomplished, the office was sold to John B. Dale, who 
 with L. J. Stroop continued its publication until 1873 when the 
 office was s'old and The EMlis County News appeared under the 
 management of C. R. Gibson. L. J. Stroop.for a time edited it at 
 Waxahachie. Waxahachie Enterprise, 1869, C. R. Gibson editor, 
 J. S. Hanes publisher. Texas Herald, 1875, W. W. Ledwith & Co. 
 The Ennis Argus was established May 3, 1873, upon the ruins of 
 the Weaitherford Post, J. C. Rushing as editor and A. J. Rushing 
 
 357 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 as publisher. Ellis County News, Ennis, 1874, by C. R. Gibson and 
 L. J. Stroop; and then by Wm. Falconer, editor and publisher. 
 
 Johnson Count}' The Chronicle was established at Clebunne in 
 1868 by J. W. Graves, who for a short time had associated witfh him 
 W. F. Wedilis. Graves, 'by close attention, built up a good, paying cir- 
 culation. 
 
 Hill County At Hillsboro, in 1859-'60, a paper w.as published 
 under the management of J. P. Weir. Its career terminated with 
 the commencement of the War. The only vestige of the office left 
 in 1870 was the legs of the press standing in the street at the corner 
 of Ratcliiff's lot on the public square as 'a warning or sign-board to 
 travelers. The type was said to have been mostly shot away and 
 thiis put up as a sign; aind thus ended the Expre&s. Nevertheless, 
 adventurous youths in 1871 conceived the idea of running the 
 Hil'lsboro Expositor, and C. Dalton and Bond established and sold 
 it in 1872 to C. G. Shook, who sold it to a joint stolck company 
 with L. J. Sturgis as editor. Tihe Peoria Record, 1874, Slayers and 
 Wood editors and publishers. 
 
 Limestone County Springfield had a Pioneer issued from 1853 
 to 1860 by W. L. Moody ,and J. L. Caldwell. The Cumberland 
 Presbyterian "was established iat Tehuacama in 1873 and edited by 
 J. B. Renfro and J. H. Wiofford; J. Dawson publisher. The Groes- 
 beck Clarion, 1874, Mattison & Geonge publishers ; changed to 
 Argus, Mattis'on & Frisbie editors and publishers. The Weekly 
 Kosse Enterprise, established in 1869, by W. C. Tomlinson and 
 L/. M. Openlheiimer. 
 
 Robertsoin County 'The Calvert Enterprise, established in 1869, 
 by W. C. Tomlinson & Co. The Central Texan, established May 30, 
 1870, by R. H. Purdom; George Bunck editor and publisher dn 1874. 
 The Cailvert Tribune, 1870, by I. B. Ellison; in 1871 by a Republican 
 association, P. W. Hall and Mat Caldwell editors. Farm and Home, 
 an (agricultural montihly, 1873, by Charles E. Brown & Co*. Bre- 
 mond Sentinel, 1874, B. W. Cammer. 
 
 Brazos Couinty The News-Letter, at Millidan, 1867, by Wm. 
 Lambdlin & Co. The Bryan News-Letter, 1868-9, by Lambdin & 
 Cunningham. Bryan Appeal, established in 1869 by Wm. Lambdin; 
 in 1871, Evans & Smith publishers; since, R. J. Smith editor and 
 Goodwin & Smith publishers. Brazos Eagle, 1869, R. R. Gilbert 
 publisher. 
 
 Washington County Nation'al Register, a targe, elegantly 
 printed and ably edlited paper was published at Washington while 
 the government of the Republic of Texas was there fr<om 1842 to 
 
 358 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 annexation in the winter of 1845. It was probably started in 1843. 
 William H. Cushney, a first class printer from Georgia, was the 
 publisher and W. D. Miller the editor. It exerted much influence. 
 In 1839-'40-1, Warren J. Niles, of whom we have hitherto spoken, 
 published a sprightly paper at Washington. The earlier papers of 
 Washington county having been spoken of, we will enumerate those 
 of a later date: A Methodist weekly paper, the first in the State 
 for this denomination, was published at Brenham about 1846. Wash- 
 ington American, published in 1856-7 by G. W. Crawford. The 
 Tex'as Ranger, at B'renham, 1857; in September, 1865, the office was 
 moved by Captain Joe Lancaster to Niavasota. The Brenham En- 
 qilirer, established in 1853; published in 1867-9 by D. H. Rankin; 
 Prof. J. A. Willburn editor in 1871. The Brenham Times, estab- 
 lished in 1871 by J. P. M'alone editor, and M'alone & AspinwaU 
 publishers; subsequently by W. P. Doran editor aind Pete Doyle 
 publisher. The Southern Banner, established in 1865, and after- 
 wards revived in Miardh, 1867, by D. L. McGary and McGary & 
 Roff, and by J. G. Rankin. The Texas Christian Herald, at Inde- 
 pendence, in June, 1865, by J. Lancaster for the executive committee 
 of the B'aptist Association. The Intelligencer, published semi- 
 weekly by Rucker & Co. Brenham News, 1869. Texas Volksbote 
 (German), 1873, Henry Muller. 
 
 Milam County The Milam Centinel, 1860, by E. H. Regan. The 
 Cameron Centinel, 1869, by W. K. Homian. The Miliam Telegram, 
 1870-1, W. K. Homan. The Milam Messenger, established at Rock- 
 dale in 1873, McGregor and James A. Muir. 
 
 Falils County The Pioneer, at M'arlin, established in 1869 by 
 R. F. Mattison, Mattison & Rime publishers. The Telegram, estab- 
 lished in 1870 by L. J. Goodrich editor and J. M. Mattison and 
 B\ailey publishers. The Mer.cury, established in 1870, B. F. Gassaway 
 editor, B. W. Billings and B. V. Rimes publishers. The Moving 
 Ball, 1874, by T. C. Oltorf. The Miarlin Telegram, established 
 January, 1872, by W. K. Homan. 
 
 McLennan County Wiaco Democrat, February, 1858, J. O 
 Shook, who wias brutally s'hot to pieces in his own office in 1860. 
 The Statesman, published in Waco in 1857. The Southern, Waco, 
 1860. The 1 South West, a mammoth paper, printed on a power 
 press, in October, 1860, by W. H. Parsons, advocating a re-opening 
 of the African slave trade, white supremacy, dissolution of the 
 Union, etc. The Waco Spectator, May, 1866-7, by Parsons & De- 
 Rossy. The Waco Register, established in 1865, by F. L. Denison 
 and Cooledge and continuously published by them and Denison & 
 
 359 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Chase and by W. R. Chase, most of the time as a semi-weekly. 
 The Republican, in 1867, by E. A. McKinney. The Advance, estab- 
 lished in 1867, Golled'ge & Tomlinson publishers. G. B. Gerald editor. 
 The Examiner, established in 1867 by J. W. Downs; in 1869. by 
 Downs and R. A. Hicks; 1874, Examiner and Patron by J. W. 
 Dowmis. The Reporter, 1871, J. K. Street editor and proprietor. 
 
 Bbsque County The Meridian Press, 1869, by Bartow Starr. 
 Bosque County Herald, Menidian, 1874, by Coon & Porter, and 
 Coon, Thomas & Co. 
 
 Hood County The Granbury Vidette, established November 
 30, 1872, by Bond & Garland publishers; in 1873, Garland & Lambdin, 
 then Garland' & Price. 
 
 Er;ath County Texais Pacific, Stephenviil'le, established No- 
 vember, 1871, by W. J. Brockett. Western Argus, 1871. West- 
 ward Empire, 1873, E. B. and G. F. Scott publishers. 
 
 Comarodhe County Chief, Comandhe, 1873, G. A. Beeman pub- 
 lisher. 
 
 Coryell County Frontiersman, March, 1871, W. W. Patrick 
 editor and publisher. Sun, Gatesville, established in 1870, J. M. 
 Vandiver editor, Wells & Smith publishers; 1874, H. N. Atkinson 
 & Schiley. 
 
 Lampasas County Charles A. Woolridge published a paper at 
 Lampasas in 1859-'60. Dispatch, Lampasas, established 1871, W. S. 
 Douglas editor and proprietor; 1872, Melton and H. D. Barren; 
 1874, W. P. Beale editor, Robert E. Owen publisher. 
 
 Bin-net Coun,t3' Bulletin, 1883, George Whitaker. Advertiser, 
 1874, Johnson & Hammond, an advertising sheet. 
 
 Bell County The Belton Independent, established in 1859, E. W. 
 Kinnan editor; an ably conducted paper devoted to Houston, the 
 Constitution and the Union. The editor was forced to leave the 
 country in 1861, made hlis way through Mexico, .reached New York, 
 and then went to Indiana wlhere he was appointed a lieutenant in 
 the Federal service. He died during the War. His wife, at last 
 accounts, was in Ohio. The Belton Democrat, John Henry Brown 
 editor and proprietor, established in 1859 and continued till 1861 
 when Brown went into the Indian Territory as a major in Mc- 
 Culloch's command. The Intelligencer, published in 1869, E. T. 
 Rucker and Ludilow. The Journal, established in October, 1867, 
 J. G. Batte editor; in 1869, J. H. Davenport and Tom Longino editors 
 and publishers; 1870, J. H. Davenport and A. C. Ramsey; weekly 
 and semi-weekly. Belton Review, 1874, L. C. Alexander editor, J. T. 
 Longino & Co. publishers. 
 
 360 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Williamson County The Georgetown Independent in 1857. The 
 Watchman, established in Jiainuary, 1867, W. H. Henderson and 
 W. M. Miakemson; and in 1869, published by W. K. Foster and 
 Makemson. Williamson County Record, established by W. K. Foster 
 in 1872; T. A. Stone for 'a few months was connected with him in 
 its publication. Round Rock Sentinel, 1861, Nat Q. Henderson. 
 Georgetown Sentinel, 1872, and discontinued in 1873. Democrat, 
 1874, A. S. Reed editor, W. K. Foster publisher. 
 
 Travis County The Austin Gazette of 1839, and The Texas 
 Centinel, established January, 1840, having already been sketched, 
 I will briefly .refer to other papers. When the government w&s re- 
 established at Austin Wm. Cushney revived The Gazette and sub- 
 sequently associated J. Wade Hampton of South Carolina with him 
 as its editor and publisher. Washington O. Miller also for a time 
 edited The Gazette. He immigrated from Alabama in 1839, was an 
 accomplished scholar, settled first at Gonzaleis, was elected to the 
 Congress of the Republic in 1840-1, 'and at the close of the session 
 became private secretary to President Houston who esteemed him 
 highly. After annexation he was secretary of state, after which 
 he retired to ;a farm near Austin, residing with and sustaining a 
 widowed slister until he died greatly lamented. He added lustre to 
 the editorial profession. In the language of the lamented O/chiltree, 
 applied to another, "His soul sprang from God, full of honor and 
 despising meanness." Cushney and Hampton both died and were 
 buried at Austin. The name of The Gazette has long been familiar 
 at Austin. The State Gazette of more modern days was run froim 
 1854 till 1861, and its most prominent owners and publishers were 
 Major John Marshall, Dr. Joseph M. Steiner, Williamson S. Old- 
 ham, all of -whom are now dead. They were men of energy, appli- 
 cation and ability, and widely known as active organization Demo- 
 cratic partisans. During the War the paper for a time was sus- 
 pended. In June, 1863, it was taken hold of by D. Richardson who 
 continued it until a year after the break-up. He -combined it with 
 The Texas Almanac, a sort of war sheet, which he had been run- 
 ning occasionally from an office in Austin. In 1865, Holland & Co. 
 were the publishers. In 1866, it 'was sold to Jo Walker and Nat C. 
 Raymond who edited it. Jo Walker published it in 1867, and in 
 1868-9 it was published by Walker & Lane. The office was sold 
 to 1 the leading Republicans at Austin, who were after "chicken pie," 
 and the type was put to use publishing articles counteracting those 
 of the past. After a time another office was purchased and a State 
 Gazette agaiin entered the list under the guidance of John D. El- 
 
 361 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 liott, Victor W. Thompson, et -al., and Colonel Elliott continued to 
 publish The State Ga/ette daily, tri-weekly and weekly. The Texas 
 State Times a large and fine appearing paper was issued in 1855-6 
 by the American party and -nobly advocated the cause. Colonel John 
 S. Ford was its principal editor; W. D. Cleveland, J. H. Herndon 
 and others contributed to its columns. The Texas Sentinel suc- 
 ceeded The State Times in 1857-8-9, under th<e editorial management 
 of Judge Fenlton M. Gibson; P. W. Humphreys and A. C. Compton 
 its publishers and business managers. It was an aibly conducted 
 journal and had several strong contributors. Humphreys was an 
 old Texan, belonging to the old Texas navy, was originally from 
 Kentucky, a warm-hearted man. Judge Gibson was one of nature's 
 noblemen, well educated, brave and generous. He caime to Texas 
 at an early date, was one of 'the ill fated Somerville expedition, 
 a Mtier prisoiner, of all which he wrote a most interesting account. 
 He died some years since, I believe at Richmond. In 1856, The 
 Southern Intelligencer was started by Baker & Root, George W 
 Paschal chief editor. It acquired a wide circulation and in the 
 contest of 1857 took bold ground against the convention system. 
 Baker and Root were good printers and Paschal was an able 
 writer. Baker died about 1859. Root is now publishing a paper 
 in Alabama. A. B. Norton became proprietor, having Miner, Lam- 
 bert and Perry as publishers. The Intelligencer contributed much 
 to the election of General Sam Houston as governor, and during 
 his administration sustaining his policy. A. B. Norton was then 
 its editor and publisher, advocating the Union cause during the 
 exciting days of 1860-1. Joel Miner who has already been spoken 
 of as one of the early printers, went to Florida, thence to New 
 England, and from there to Iowa, and finally returned to Texas 
 spending several months with me at the Owl's Nest in 1875. Robert 
 J. Lambert, a good printer and a brave young man, became a Con- 
 federate soldier and was killed during the War. 
 
 It becomes necessary to seek a more "healthful" latitude. Nor- 
 ton made hiis way through the lines, having first, to avoid 1 suspicion, 
 arranged for continuing the publication of The Intelligencer, and 
 February 22, 1862, it ceased to exist. After the return of peace The 
 Intelligencer again appeared, in 1866-7, with Brown & Foster as 
 publishers. It was, in the fall of 1867, disposed of to a company 
 of Republicans and The Austin Republican made its appearance; 
 A. H. Longley & Co>. were its publishers for about two years; it 
 ceased to exist about 1871. The State Journal, a Republican paper, 
 was established (in 1870, by Tracy, Seimering & Co., and continued 
 
 362 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 as a spirited daily, tri-weekly and semi-weekly until 1873 under the 
 style of Jas. P. Newcomb & Co., when it ceased to exist. J. G. 
 Tracy, E. H. Quick, E. M. Wheelock, J. P. Newcomb and Stanley 
 Welch were its principal editors during- its existence. The Rambler, 
 a literary paper, was published in 1859-60 by Carletan. The Plow 
 Boy, an agricultural journal, in 1868, by Nat C. Raymond. The 
 Record, an independent, family newspaper, in 1868-9, -by Jas. A. Fos- 
 ter. The Democratic Statesman was established in 1871 by an as- 
 sociation of printers and managers by Anthony Deffenbaugh & Bros. 
 Anthony Deffenbaugh came to Texas from Ohio as a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary struggle; he was a good printer, having for long 
 years worked at San Antonio and in western Texas. The office 
 was disposed of about 1872, and continued by The Statesman Pub- 
 lishing Company. In 1873 it appeared under the management of 
 John Caldwell & Co., publishers. The Commonwealth, 1873, by 
 G. W. Honey and S. A. Posey, Texas Staats Zeitung, German, 
 Republican paper, established in 1873, German Publishing Co., editors 
 and publishers. Vorwaerts, German, Austin, established in 1871, 
 Julius Schutze editor and proprietor. The Ix>ne Star Ranger, es- 
 tablished in 1848, J. Lancaster editor and proprietor; moved from 
 Navasota to Austin in 1874. 
 
 Bastrop County The Bastrop Advertiser was established March 
 16, 1853, by Wm. J. Cain, then from Aberdeen, Mississippi. Its 
 publication was 1 continued till after secession, during all of which 
 time he advocated Whig and American principles and the Union 
 cause. After the War terminated, the paper was revived and in 
 1867 it was published by W. J. and T. C. Cain and has since been 
 a conservative or Democratic journal. W. J. Cain became captain 
 of a company froim Bastrop and was captured at Aransas Port. 
 Disease incurred in the service eventually caused his death. He 
 was for a time connected with tire publication of the Texas Christian 
 Advocate, and also with The State Gazette. His fa>mii,ly re- 
 sides in Bastrop and his brother, T. C. Cain, now publishes The 
 Advertiser. We have never had in our fraternity a braver, truer 
 Mend, a man of purer thoughts, or a more worthy, industrious, 
 upright gentleman than W. J. Cain of Bastrop. The Christian 
 Philanthropist, by Dr. Kendrick, was published monthly in 1867; 
 devoted to religious topics. Dr. Kendrick was one of the most 
 learned and eloquent ministers in Texas. The Bastrop Chronicle 
 was published in 1873 as a Republican and educationail journal by 
 Henry Muller. The D'eutsche Zeitung, German, established in 1873, 
 by Henry Muller and Von Boeckman. 
 
 363 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Lee County The Giddings Tribune, 1874, J. W. Bell editor and 
 publisher. 
 
 Fayette County The True Issue, 1858, by J. J. Gossler; 1860, 
 Rives. La Grange New Era. States Rights Democrat (or 
 "Snakes," as called from its figure head), established in 1859, V. W. 
 Thompson. New Era, commenced August 18, 1865, N. C. and 
 W. C. Rives; James W. Matthews succeeded as editor; 1874, J. J. 
 Gossler. States Rights Democrat, V. W. Thompson, 1867-9-70, 
 and then moved to Austin. Fayette County Record, 1873, D. C. 
 Gregory. 
 
 Colorado County The Citizen was established in 1857 by the 
 Baker Bros., who conducted it ably and successfully until the War 
 began. It -was re-established in 1869 by Ben Baker and edited by 
 F. Barnard; in 1871, edited by Wells, Thompson & McCormack. 
 The South, May 18, 1865, by Baker and Morris. The Times was 
 published 'by Jas. W. Daniels in 1869 and by G. T. Lessing in 1870. 
 
 Miatagorda County Its first paper heretofore mentioned, sub- 
 sequently The Gazette, was published at Matagorda in 1859-'60, till 
 in 1861 when it was discontinued; no paper issued there since the 
 War. Edward J. Gilbert, an Englishman, published a paper at 
 Matagorda in 1845-6. He moved to Bexar county and was a very 
 worthy man. 
 
 Lavaca County The Hallettsville Lone Star, in 1860-1. The 
 H:erald and Planter, at Halkttsville, in 1872. S. Lee Kyis edi-tor 
 and proprietor. 
 
 Viictoria County The Advocate, established in 1846 by John 
 
 D. Logan and Thomas Sterne, was the first paper published west 
 of the Colorado river in Texas. It was sold to S. A. White and 
 continued by him till after secession; revived in 1865 and published 
 by him till iln 1869, then published by Boon & Rose; White & Boon, 
 1870; F. R. Pridham editor in 1873, and succeeded by J. A. McNeil. 
 The Victoria Democrat, a German paper, also published by S. A. 
 White for several! years before the War, discontinued in 1867; 1873, 
 
 E. D. Linn editor and McNeil & Singiser publishers. Rev. A. J. 
 McGowan published a Cumberland Presbyterian paper ait Victoria 
 in 1846. 
 
 Calhoun County The first Indianola Bulletin was issued in 
 January, 1852, John Henry Brown editor and R. C. Brady pub- 
 lisher. It was continued by them till 1854, when the publisher's 
 health failed and Brown went upon the Galveston Civilian as as- 
 sistant of Hamilton Stuart. Indianola Bulletin, 1867; in 1876, C. A. 
 Ogsbury issued it semi-weekly and continued it as a weekly. 
 
 364 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Indianola Times was started in December, 1865; edited and pub- 
 lished by S. A. Benton at $5.00 per annum. Indianola Courier, dis- 
 continued in 1861. Gulf Key, Lavaca, 1859 till in 1861. Lavaca 
 Commercial, J. D. Elliott editor and proprietor, in 1866 D. B. Free- 
 man & Co., 1867; H. S. Thrall, 1869. 
 
 Aransas County The Rockport Transcript, 1869, C. F. ' Bailey 
 editor and publisher. 
 
 Refugio County The Vaquero, by Bailey and G. A. Beeman, 
 at St. Mary's. 
 
 Goliad County The Goliad Express, 1857, by A. M. Wigginton. 
 The M>es.senger, 1859-'60. The Guard, published by R. W. Davis 
 in 1869; in 1870, by Davis & King; 1874, by Davis & Tally. The 
 Intelligencer, in 1869, by R. W. Pierce. 
 
 DeWitt County The Clinton Times. The Cuero Star, 1873, 
 James H. Tucker editor and publisher. 
 
 Gonzales County The Inquirer was established at Gonzales in 
 1854, and under the management of S. W. Smith from 1857 to 1861 it 
 became influential with its party. After the War it was revived 
 and continued by S. W. Smith. The South Western Index was es- 
 tablished in 1869, W. D. Cook editor, R. H. Small publisher. 
 
 Caldwell County The Lockhart Watchman was published by 
 E. H. Rogan from 1857 till in 1861. The Plow Boy, in 1869, by 
 N. C. Raymond & Co. The Texas Digest, at Lockhart, in 1871, 
 by W. D. Cory. The News Echo, in 1872-3, W. C. Bowen and 
 W. F. Farris, editors and publishers; in 1874, by Steele & Bridges. 
 
 Hays County 1 The Pioneer at San Marcos, by George H. 
 Snyder, in 1869. The West Texas Free Press, established in 1871, 
 by Isaac H. Julian. San Marcos Times, 1871, F. G. Manlove editor, 
 W. K. Hallums publisher. 
 
 Blanco County The West Texas Republican, at Blanco, by 
 Francis Sternburg, in 1872-3. 
 
 San Saba County Weekly News, established in 1874, W. T. 
 Melton and J. Frazer Brown editors and proprietors. 
 
 Gillespie County The Sentimel, at Frederlicks'burg, in 1874, by 
 Callain and Hunt. 
 
 Carnal County The Zeitung, established at New Braunfels, in 
 1852, and published the greater part of -the time since by M. 
 Lindheimer; Eiband succeeded as editor and publisher. 
 
 Guadalupe County The Mercury, at Seguin, by M. S. Dunn, 
 1857 to 1861. The Southern Confederacy, Seguin, 1860-1. The 
 Seguin Journal, in 1869, by Wright & Bro. The Western Texan. 
 Tthe Times, 1870, Wright & Stephenson. 
 
 365 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Bexar County At San Antonio: The Western Texan, 1860, 
 Henry Lewis editor, Nat Lewis and John D. Groesbeck proprietors. 
 The Public Ledger, 1852, Walker & Vanderlipe. The Herald was 
 established at San Anitonio in 1854; during the greater part of its 
 existence it has been published by John D. Logan and his asso- 
 ciates. In 1859-'60, the firm was Palmer, Logan & Sweet; in 1873, 
 J. D. Logan and J. Y. Dashiel; in 1874, Herald Publishing Company. 
 News, 1861. The Ledger was published in 1857 by Da&hiel; in 1867 
 J. M. Smith issued tfhe Ledger tri-weekly. The Texan, 1857. Af- 
 ter 'the Herald united its fortunes with the secessionists, it was de- 
 termined -by the friends of Governor Houston and the Union that 
 tihere should be another paper started and they procured fronn The 
 Intelligencer, at Austin, another press and outfit and The Alamo 
 Express was started, J. P. Newcomb editor and publisher. The 
 Alamo Express was vigorous and caustic, and a secession mob, 
 inflamed thereat, surrounded the building, which belonged to Nat 
 Lewis, and burned it, with the office, to the ground. The San 
 Antonio Express, established in 1866, edited by A. Siemering; J. P. 
 Newcomb, in 1872; J. W. Vanslyck, C. C. Gillespie, in 1873. The 
 Frie Press (German), A. Siemerirug & Pollmar. The Texas Staats 
 Zekung, a German paper, was started in 1852 by August Oswold 
 and edited (by Dr. Douai of which, and other papers and editors 
 at San Antonio, we shall have more to say hereafter. The Evening 
 Star, daily and weekly, E. M. Wheelock. El Mexicana de Texas, 
 established in 1868, Calisto Munez editor and proprietor, Marcial 
 Padilla publisher. The Freie Presse for Texas, established in 1865, 
 A. Siemering & Co. 
 
 Atascosa County The Stock Growers' Journal, at Pleasanton, 
 by J. D. Logan & Co.; in 1874, Johnson & Lawhon editors, Law- 
 hon & Bro., publishers. 
 
 Bee County The Beeville Journal. 
 
 Live Oak County The Oakville Tribune, 1874, W. C. Bowen 
 and L. P. Lawley editors and proprietors. 
 
 Nueces County The Nueces Valley, at Corpus Christi, in 1857, 
 by Somers Kinney. The Nueces Valley, established in 1869; pub- 
 lished in 1871 by C. G. E. Drummond. The Valley Times, 1869, 
 Horace Taylor editor, Charles A. Beeman publisher. Advertiser, 
 1866, iby H. A. Maltby. Gazette, established in 1873, H. A. Maltby 
 editor, Jaimes R. Barnard & Son publishers. The Convention, 1867. 
 
 Cameron County The Rio Grande Sentinel, 1866, by E. B. Scar- 
 borough. Fort Brown Flag, 1859-'60-1. The Ranchero, established 
 October 22, 1859, by S. Kinney and H. S. Gallup; in 1867, Maltby 
 
 366 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 & Kinney; in 1869, H. A. Maltby; since 1869, The Ranchero and 
 Republican, as sltyled in 1865, Joel Mansur editor and publisher. 
 The Sentinel, 1868, John S. Ford editor; James Dougherty subse- 
 quently editor and publisher. Rio Grande Courier, 1867, E. P. 
 Claud on- & Co. Rio Grande Democrat, 1874, :by Democratic Club, 
 H. A. Maltby business manager. 
 
 Webb County The Two Eagles, at Laredo, in 1872, James S. 
 Tucker, editor and publisher. 
 
 El Paso County El Paso Gazette, 1860, by S. Hart. Sentinel, 
 by A. J. Fountain, succeeded by Lewis Cardis, and then by S. Hart, 
 in 1873, under whose treatment it died. A. J. Fountain, after serv- 
 ing as a senator, ileft when the Davis administration was overthrown 
 and settled at Mesilla, New Mexico, where he now lives. 
 
 367 
 
REGULAR NEWSPAPERS PUBLISHED IN TEXAS IN 1857, 
 
 IN THE GREAT CAMPAIGN BETWEEN HOUSTON 
 
 AND RUNNELS. 
 
 First Congressional District. 
 
 Messenger, Woodville, Tyler County; Star Spangled Banner, 
 Henderson, Rusk County; Sentinel, Rusk, Cherokee County; Re- 
 porter, Tyler, Smith County; Advocate, Pales-tine, Anderson County; 
 American, Palestine, Anders'on County; Herald, Dallas, Dallas 
 County; Gazette, Liberty, Liberty County; Printer, Crockett, Hous- 
 ton County; Chronicle, Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches Counity; En- 
 quirer, Rusk, Cherokee County; Democrat, Henderston County; 
 Republican, Marshall, Harrison County; Harrison Flag, Marshall, 
 Harrison County; Heraild, Jefferson, Marion County; Standard, 
 Clarksville, Red River County; M-essenger, Clarksville, Red River 
 Counity; Advertiser, Bonham, Fannin County; Enquirer, Paris, La- 
 mar County; Frontier Patriot, Paris, Lamar County. 
 
 Total: 7 American, 12 Democrat, and 1 Independent. All pa- 
 pers in the first district were weekly. 
 
 Second Congressional District Western Texas. 
 
 Telegraph, Houston; Reporter, Richmond; Enquirer, Brenham; 
 Democrat, Columbia; Central Texan, Anderson; Watchman, Lock- 
 hart; Herkld, L'avaca; Prairie Blade. Corsicana: Advocate. Victoria; 
 Inquirer, Gonzales; Bayou City, Houston; Ranger, Washington; 
 American, Washington; Item, Huntsville; State Gazette, Austin; 
 Intelligencer, Austin; Advertiser, Bastrop; Bulletin, Indianola: Ex- 
 press, Goliad; Mercury, Seguin; Texan, San Antonio; Herald, San 
 Antonio; Zeitung, San Antonio; True Issue, La Grange; Flag, 
 Brownsville; Nueces Valley, Corpus Christi; News, Galveston; 
 Die Union, Galveston; Port Folio, Galveston; Zeitung, New Braun- 
 fels; Chronicle, Matagorda; Leon Pioneer, Centerville; Statesman, 
 Wado; Civilian, Galveston; Confederate, Galveston; Texan Baptist, 
 Anderson; Presbyterian, Huntsville; Christian Advocate, Methodist, 
 Galveston. 
 
 Of the above, 27 were Democratic, 6 American, 2 Independent, 
 1 Literary. The Houston Telegraph and Galveston News were 
 weekly amd tri-weekly; The Galveston Civilian and The Confederate 
 were weekly and semi-weekly. 
 
 368 
 
PAPERS PUBLISHED IN 1862. 
 
 During the War of the Rebellion, the greater part of the 
 newspapers suspended. The following it is believed comprises 
 the names of all the papers that were published in January, 
 1862, viz : 
 
 In the East and North San Augustine Express, Palestine Ad- 
 vocate, Tyiler Reporter, Marshall Republican, Jefferson Herald and 
 Gazette, Clarksville Standard, Paris Press, Paris Advocate, Sherman 
 Texian, McKinney Messenger, Weatherford Whiteman, Dallas 
 Herald. 
 
 In the West and South Huntsville Item, Galveston News, Gal- 
 veston Civilian, Houston Telegraph, Bellville Countryman, Wash- 
 ington Ranger, Waco South West, Norton's Southern Intelligencer, 
 State Gazette, San Antonio Herald, San Antonio News, Goliad Mes- 
 senger, Victoria Advocate, Gonzales Inquirer, Seguin Confederacy, 
 Fort Brown Flag. 
 
 The number soon dwindled down to eight or ten, and 
 scarcely any of them kept consecutive issues. The value of 
 printing paper became obvious to all ; and some papers of 
 the period were published on fool's cap paper, wrapper paper, 
 tea paper, and wall paper paper of every shade and hue was 
 used, being bought at enormous war prices. Bulletins were 
 issued upon scraps of every kind, and people, thirsting and 
 famishing for news, were mighty glad to get anything of 
 printed character. 
 
 369 
 
PAPERS PUBLISHED IN 1867. 
 
 After the War terminated, newspapers multiplied and 
 increased and in 1867 the following regularly published news- 
 papers were in existence within the limits of the first and 
 second Congressional Districts : 
 
 In East Texas. 
 
 Liberty Gazette, Dem., T. J. Chambers, Liberty; Crockett Sen- 
 tinel, De,m., A. D. Elam & Co., Crockett; Argus, Dem., Joe A. and 
 E. M. Kirgan, Livingston; Red Land Express, Dem., McClanahan 
 & Pluckett, San Augustine; Nacogdoches Chronicle, Dem., Win. 
 Clark, Nacogdoches; Trinity News, Dem., W. F. Hamilton & Co., 
 Palestine, Trinity Advocate, Dem., McClure & Ewing, Palestine; 
 Henderson Times, Dem., J. M. Dod'son, Henderson; Texas Ob- 
 server, Dem., D. A. Veitch and L. H. Reed, Rusk; Harrison Flag; 
 Dem., W. G. Barrett, Marshall; Texas Republican, Dem., R. W. 
 Loughery, Marshall; Jimplecute, Dem., Taylor & Morgan, Jefferson; 
 Norton's Union Intelligencer, Rep., Jefferson; Clarion, Dem., Jef- 
 ferson; Times, Dem., R. W. Loughery and A. D. McCutdhen, 
 Jefferson; Christian, Dem., Jefferson; Christian Companion, Bapt., J. R. 
 Clark, Jefferson; Jefferson Register, Presb., Carper & Chadwick, 
 Jefferson; Sentinel, Gilmer; Tribune, Irvin Cowsar, Gilmer; Quitman 
 Clipper, A. P. and E. D. Shuford, Quitman; Reporter, Dem., W. F. 
 Hamilton & Co., Tyler; Journal!, Tyler; National Index, Rep., Tyler; 
 Paris Press, Rep., F. W. Miner, Paris; Texas Star, Dem., H. W. 
 Kyser, Kaufman; McKinney Enquirer, Dem., Gresham & Murray, 
 McKinney; McKinney Messenger, Rep., J. W. Thomas, McKinney; 
 Times, Dem., Weather-ford; Herald, Dem., J. W. Swindells, Dallas. 
 
 In Western Texas. 
 
 News, Dem., W. Richardson & Co., Galveston; Civilian and 
 Gazette, Dem., H. Stuart, Galveston; Bulletin, Dem., Ferdinand 
 Flake, Galveston; Herald, Bapt., Rev. J. B. Link, Houston; Tele- 
 graph, Dem., Rev. C. C. Gillespie, Houston; Journal, Dem., Diamond, 
 Purdom & Co., Houston; Merchants' Transcript, Dem., W N. 
 Bryant & Co., Houston; Christian Advocate, Meth., I. D. John, 
 Houston; Signal, Dem., Ed Bailey, Richmond; Texas Country-man, 
 Dem., J. P. Osterhout, Bellville; New Era, Dem., N. C. and W. B. 
 Rives, La Grange; Bastrop Advertiser, Dem., W. J. and T. C. Cain, 
 
 370 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Bastrop; States Rights Democrat, Dem., Victor W. Thompson, La 
 Grange; Christian Philanthropist, Religious, Dr. C. Kendrick, Bas- 
 trop; Colorado Citizen, Dem., J. D. Baker & Brtos., Columbus; 
 Brenham Enquirer, Dem., D. H. Rankin, Brenham; Southern Banner, 
 Dem., Me Gary & Roff, Brenham; Texas Ranger, Dem., Jos. Lan- 
 caster, Navasota; Semi-Weekly Register, Rep., Denison & Chase, 
 Waco; Republican, Dem., E. A. McKinney, Waco; Item, Dem., 
 George Ro>binson, Huntsville; Central Texas Record, Dem., W. 
 Lam'bert, Aniders-on (Grimes County); Southern Intelligencer, Rep., 
 Brown & Foster, Austin; State Gazette, Dem., Joe Walker, Austin; 
 Inquirer, Dem., S. W. Smith, Gonzales; Intelligencer, Dem., R. W. 
 Pierce, Goliad; Zeitung (German), Dem., M. Lindheimer, New 
 Braunfels; Western Texian, Dem., Seguin; Pioneer, Dem., J. More- 
 land, Fairfieldi; Observer, Dem., Dan Donaldson, Corsicana; Com- 
 mercial, Dem., D. B. Freeman & Co., Lavaca County; Times, Dem., 
 S. A. Benton, Indianola (Calhoun County); Advocate, Dem., James 
 S. Ferguson, Victoria; Advertiser, Dem., W. H. Maltby, Corpus 
 Christi; Ledger, Dem., T. M. and W. J. Smith, San Antonio; Herald, 
 Dem., Logan & Sweet, San Antonio; Express, Rep., Siemering & 
 Pollmar, San Antonio; Freie Presse, German, Siemering & Pollmar, 
 San Antonio; Rio> Grande Courier, Dem., E. R. Claudon & Co., 
 Brownsville; Rancihero, Dem., Maltby & Kinney, Brownsville; Times, 
 Dem., Brownsville; Lone Star, Dem., Navasota; Convention, Dem., 
 Corpus Christi. 
 
 Summary for East Texas Democratic, 21; Republican, 6; Re- 
 ligious, 2. No daily, and only one semi-weekly, The Jimplecute. 
 
 Summary for West Texas Democratic, 37; Republican, 3; Reli- 
 gious, 3. Dailies: Telegraph and Journal, Galvesto.n Civilian and 
 Gazette, Galveston News, Flake's Bulletin, Brownsville Courier and 
 Ranchero, San Antonio Herald. Semi-Weekly: Waco Register. 
 Tri- Weekly: Staite Gazette, San Antonio Ledger, Galveston News, 
 Galveston Civilian and Gazette, Flake's Bulletin, Houston Telegraph, 
 Houston Journal. 
 
 371 
 
ROSTER OF THE TEXAS PRESS, JANUARY, 1875. 
 
 Anderson Home Journal, Joe A. Kirgan. 
 
 Athens Bulletin, C. W. Hutchinson; Farmer and Granger, Mrs. A. 
 E. Hutchinson. 
 
 Austin State Gazette, J. D. Elliott; Democratic Statesman; Caldwell 
 & Walker; Staatz Bulletin, C. Von BiO'eckman & Son. 
 
 Bastrop Advertiser, T. C. Cain. 
 
 Brenham Volksblatt, Henry Muller; Banner, John G. Rankin. 
 
 Belton Journal, J. G. Bates, Review. 
 
 Bonham News, W. T. Gass; Nortih (Texas) Enterprise, Tom R. 
 Burnett. 
 
 Brownsville Democrat (English and Spanish), Democratic Com- 
 mittee; Ranchero, J. I,. Mansur. 
 
 Bryan Appeal, Goodwin & Smith. 
 
 Bremond Sentinel, R. R. Gilbert. 
 
 Burnet Bulletin. 
 
 Calvert Central Texas (Texan), J. W. Billington & Co.; Farm and 
 Home, C. E. Brown & Co. 
 
 Clarksville Standard, Charles DeMorse; Times, E. P. Rutherford. 
 
 Cleburne Chronicle, J. W. Graves. 
 
 Comanche Chief, Beeman & Hill. 
 
 Corpus Christi Valley Times, H. Taylor & Beeman; Gazette, Jas. 
 R. Bernard & Son. 
 
 Corsicana Observer, R. A. Van Horn. 
 
 Columbus Citizen, Ben Baker. 
 
 Crockett East Texas Herald, Leaverton & Ledwith. 
 
 Cuero Star. 
 
 Dallas Union Intelligencer, A. B. Norton; Herald, J. W. Swindells; 
 Commercial, G. A. Cutler. 
 
 Decatur Advance-Guard, Stanfield & Robinson. 
 
 Denison News, B. C. Murray; Times, N. R. Baker. 
 
 Denton Monitor, C. W. Geers; Review, Geo. R. Teed. 
 
 Ennis Argus, J. C. Rushing. 
 
 Fort Worth Democrat, B. B. Paddock; Standard, J. K. Millican. 
 
 Fredericksburg Sentinel, Wach tenblat. 
 
 Galveston News, Richardson, Belo & Co., Civilian; W. P. Pascoe; 
 Christian Advocate, Advocate Publishing Co.; M'ercury, J. H. Bak- 
 er; Times, Loughery & Van Horn; German Gazette, Erhardt & 
 Aiters; Diocese of Texas, Episcopal Church; Post (German), 
 H. Deiitzel & Co. 
 
 372 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Gainesville Gazette, Bailey, Choice & Dodson. 
 
 Gatesville Sun. 
 
 Greenville Herald, H. E. Monroe. 
 
 Giddings Tribune. 
 
 Georgetown Democrat, A. S. Reed; Record, W. K. Poster. 
 
 Goliad Guard,, Davis & TaJley. 
 
 Gonzales South Western Index, W. D. F. Cook; Inquirer, S. W. 
 
 Smith. 
 
 Granbury Vidette, Bond & Garland. 
 Hallettsville Herald and Planter, S. Lee Kyle. 
 Hallville News, C. L. Martin. 
 Henderson Times, W. W. Spivey. 
 Hempstead Courier, Newman & Farr; Messenger, Riddle & 
 
 Hieronymus. 
 Houston Telegraph, A. C. Gray; Baptist Herald. J. B. Link; Age, 
 
 Small & Hardcastle; Texas German Gazette, Hugo Lehman. 
 Huntsville Item, George Rdbinson. 
 Hillsboro Expositor. 
 Indianola Bulletin, C. A. Ogsbury. 
 Jacksonville Intelligencer. 
 
 Jasper Newsboy, J. Caraway; Democrat, E. I. Kellie; Baptist . 
 
 Jefferson Jimplecute, Taylor, Morgan & Co.; Leader, W. Y. Leadei. 
 
 Kaufman Star, G. W. Clark. 
 
 Ladonia Courier. 
 
 LaGrange Nietw Era, J. I. Gossler; Record, Gregory & Phelps. 
 
 Laredo Two Eagles, J. H. Tucker & Co. 
 
 Lockhart News Echo, Farris & Bowen. 
 
 Longview New Era. 
 
 Marlin Moving Ball, T. C. Oltorf. 
 
 Marshall Bast Texas Bulletin, H. Hamments. 
 
 McKinney Enquirer, J. H. Bingham. 
 
 Mexia Ledger, J. W. Fishburn. 
 
 Mineola Texas Citizen, J. R. Ward. 
 
 Navasota Tablet, P. A. Smith. 
 
 New Braunfels Zeiitung, A. Eiband. 
 
 Oakville Tribune. 
 
 Palestine Trinity Advocate, Ewing & Hunter; New Era, T. J. 
 
 Chambers'. 
 Paris Press, Lewis & Hamner; North Texan, E. L. Dohonev; 
 
 Religious Messenger, R. C. Buckner. 
 Piano News, Son & Routh. 
 
 Pleasanton Stock Journal, J. D. Logan & Co. 
 
 373 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Richmond Four Counties, Dr. Henry ParnaM. 
 
 Rockdale Milam Messenger, McGregor & Muir. 
 
 Rockport Transcript, C. F. Bailey. 
 
 Rusk Observer, Jackson & Wilson. 
 
 Salado News Letter, E. W. Billings. 
 
 San Antonio Herald, Herald Publishing Co.; Express, Siemering & 
 Co.; Freie Presse Fuer Texas, Siemering & Co. 
 
 San Marcos Free Press, I. H. Julian. 
 
 San Saba News, Melton & Millican. 
 
 Seguin Guadalupe Times, S. Wright & Son. 
 
 Sherman Courier, Crooks & James; Patriot, A. L. Darnall; Regis- 
 ter, Martin & Stockton. 
 
 Sulphur Springs^Gazette, B. W. Reiley; Temperance Vidette, Vic 
 Rheinhardt. 
 
 Stephenville Western Empire, E. B. and S. F. Scott. 
 
 Terrell Press, J. T. Walker. 
 
 Texarkana Gate City News, J. C. Bayne; Democrat. 
 
 Tyler Reporter, D. C. Williams & Co.; National Index, H. C. Hunt 
 & Co.; Democrat, L. H. Beaird. 
 
 Victoria Advocate, E. D. Linn. 
 
 Weatherford Times, Ducket & Tucker. 
 
 Waxahachie Ellis County News, C. R. Gibson. 
 
 Waco Examiner and Patron, J. W. Downs; Register, W. R. Chase; 
 Advance, G. B. Gerald; Texas Odd Fellow, J. K. Street. 
 
 374 
 
ROSTER OF THE TEXAS PRESS, MAY 15, 1886. 
 
 Abilene, Reporter. Bellville, Austin County Times. 
 
 News. Standard. 
 
 Albany, News. Belton, Journal. 
 Alexander, Tribune. Reporter. 
 
 Free Lance. Bennet, New Era. 
 
 Anderson, Evening Star. Big Spring, Pantagraph. 
 
 Anson, Texas Western. Black Jack, Post. 
 
 Aquilla, Gospel Flame. Blanco, News. 
 Atlanta, Citizens Journal. Star Vindicator. 
 
 Arlington, World. Blossom Prairie, Bee. 
 
 Aurora, Tyler's News. Boerne, Advance. 
 Athens, Athenian. Republikaner. 
 
 Review. Bonham, Christian Messenger. 
 Austin, Dispatch. News. 
 
 Statesman. Review. 
 
 Sun. Farmers' Record. 
 
 Texas Sittings. Bowie, Cross Timbers. 
 
 Texas Weekly. Exchange. 
 
 Southern Homeopathic Pellet.Bracket, News. 
 
 South Western Poultry Raiser.Brady, Sentinel. 
 
 Mail. Breckenridge, Texan. 
 
 El Espector Mexicana. Brazoria, Independent. 
 
 Sunday Avalanche. Pioneer. 
 
 Texas Vorwarts. Brenham, Banner. 
 
 Wochenblatt. Texas Volksbote. 
 
 Texas Churchman. Texas Staats Zeitung. 
 
 State Journal. Business Bulletin. 
 
 Record. Brownsville, Cosmopolitan. 
 
 Musical Home and Literary Times. 
 
 Journal. Plain Talk. 
 
 Sunday Tidings. Brownwood, Bulletin. 
 
 Daniel's Medical Journal. Brown County Banner. 
 
 Texas University. Bryan, Brazos Pilot. 
 Baird, Callahan County Clarendon. Enterprise. 
 Bandera, Bugle. Temperance Banner. 
 
 Enterprise. Star and Crescent. 
 
 Bastrop, Advertiser. Blade. 
 
 Beaumont, Enterprise. Burkville, Newton County Record. 
 
 375 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Burnet, Bulletin. 
 
 Once-A-Week. 
 Caldwell, Register. 
 
 News. 
 Calvcrt, Courier. 
 
 Seven Mansions. 
 
 Conservative. 
 
 Criterion. 
 Cameron, Herald. 
 
 Milam County Democrat. 
 Canton, Telephone. 
 Carrizo Springs, Times. 
 Carthage, Panola Watchman. 
 Center, Laborer's Champion. 
 Centerville, Democrat. 
 Chico, Bee. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Cisco, Round-Up. 
 Clarendon, Northwest Texan. 
 Clarksville, Times. 
 
 Standard. 
 Cleburne, Telegram. 
 
 True Democrat. 
 
 Chronicle. 
 
 News. 
 
 Clifton, Sentinel. 
 Coleman, Voice. 
 Collinsville, Times. 
 Colorado, Clipper. 
 
 Sunday Graphic. 
 Columbus, Colorado Citizen. 
 Comanche, Chief. 
 Cooper, Delta County Banner. 
 
 Courier. 
 Corn Hill, Express. 
 
 Clipper. 
 Corpus Christi, Critic. 
 
 Caller. 
 Corsicana, Courier. 
 
 Observer. 
 
 Journal. 
 
 Bible Advocate. 
 
 Methodist Protestant. 
 
 Texas Prairie. 
 
 Democrat. 
 Cotulla, Ledger. 
 Crawford, Yeoman. 
 Crockett, Texas Patron. 
 Cuero, Bulletin. 
 
 Herald. 
 
 Dur Deutsche. 
 
 Star. 
 Daingerfield, Morris County 
 
 Herald. 
 Dallas, Intelligencer. 
 
 News. 
 
 Home and Sunday School. 
 
 Liquor Dealers' Journal. 
 
 Sunny Clime. 
 
 Texas Volksblatt. 
 
 Herald of Truth. 
 
 Texas Plowman and Estray 
 Record. 
 
 The Texas Baptist. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Living Issue. 
 
 Mercury. 
 
 Texas Labor News. 
 
 Colored Methodist. 
 
 Texas Farm and Ranch. 
 
 Prohibition Advocate. 
 
 Baptist Preacher. 
 
 Sun. 
 
 Tarantula. 
 
 Texas Dental Journal. 
 
 Dept. Mill Gin. 
 
 Herald. 
 
 Del Rio, Dot. 
 Decatur, Democrat. 
 
 Post. 
 
 Tribune. 
 
 Wise County Messenger. 
 
 376 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Denison, Evening Journal. 
 
 Gate City. 
 
 Herald News. 
 
 Sunday Gazetteer. 
 De Leon, Messenger. 
 Denton, Chronicle. 
 
 Post. 
 
 Monitor. 
 
 Dentonian. 
 Deport, Red Man. 
 Dodd City, Spectator. 
 Dublin, Enterprise. 
 
 Telephone. 
 
 Duck Creek, Rustler. 
 Eagle Pass, Journal. 
 
 Maverick. 
 Eastland, Headlight. 
 
 Anchor. 
 Elgin, Times. 
 Edna, Progress. 
 Ennis, Recorder. 
 
 Saturday Review. 
 
 Ellis County Trumpet and 
 
 Texas Emigrationist. 
 El Paso, Times. 
 
 Lone Star. 
 
 International Live Stock, 
 
 Land and Mining Journal. 
 
 Sunday Herald. 
 Fairfield, Recorder. 
 Fort Worth, Democrat. 
 
 Gazette. 
 
 Evening Mail. 
 
 Trade Review. 
 
 Merchant and Manufacturer. 
 
 Free Mason. 
 
 Methodist Advocate. 
 
 Labor Siftings. 
 
 Texas Commercial. 
 
 Texas Live Stock Journal. 
 
 Texas Methodist. 
 
 Texas Rail and Wire. 
 
 Texas Courier-Record of 
 Medicine. 
 
 Gazetteer. 
 
 Stolen List. 
 
 Sunday Mirror. 
 
 Youth and Age. 
 T' r , r ^^ ( , v jn ( . Times. 
 Flatonia, Argus. 
 Floresville, Western Texas 
 
 Chronicle. 
 Forney, Register. 
 
 New Century. 
 Fort Davis, Apache Rocket. 
 
 Presidio County News. 
 Franklin, Paper. 
 Fredericksburg, Fredericksburger 
 
 Wochenblatt. 
 Galveston, Civilian. 
 
 Die Texas Post. 
 
 Evening Record. 
 
 News. 
 
 Opera Glass. 
 
 Farmer. 
 
 South Western Poultry Jour- 
 nal. 
 
 Labor Advocate. 
 
 Texas Christian Advocate. 
 
 Silk Culturist and Home 
 Journal. 
 
 Merchant and Manufacturer. 
 
 Evening Tribune. 
 
 Texas Monitor. 
 Gainesville, Hesperian. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Cook County Independent. 
 
 Register. 
 
 Garrett. Morris Breeze. 
 Gatesville, Advance-Sun. 
 
 Star. 
 
 Georgetown, Williamson County 
 Sun. 
 
 377 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Giddings, Advocate. 
 Gilmer, Texas Mirror. 
 Glen Rose, Citizen. 
 Goliad, Guard. 
 Goldthwaite, Mountaineer. 
 Gordon, Courier. 
 Gonzales, Inquirer. 
 
 Gazette. 
 Graham, Young County News. 
 
 Leader. 
 Granbury, Graphic. 
 
 News. 
 Greenville, Appeal. 
 
 Banner. 
 
 Post. 
 
 Magnolia. 
 
 Labor Echo. 
 
 National Reformer. 
 
 Sunday Morning Caller. 
 
 Texas Deutsche Zeitung. 
 
 Railway Traveler. 
 
 School Journal. 
 
 Houstoner Anzeiger. 
 Henrietta, Texas Independent. 
 Hubbard City, News. 
 Huntsville, Item. 
 Itasca, Signal. 
 Jacksboro, Rural Citizen. 
 Jacksonville, Intelligencer. 
 
 Herald. 
 
 Groesbeck, Limestone New Era. Jasper, Newsboy. 
 Hallettsville, Herald and Planter. Jewett, Messenger. 
 
 Hamilton, Herald. 
 Hardeman, Mirror. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Haskell City, Free Press. 
 Hemphill, Reporter. 
 Hempstead, Leader. 
 
 Advocate. 
 
 Seven Mansions. 
 
 Jefferson, Jimplecute. 
 
 Wide-Awake. 
 
 Iron News. 
 Kaufman, Sun. 
 Junction City, Clipper. 
 Kerens, Light. 
 Kerrville, Eye. 
 Kyle, Hayes County News. 
 
 Henderson, Rusk County News. Kosse, Cyclone. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Educator. 
 Hico, Reporter. 
 
 Commercial. 
 
 Courier. 
 Hillsboro, Hill County Visitor. 
 
 Mirror. 
 Hondo City, Medina County 
 
 News. 
 Honey Grove, Independent. 
 
 Simoon. 
 
 Herald. 
 Houston, Age. 
 
 Chronicle. 
 
 Herald. 
 
 Journal. 
 
 Kingston, Chronicle. 
 La Grange, Journal. 
 
 Svoboda. 
 Lampasas, Commercial. 
 
 Enterprise. 
 
 Christian Citizen. 
 
 Eagle. 
 
 Dispatch. 
 
 Local Preacher. 
 
 Paper. 
 Laredo, El Horizonte. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Diputado. 
 
 Lewisvillc, Headlight. 
 Linden, Cass County Sun. 
 
 378 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Liberty, Observer. 
 Little Elm, Investigater. 
 Liano, Rural. 
 Lockhart, Register. 
 Lone Oak, Call. 
 Longview, Democrat. 
 Surprise. 
 
 Texas New Era. 
 Gregg County Clarion. 
 Luling, Wasp. 
 
 Signal. 
 
 McKinney, Black Waxey. 
 McGregor, Plain Dealer. 
 Marienfield, News. 
 Madisonville, Journal. 
 Marlin, Ball. 
 
 Prohibition Advocate. 
 Marshall, Herald. 
 Messenger. 
 South. 
 
 Mason, News. 
 Meridian, Independent Blade. 
 
 Real Estate Journal. 
 Mesquite, Mesquiter. 
 Mexia, Ledger. 
 
 Texas Observer. 
 Trade Journal. 
 Midland, Staked Plains. 
 Midlothian, News. 
 Milsap, Press. 
 Mineola, Monitor. 
 Mobeetie, Panhandle. 
 Montague, Northwest. 
 Mineral Wells, Herald. 
 
 Pilot. 
 
 Moody, Monitor. 
 Moscow, East Texas Pinery. 
 Mt. Pleasant, Texas and St. 
 
 Louis News. 
 
 Mt. Vernon, Franklin Herald. 
 Nacogdoches, News. 
 Star. 
 
 Navasota, Tablet. 
 
 News. 
 
 New Boston, Herald. 
 New Braunfels, Zeitung. 
 
 Post. 
 
 Orange, Tribune. 
 Overton, Sharpshooter. 
 Palestine, Advocate. 
 
 East Texas News. 
 Palo Pinto, Star. 
 Pearsall, News. 
 
 Sun. 
 Paris, Free Tongue. 
 
 Lamar County News. 
 Texas Balance Wheel. 
 Texas Sunday School Worker. 
 North Texan. 
 Tribune. 
 
 Pleasanton, Monitor. 
 Pecos, Star. 
 Pilot Point, Index. 
 
 New Era. 
 Pittsburg, Gazette. 
 Piano, Review. 
 Quitman, Mail. 
 Richmond, Nation. 
 
 Opinion. 
 
 Roanoke, Telephone. 
 Rockdale, Messenger. 
 Rockport, Transcript. 
 Rockwall, Success. 
 Robinson, Advocate of Holiness. 
 Round Rock, Quid Nunc. 
 
 News. 
 
 Runnels, Record. 
 Eagle. 
 News. 
 
 Rusk, Cherokee Standard. 
 Sabine Pass, Times. 
 St. Jo, Times. 
 Herald. 
 
 379 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 San Angelo, Tom Green Enter- Temple, Times. 
 
 prise. 
 
 Standard. 
 San Augustine, Herald. 
 
 Saxon. 
 San Diego, El Progresso. 
 
 El Pueblo. 
 San Antonio, Light. 
 
 Expiess. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Freie Presse Fuer Texas. 
 
 Der Reobachter. 
 
 Church Recprd of Western 
 Texas. 
 
 Texas Stockman. 
 
 Merchant and Manufacturer. 
 
 South West. 
 
 Figaro. 
 
 San Marcos, Free Press. 
 San Saba, News. 
 Savoy, Platonian. 
 
 Messenger. 
 Schulenburg, Gossip. 
 
 Throckmorton, News. 
 Texarkana, Inter-State News. 
 
 Workman. 
 
 Master Workman. 
 Tioga, Times. 
 
 Toyah, Reeves County Mirror. 
 Troup, Vidette. 
 Tyler, Courier. 
 
 Democrat and Reporter. 
 
 Hesperian. 
 Uvalde, News. 
 Van Alstyne, Enterprise. 
 Vernon, Guard. 
 Victoria, Advocate. 
 
 Deutsche Zeitung fuer Texas. 
 Waco, Day. 
 
 Examiner. 
 
 Guardian. 
 
 Harmonia. 
 
 Street's Monthly. 
 
 Alliance Standard. 
 
 Baptist Herald. 
 
 Sealy, Austin County Commoner. Waskom, Citizen Index. 
 
 Seguin, Times. 
 Sherman, Courier. 
 
 Democrat. 
 
 Register. 
 
 Seymour, Crescent. 
 Spanish Fort, New Era. 
 Springtown, Pilot. 
 Stephenville, Empire. 
 Sulphur Springs, Enterprise. 
 
 Gazette. 
 
 Hopkins County Echo. 
 Sunset, Globe. 
 
 Waxahachie, Enterprise. 
 
 Mirror. 
 
 Ellis County Telegraph. 
 
 Marvin College Campus. 
 Walnut, Gazette. 
 Weatherford, Sun. 
 
 Times. 
 
 Wharton, Independent. 
 Whitesboro, News. 
 Weimar, Gimlet. 
 Whitewright, Texas Eagle. 
 
 Plow and Hammer. 
 
 Taylor, Texan. 
 Citizen. 
 
 Sweetwater, Nolan County Record. Whi t ne y> Messenger. 
 
 Wichita Falls, Herald. 
 
 Willis, Index. 
 
 w; "nsboro, Sen-tin el. 
 Thorp Spring, Texas Christian. Wills p oint> Local Chronicle. 
 
 Tehuacana, Trinity Herald. Woodville, Eureka. 
 
 380 
 
CONCLUSION. 
 
 And now, brethren, I have spoken to you of the past, and 
 I have spoken to you of the present, and while to many 
 persons 
 
 "The past is nothing and at last 
 
 The future can but be the past" 
 
 yet do we look cheerfully and with delight into the dark 
 labyrinths of the past, and in a crevice of its rock, moss- 
 covered and hoary, we find a well-spring of pleasure from 
 which we will quaff delicious draughts of inspirations, golden 
 and bright reminiscences. 
 
 I have spoken to you at some length of the earliest papers 
 and their editors and publishers. Of the dead there is no envy ; 
 but of the living, aha ! men are so constituted that as a general 
 thing they listen restlessly to praise of their fellows. But 
 there will be satisfaction to you, my brethren, in my referring 
 to two members of the Texas Press today actively working 
 with the harness on, who have never balked or flickered and 
 yet have pulled true for nearly half a century. 
 
 With a spirit of adventure and with noble self-reliance, 
 a long, thin and slender blade of Kentucky's blue grass region 
 appeared when the Lone Star flag was waving, evidencing a 
 separate nationality, and in 1838 established one of the first 
 papers at Houston; and when the town of Galveston was laid 
 out he moved his office there and there has continued ever 
 since. Under his management the paper became a power in 
 Texas. It was the first tri-weekly and the first daily publica- 
 tion in Galveston ; and in this office, in 1850, was introduced in 
 Texas the' first steam power printing press. The Civilian in the 
 days of the Republic and of the State was a firm supporter of 
 General Houston, and it was for the Constitution and the Union 
 when the secession contest came on ; and though suspended 
 
 381 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 during three years of the War as were most all of the Texas 
 papers, owing to the tightness of the Yankee blockade keeping 
 out paper, etc., it was re-established in 1865 and its publica- 
 tion did not cease till about six months ago, when a piratical 
 black flag bore down upon its material and ruthlessly trampled 
 upon the constitutional rights of a publisher, under a fiction 
 of law robbing the old partner of the founder of his "tools and 
 implements of trade." I say "robbed/' because whoever de- 
 prives a publisher of his means of making a living for himself 
 and family, by any process of law, is nothing else but a thief 
 and a robber and would have been so declared by Judges 
 Hemphill, Lipscomb and Wheeler, or any other judge quali- 
 fied and worthy to occupy their seats. The original founder 
 of The Civilian was some years since invited upon the staff 
 of The News and old "State Press" in its columns always gives 
 useful information, corrects mistakes, talks as a father to the 
 country journals, and adds greatly to the interest of that sheet. 
 
 There came to this country, in 1835, another tall and 
 adventurous young man all the way from the country of 
 New York who volunteered and who fought under the Lone 
 Star banner and performed gallant service as a soldier in the 
 revolutionary struggle. Subsequently he was induced to go up 
 into the Red River country, and there, in 1843, he raised his 
 Standard, and at Clarksville it still proudly waves under the 
 guiding hand of its founder, diffusing knowledge throughout 
 the country 
 
 "As some tall cliff that lifts its awful form, 
 Swells with the breeze and midway leaves the storm ; 
 Though 'round its base the rolling clouds are spread, 
 Eternal sunshine rests upon its head." 
 
 So unto the honored heads of the Cheng and Yeng of 
 our journalism the Ionic and the Corinthian pillars of the 
 Texas Press, who have passed their three score years and ten 
 and are still laboring in the journalistic field today I make 
 my most profound salaam, and I call upon the members of 
 
 382 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 the Texas Press to rise up and invoke blessings for the revered 
 patriots, Charles DeMorse and Hamilton Stuart, while "eternal 
 sunshine rests upon their heads." Truly are these worthies 
 proper illustrations and fitting evidences of our profession. 
 For all their years of toil and worry and strain upon their 
 systems, what have they gained what have they to show? 
 Alas ! nothing worth mentioning as to values the old news- 
 paper files are usually the sole valuables of a newspaper man ; 
 and we cannot but condole with Mr. Stuart in his recent loss, 
 by the great conflagration at Galveston, of his entire files and 
 papers containing the best and most complete history of Gal- 
 veston and of early times in all Texas. These men are the 
 connecting link with the past; representatives of private citi- 
 zens of Texas who work while others play, and who make 
 a country for others to occupy exalted 'positions in. Neither 
 of them has ever sought or been elected to any office in the 
 State, and yet they are better fitted for governor, by experi- 
 ence, observation and study, and by hard, practical sense, than 
 those who usually seek and obtain such exaltation. When 
 high offices are to be filled, newspaper men are ignored. Is it 
 not strange that in this country, where so many printers flock- 
 ed around the standard of independence, and such a vast 
 number of bright men among them, not a single one ever 
 occupied high position? Not a genuine newspaper man ever 
 was thought of for President of the Republic, or any other 
 high office in it ; not one has ever been made Governor of 
 the State, United States Senator, or member of Congress, or 
 filled like exalted position. And yet, you have never thought 
 of this : It has been the province of editors and publishers to 
 make great men, and many of them out of very shabby mater- 
 ial. The political manager throws into the caucus machine 
 such scrubs as offer and the pod Briaerius turns the crank, and 
 out evolves the candidate whose name is to go to the head 
 of your paper free, and whose claims are to be advocated free, 
 because custom has, as it were, established that the editors 
 
 383 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 and publishers shall, alone, of all workmen in the country, 
 contribute their services "free gratis." There is no church, 
 or party, or fair, or exposition, or other thing gotten up, but 
 what the newspaper is expected to contribute to its success ; in 
 truth, almost everything public or private, for the benefit of 
 many or of few, or of one thing only, higgles at prices and 
 demands a free notice or commendation. 
 
 What is the payment we receive for all our toil and labor, 
 our application and industry? Many of us, but a scanty sup- 
 port; the best, only the bread and drink and clothes worn, for 
 "In toils, that praise could never buy 
 You see your lives go past." 
 
 Our lives are of sublime charity, rendering benefactions, 
 doing good ; the true philanthropists self-sacrificing patriots ! 
 The wheels go round and round revolving time finds us on 
 the tread mill. In dreams, with our eyes wide open, every 
 day is spent in a dreamy mood, and still we linger and further 
 dream of something bright in store for us. What a vast 
 amount of energy, patience, promptness, eternal vigilance and 
 moral force is daily put forth without reward and with no 
 prospect of compensation ! 
 
 Notwithstanding all this, and the vexations, annoyances, 
 worriment, difficulties, obstacles and impediments, we rush 
 wildly on. There must be some fascination that cannot be 
 overcome some allurement in the excitement surrounding us 
 that takes us into the rapid current till we glide into a raging, 
 crazy whirlpool that carries us round and round and back 
 again. And still, for all this, brethren, 
 There are times when the storm-gust may rattle around 
 There are spots where the poison shrub grows ; 
 Yet are there not hours when naught else can be found 
 But the south wind, the sunshine and rose? 
 Gather the sweet flowers now while you may, 
 And continue weaving beautiful garlands 
 E'en though the buds and blossoms wither away, 
 
 384 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 And your names be written in the shifting sands. 
 
 But the flowers of the Future, tho' fragrant and fair, 
 
 With the Past's withered leaflets may never compare; 
 
 For dear is each dead leaf, and far dearer each thorn, 
 
 In the wreaths which the brows of our past years have worn. 
 
 As the vine that clings to the oak that falls 
 
 As the ivy that climbs round the crumbling walls ; 
 
 So the dust of the Past some hearts higher prize 
 
 Than stars that flash out from the Future's bright skies. 
 
 Down the dark Future, through long generations, 
 
 The echoing sounds grow fainter, then cease ; 
 
 And like a bell, with solemn, sweet vibrations, 
 
 Clinking type proclaim Press work o'er we're at Peace. 
 
 385 
 
PART IV. 
 
 The First Great Excursion. 
 Editor's and Publishers' Convention of 
 Suggested Rates for Newspaper Space. 
 
 Officers for 1915-16. 
 Roster of Membership in 1915. 
 Tabular Form of Officers, Meeting Places, Etc. 
 
The First Great Excursion 
 
 The meeting of the Texas Press Association in 1882 was 
 held at Houston, April 25, 26 and 27 and was largely attended, 
 it having been announced that at the close of the meeting an 
 excursion would be taken to the Pacific Slope, and many were 
 eager for the trip. At the outset let us digress for a word 
 about the splendid gentleman who was elected president that year. 
 His name was Hal L. Gosling, and at the time he was editor 
 of "The Quill," a lively little sheet published at Castroville, 
 Medina County, more as a diversion and to further the political 
 interests of its editor thian as a money-maker, which fact he 
 openly admitted. Gosling was a university man, a brilliant 
 writer and speaker, but up to that time little known over the 
 state. During the session of the Association he had an oppor- 
 tunity to make a speech, which, like Bryan's "Crown of Thorns" 
 speech, captured everybody, and he was then elected president, 
 and had thte honor of heading the first great excursion of the 
 Association, during which he won the love and esteem of every 
 man in the party. Gosling was a Republican in politics and at 
 the time was seeking the office of U. S. Marshal for the western 
 district of Texas. The second day after the excursion reached 
 San Francisco he received a telegram notifying Mm of his ap- 
 pointment and hurried home. It was the last seen of him by 
 most of the party, since he was foully murdered before he had 
 served in the office two years, and many will recall the fearful 
 tragedy and the grief so keenly felt by all who knew the lovable 
 man. 
 
 But to thte excursion: It was given by the Gould and al- 
 lied railroad interests. The escort of the party was a splendid 
 gentleman named B. W. McCullough, who died soon afterward. 
 It was a "stag party," no ladies being allowed to participate. 
 Leaving Houston over the I. & G. N., the first stop was at 
 
 388 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Palestine, then on to Mineola, where we had supper. At Dallas 
 Col. Ike Standefer met the train with cigars and other things 
 too numerous to mention but which will always be remembered. 
 At Cisco we had breakfast with "Mammy" Hawes, well re- 
 membered by all old westerners. Short stops were made at 
 Baird, Colorado City and Midland, all then small villages, and 
 on Sunday about noon we reached El Paso, where we stopped 
 several hours and where many of the party got their first 
 glimpse of Mexico. From there on through New Mexico and 
 the greater part of Arizona we were escorted by trains of soldiers 
 on account of an Indian outbreak, there having been a battle 
 within sight of the railroad that morning. No stop of any 
 length was made until we reached Los Angeles, then an am- 
 bitious little city of about 25,000 inhabitants, where we had 
 such hospitable treatment, that the writer and several others of 
 the party stopped off there for two or three days on the return 
 to get better acquainted. 
 
 Upon reaching San Francisco the party to some extent dis- 
 banded, smaller parties being made up to take side trips, the rail- 
 road people offering transportation to any point we chose to 
 visit. The largest party on any side trip went down to Monterey, 
 the old capital of California, and on the return stopped off at 
 Leland Stanford's great horse ranch, now the site of the great 
 university. Side trips were made to many points of interest, 
 and altogether it was a splendid trip. 
 
 The writer knows of very few now living who were mem- 
 bers of the party, among whom are Ex-President Milner of the 
 A. & M. College, John R. Rankin of the Brenham Banner, Fred 
 Robinson of the Waco Times-Herald, E. G. Senter of Waco 
 News, W. A. Abey of Ft. Worth and G. C. Merriman of Corpus 
 Christi. Perhaps there are others and he would be glad to hear 
 from any of them. 
 
 Another digression, but in the interest of true history: This 
 excursion not only resulted in a good time and many lasting 
 friendships, but made a governor for Texas. Dr. Yandell, a 
 
 389 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 most pleasant gentleman, of Seguin, was then vice president of 
 the Association. On the trip he took a notion to make his 
 friend, Judge John Ireland, governor, so begun a careful canvas 
 of the party, securing pledges of support, and to the knowledge 
 of this writer offered an important position to a certain promi- 
 nent North Texas editor to gain his support, which promise was 
 kept wihen Ireland became governor. Many in the party wrote 
 strong articles in favor of Ireland and sent them to their papers 
 from California which gave his candidacy such a boom he was 
 elected. 
 
 This sketch is probably longer than our historian expected 
 when he invited the writer to make the contribution, but it has 
 been boiled down to the limit, and we trust it will be of informa- 
 tion, and likewise call back some pleasant memories. 
 
 FRANK GASTON. 
 
 390 
 
Editors' and Publishers' Convention of 1853. 
 
 (Following is an extract from The Star-State Patriot of 
 Marshall in its issue of March 19, 1853, and for whlich I am 
 indebted to W. A. Adair of the Marshall Messenger. The 
 Author) : 
 
 The Jefferson Herald proposes the 9th of June as the time, 
 and Marshall as the place for holding this convention ; and, after 
 a few words of admonition to our friends at San Antonio, 
 proceeds to question us as follows : 
 
 "What say our contemporaries of the Republican and 
 Patriot? Or will our neighbor of the Patriot refuse to com- 
 mune with the Democracy? We hope not. We want to see 
 him, and the 'Journal Man' also, on that occasion because we 
 admire their spunk. And we might possibly get up a revival 
 and succeed in bringing them to a knowledge of the truth as it 
 is in Frank Pierce. Come, gentlemen, let us have a convention 
 at Marshall, on the 9th of June, the anniversary of the battle 
 of Resaca de la Palma. What a glorious opportunity for pent-up 
 eloquence to vulcanize!" 
 
 What say we of the Patriot? Why here's both our 'hands 
 and all our heart, friend Herald, on that suggestion. 'Tis the 
 most sensible thing we have seen in Texas. An editors' con- 
 vention in Marshall is exactly the thing. We want to show 
 the editors of Texas what the people of Marshall can do, and 
 what kind of place we have and intend to make; because we 
 know then the world will soon begin to understand and ap- 
 preciate the intelligence, enterprise, and public spirit of our 
 people. 
 
 Some of you croak in dolorous numbers about expense. 
 Expenses? Who cares for expenses? We have been building 
 Colleges, Institutes, Churches and Hotels every year, and grow- 
 ing rich by the operation. We are now for Railroads, Tele- 
 graphs and Mammoth Hotels. So come along, gentlemen of 
 
 391 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 the quill; we tender you the freedom of the city. Uncle Joe is 
 a wholesouled fellow, and is under bond "never to charge an 
 editor." While we of the Patriot, having a little patch of corn, 
 oats and the like, in the country, pledge ourselves to take care 
 of and provide bountifully for your nags, be they few or many, 
 "free gratis for nothing." 
 
 But will we of the Patriot commune with Democracy? 
 Why, "sartinly, sartinly," nabe Grinsted, provided thte young 
 upstart can be made to comb, wash, and keep its nose clean, 
 and wear a white dicky without whining over its punic faith in 
 the dear people. 
 
 There are two other conditions: First, General Buncombe 
 shall be left at home, and by no means be suffered to hold a 
 seat in the convention. Second: If Democracy thinks it can 
 not hold a Convention without speeches and resolutions to 
 Buncomibe, then we stipulate the Democracy shall show fair 
 play, "honor bright," and allow us of the Journal and Patriot an 
 equal chance to spout out Whiggery, with the whole Democratic 
 corps editorials as an audience. We are a very decent sort of 
 people in Marshall, and if the brat is not yet big enough! to 
 keep out of the fires, and can not be left at home while its 
 nurses (the editors) can hold a private confab as to the ways 
 and means of providing bread and victuals for the little ones, 
 then we vote the convention hall be decorated with birch. Let 
 every one be on 'his good behavior ; and here we offer a sug- 
 gestion : 
 
 The convention should be held at that place where the 
 taste and feelings of the community are most in harmony with 
 the editor's calling. That place of all others, is Marshall. Here, 
 as you all know, we have two papers, doing a fine business. We 
 have preachers, lawyers, doctors and professors, of the first 
 order, and the largest number of students of both sexes and all 
 orders of attainment, by a long odds to be found in the State. 
 Marshall is so substantial, prosperous, and possessed of such 
 enlarged and yet practical views that we are proud of it, and 
 are anxious to show the roo^rn Athens to the editors of Texas. 
 
 392 
 
Suggested Rates for Newspaper Space. 
 
 The following is taken from the report of W. H. Whitley, 
 Chairman of the Committee to investigate prevailing advertising 
 rates charged by the members of the Texas Press Association, 
 the same appearing in the minutes of the 1914 meeting. The 
 rates suggested are thought to be equitable and fair : 
 
 "For papers with a circulation of 750 to 1,000 we suggest 
 a rate of at least 10 cts. an inch for electro matter and 12 1-2 
 cts. for set matter. Contracts for six months or one year to be 
 given a reduction of 15 per cent. 
 
 "For papers with a circulation of 1,250 to 1,500 we suggest 
 a rate of 12 1-2 cts. per inch for electro matter and 15 cts. for 
 set matter. Contracts to allow reduction of 15 per cent. 
 
 "For papers with circulation of 1,500 to 2,000 we suggest 
 a rate of 15 cts. for electros and 20 cts. for set matter. Con- 
 tracts to be given the 15 per cent reduction. 
 
 "For papers with circulation of 2,500 to 3,000 we suggest 
 22 1-2 cts. per inch for electros and 25 cts. for set matter. 
 Contracts to take the 15 per cent discounts." 
 
 393 
 
Officers for 1915-1916 
 
 President Walter B. Whitman, Holland's Magazine Dallas 
 
 Vice-President Henry Edwards, Banner Troup 
 
 Secretary Sam P. Harben, Echo Richardson 
 
 Assistant Secretary R. F. Gates, Tribune Bartlett 
 
 Treasurer C. F. Lehmann San Antonio 
 
 Attorney Clarence E. Gilmore Wills Point 
 
 Essayist Mrs. E. Gertrude Gibbs, Leader La Feria 
 
 Orator W. A. Smith, News San Saba 
 
 Poet J. H. Lowry, Signal Honey Grove 
 
 Historian F. 15. Baillio, Deceased Cleburne 
 
 Flag Custodian J. S. Daly, Progress Dublin 
 
 Executive Committee: C. B. Gillispie, Chronicle, Houston; 
 Will Ti. Whitley, Gazette, Denison ; Frank P. Holland, Sr., 
 Farm - Ranch, Dallas; L. Sherwood Spotts, Fannin County- 
 Favorite, Bonham ; Lee J. Rountree, Commercial, Georgetown ; 
 Tom B. Lusk, News-Herald, Italy. 
 
 394 
 
Roster of Membership in 1915 
 
 Abbott, C. H., S. W. Tel. News Dallas 
 
 Adair, W. A., Messenger Marshall 
 
 Adams, J. M., News Plainview 
 
 Adams, S. W., Wheel Ferris 
 
 Aiken, W. W., Courier Crockett 
 
 Alford, R. A., News Granger 
 
 Allen, E. E., Herald Alto 
 
 Anderson, Geo. S., Reporter Abilene 
 
 Anderson, W. E., Advocate Goree 
 
 Andrew, V. B., Labor Journal Houston 
 
 Armstrong, Z. Starr, News Garland 
 
 Armistead, Geo. D San Antonio 
 
 Arterberry, T. E., Star Savoy 
 
 Atkins, Geo. H., Picayune Beeville 
 
 Atlee, E. G., Democrat Marlin 
 
 Baker, Paul, News Albany 
 
 Baldridge, Robt. L., Record Clifton 
 
 Baldwin, A. C., Tribune . Austin 
 
 Baldwin, Harold, Sentinel Sabinal 
 
 Barnes, Chas. M., So. W. Farmer & Investor San Antonio 
 
 Barnhill, S. W., Texas Railway Journal Fort Worth 
 
 Barrow, D. N., Progressive Farmer Dallas 
 
 Barry, R. W., Bee Beeville 
 
 Beach, H. L., Light San Antonio 
 
 Beard, W. N., Southwest Magazine Fort Worth 
 
 Bell, D. O., Sticker Schulenberg 
 
 Bell, Maurice, Messenger May 
 
 Billings, R. E., Messenger Menard 
 
 Blackshear, Ed F., Examiner-Review Navasota 
 
 Blackwell, N. T., Cotton Oil News Dallas 
 
 Boehmer, Jos. O., News-Guide Eagle Pass 
 
 Boner, C. W., News Bellevue 
 
 Bowen, Wm. A., Journal Arlington 
 
 Bowman, Geo. W., Record Godley 
 
 Boynton, G. H., Herald Hamilton 
 
 Bracewell, E. W., Advertiser Shiro 
 
 Bradbury, R. E., Enterprise Mullin 
 
 Braswell, Sam M 1 ., Express Venus 
 
 Bridges, L. H., Signal Luling 
 
 Briggs, Waverly George, News Galveston 
 
 Broyles, D. C., Concho Herald Paint Rock 
 
 Buckner, T. A., Advance Kerrville 
 
 Buie, W. J., Railway Journal El Paso 
 
 Cage, W. E., Rio Grande Clarion , Pharr 
 
 Callan, Claude, Star-Telegram Ft. Worth 
 
 Calloway, Grade, Chief-Exponent Coman-che 
 
 395 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Calvert, James, Times . Wichita Falls 
 
 Campbell, D. W., Mirror.. _ Hillsboro 
 
 Carlock, E. A., Post Paducah 
 
 Carnes, G. L^, East Texas Register Carthage 
 
 Carpenter, C." M., Star Buda 
 
 Carpenter, W. H., Chief-Exponent Comanche 
 
 Carter, W. T., Herald _'__Killeen 
 
 Gates, R. F., Tribune... Bartlett 
 
 Chambers, C. A., Vindicator Liberty 
 
 Chambers, Lester M., Tribune Winters 
 
 Chambless, J. P., Signal ^ Snyder 
 
 Chekal, F. C., News Loraine 
 
 Chesnutt, Su D., Advance Kenedy 
 
 Childress, Miss Carrie F., Record Sipe Springs 
 
 Church, Chas. M., Signal Sunset 
 
 Clendenin, M., Star Burkburnett 
 
 Coates, D. B., Chronicle Kilgore 
 
 Cobb, W. M Cameron 
 
 Coleman, Cyrus, Independent . Henrietta 
 
 Collins, Dick, Wise Co. Messenger Decatur 
 
 Collins, W. B., News Llano 
 
 Connor, Robt. E., Enterprise Lexington 
 
 Cooke, W. E., The Fact Victoria 
 
 Cooke, John E., Reporter Rockdale 
 
 Cooper, Tom, Messenger Miles 
 
 Coulter, C. R., Tribune Stephenville 
 
 Councill, Claud, News Alvord 
 
 Cousins, W. H., So. Phar. Journal '___Dallas 
 
 Cox, C. C., Sun Wolfe City 
 
 Craig, R. T., Times Chandler 
 
 Crisp, A. S., Star Cuero 
 
 Crosby, Jas. L., Herald Detroit 
 
 Cummins, D. H., Sentinel Brownsville 
 
 Curtis, W. T., The Central Messenger Brownwood 
 
 Daley, J. S., Progress Dublin 
 
 Daniels, M. P., Daytonite Dayton 
 
 Davenport, J. H., American ..Austin 
 
 Davis, John E., Mesquiter Mesquite 
 
 Davis, Lon, News Sealy 
 
 Davis, W. S., Tribune Rockport 
 
 Davis, Sam J., Courier Chann'ng 
 
 Dealey, G. B., Morning News Dallas 
 
 Deer, Zenos, News Bishop 
 
 Devall, Chas R., Optic-Herald Mt. Vernon 
 
 Dicus, Jv. E., News Bonham 
 
 Dietze, Aug. C., Citation Karnes City 
 
 Dionne, J. C., Gulf Coast Lumberman ^.Houston 
 
 Dixon, Sam H., Texas Farm and Fireside Houston 
 
 Donnell, B. D., Times Wichita Falls 
 
 Drew, Monroe, Herald Kaufman 
 
 Dufepse, W. L., News - Devine 
 
 396 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Dunkerly, G. G., Daily News Ennis 
 
 Dunlap, Levi A., Tribune Meridian 
 
 Eason, Ed P., Enterprise Winters 
 
 Easterling, W. C., Stockman Ozona 
 
 Edgecombe, W. J., S. W. Independent San Antonio 
 
 Edwards, R. J., Record & Chronicle Denton 
 
 Edwards, W. C., Record & Chronicle Denton 
 
 Edwards, Henry, Banner Troup 
 
 Ellis, H. E., Herald Denison 
 
 Ellis, W. M., Press-Journal -Rusk 
 
 Ernst, Albert, Zeitung Victoria 
 
 Estes, Jack H., News Dallas 
 
 Evans, B. Q., Free Lance Dallas-Greenville 
 
 Evans, Alhley, News Bonham 
 
 Ezzell, Frank Ferris 
 
 Farrell, Miss Ida M., Review Glazier 
 
 Faulkner, G. W., News Santa Anna 
 
 Faubion, H. E., Messenger Marble Falls 
 
 Findley, S, C., Ft. Worth Record Comanche 
 
 Finty, Tom., Jr., Evening Journal Dallas 
 
 Fisher, Harry, Leader Humble 
 
 Fisk, G., Post-Signal Pilot Point 
 
 Fitzgerald, H. N., Record Ft. Worth 
 
 Florer, M. W., N-ews Dallas 
 
 Folsom, Andrew W., Democrat Corpus Christi 
 
 Ford, Ben Farmersville 
 
 Fore, Sam., Jr., Chronicle-Journal Floresville 
 
 Foster, M. E., Chronicle Houston 
 
 Fox, R. L., Courier Moody 
 
 Galbraith, H'., Transcript Terrell 
 
 Gaston, Frank, News Granbury 
 
 Gates, R. A., Record Centerville 
 
 Gay, J. W., Advance Crawford 
 
 Getzendaner, F. M., Leader-News Uvalde 
 
 Gibbs, H. A., Star Harlingen 
 
 Gibbs, Mrs. E. Gertrude, Leader La Feria 
 
 Gillespie, C. B., Chronicle Houston 
 
 Gilliland, W. E., Star Baird 
 
 Gilmore, C. E., Life Member Wills Point 
 
 Goar, L. G., Blanco Co. Record Johnson City 
 
 Gooch, Tom C., Times-Herald Dallas 
 
 Goeth, E San Antonio 
 
 Goff, C. W San Angelo 
 
 Gould, John, Daily Times Wichita Falls 
 
 Greer, James A., Gazette Gustine 
 
 Greer, Wyche, Star-Telegram Ft. Worth 
 
 Gregg, J. J., X-Ray - Rising Star 
 
 Gresham, R. O., Mirror Temple 
 
 Gresham, O. P., Pythian Banner-Knight Temple 
 
 Grundy, John, Herald Byers 
 
 Hair, Jas. S., News Holland 
 
 397 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Hall, J. D., Review Rule 
 
 Hambrick, Emmett R., Times-Herald Dallas 
 
 Hamilton, H. V., Herald Palestine 
 
 Hamner, Miss Laura V., News Claude 
 
 Haney, E. P., Tribune Wichita Falls 
 
 Harben, Sam P., Echo Richardson 
 
 Hardin, J. Roy, Post Kaufman 
 
 Hardy, J. S., Signal-Light Snyder 
 
 Harigel, B. F., Journal LaGrange 
 
 Harris, A. J., Argus Aubrey 
 
 Harris, D. R., Rusk County News Henderson 
 
 Harris, Will A Dallas 
 
 Harrison, O. C., Baylor Co. Banner Seymour 
 
 Hart, W. D., Review. Cooper 
 
 Hart, Sterling, Journal Commerce 
 
 Haskell, Fred L., Index Childress 
 
 Haskett, L. E., Index Childress 
 
 Hawkins, Will T., Free Press De Leon 
 
 Hawkins, W. H., Empire Stephenville 
 
 Hayden, W. G., Herald ,___Big Springs 
 
 Hays, Webster F., Herald Mt. Enterprise 
 
 Henslee, L. P., Review Cross Plains 
 
 Herndon, Fred M., Knox Co. Journal Knox City 
 
 Hobby, William P., Enterprise Beaumont 
 
 Hoefgen, Wm. L., Dispatch San Antonio 
 
 Holland, Frank P., Farm and Ranch Dallas 
 
 Holland, Frank P., Jr., Holland's Magazine Dallas 
 
 Holland, R. V., Holland's Magazine Dallas 
 
 Holloway, Sam C., Times Deport 
 
 Hollingsworth, R. G., Democrat-Voice Coleman 
 
 Holford, Will A., Taylor Co. Times Abilene 
 
 Horton, Fred E., Banner Greenville 
 
 Howard, Ed, Times Wichita Falls 
 
 Howerton, James, Herald Hallettsvilee 
 
 Howerton, J. C., Record Cuerq 
 
 Houx, N. P., Evening News and State Herald Mexia 
 
 Hoyt, L. T., Tribune Mercedes 
 
 Hudson, Richard, Times Farmersville 
 
 Hudson, R. M Dallas 
 
 Hulbert, E. M,, Herald Lancaster 
 
 Hunter, G: O., Democrat Sherman 
 
 Hunter, E. C., Democrat Sherman 
 
 Hughes, Mrs. C. M., Spectator Wharton 
 
 Hurr, Henry, Argus Flatonia 
 
 Inglish, G. L., Leader Stamford 
 
 Jackson, H. H., Democrat-Voice Coleman 
 
 Jamison, F. R., Record Canadian 
 
 Johnson, W. A., Hall County Herald. Memphis 
 
 Johnston, Harry M., Times El Paso 
 
 Johnston, R. M., Post Houston 
 
 Justiss, A. N., Courier-Light Corsicana 
 
 398 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Keist, .Edwin J., Times-Herald Dallas 
 
 Kempton, J. F., Jr., Holland's Magazine Dallas 
 
 Kennedy, J. M., Democrat Marlin 
 
 Koch, Harry, Tribune-Chief Quanah 
 
 Kirgan, L. C., Recorder Fairfield 
 
 Kirwan, Geo. B., Journal Riviera 
 
 Lane. J. Felton, Democrat Hearne 
 
 Laney, J. E., Star Burkburnett 
 
 Lawley, Ira, Journal Groesbeck 
 
 Lehmann, C. F., Treasurer, Box 817 San Antonio 
 
 Lewis, J. M., Post Houston 
 
 Leverett, W. W., Signal Gainesville 
 
 Lillie, T. W., Southwest Retailer San Antonio 
 
 Lindenberg, H. A., Times Yoakum 
 
 Linton, Miss Clara, Record & Rustler Hamilton 
 
 Littlepage, F. M., Blade Bowie 
 
 Lochridge, Lloyd P., Statesman Austin 
 
 Locke, T. G., Reporter Fowlerton 
 
 Lockhart, R. B., Gazette Pittsburg 
 
 Loring, V. JVT'., Mason Co. News Mason 
 
 Lowry, J.. H., Signal __Honey Grove 
 
 Lubben. John F., News Galveston 
 
 Luker, A. H., Messenger Grapeland 
 
 Lunsford, John R., American Austin 
 
 Manley, C. E., Record 
 
 Lusk, Thps. B., News-Herald Italy 
 
 Logsdon, Ernest, 1437 2nd Ave , Dallas 
 
 Manson, Edward L., Mirror McGregor 
 
 Marshall, J. G., Morning News Paris 
 
 Massengill, Fred L., Tribune Terrell 
 
 May, R. C., Graphic Leonard 
 
 Mayes, Will H., Texas Journalist .Austin 
 
 Mayes, H. F., Banner-Bulletin Brownwood 
 
 Mays, John R., Courier-Light Corsicana 
 
 McCaleb, J. L Carrizo Springs 
 
 McCarty, Bruce W., Headlight Eagle Lake 
 
 McCollum, A. R., Tribune Waco 
 
 McDougal, H. A., Courier-Times Tyler 
 
 McConnell, Amos C., Call Vernon 
 
 McElreath, Frank, Four States Press Texarkana 
 
 McFarland, M. M., Avalanche Alpine 
 
 McGuirk, E. J., Picayune . Calvert 
 
 McKee, Cora May, Citizen Frankston 
 
 McKnight, H. L., Eagle Bryan 
 
 McLemore, Jeff, State Topics Houston 
 
 McMasters, C. H., Tribune Galveston 
 
 McNaughton, G. A., Herald San Marcos 
 
 Meoklin, R. C., Record Kingsville 
 
 Medlin, Will A, News-Times Royse City 
 
 Middleton, Miss Mattie Waxahachie 
 
 Miller, H., Bowie County News New Bostpn 
 
 399 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Miller, S. E., Index Mineral Wells 
 
 Mitchell, Mrs. Grace I., Reporter Robstown 
 
 Molloy, T. J., Times _Timpson 
 
 Moore, Joe M., News Lone Oak 
 
 Moritz, Isadore, Monitor McAllen 
 
 Moyer, J. D., Citizen * Honey Grove 
 
 Mrazek, Chas., Citizen , Columbus 
 
 Mueller, Henry, Volksbate Brenham 
 
 Murray, B. C., Gazeteer Denison 
 
 Neal, Miss M. E., Register Carthage 
 
 Neel, W. S., Daytonite Dayton 
 
 Nelson, H. P., Banner Greenville 
 
 Neu, G. W., Banner Brenham 
 
 Nichols, C. M., Kimble Co Citizen Junction 
 
 O'Neill, 'M. E., Journal Frisco 
 
 Ousley, Clarence N., College Station 
 
 Palmer, G. J. Post Houston 
 
 Perkins, A. W., Home & State Dallas 
 
 Perkins, Tom W., Daily Courier-Gazette McKinney 
 
 Perry, J. S., Daily Telegram Temple 
 
 Phillips, R, K., Democrat Weatherford 
 
 Phillips, 'C. L., News Milford 
 
 Phillips, J. A., Messenger Greenville 
 
 Poole, T. R., Herald Greenville 
 
 Poole, O. H., Review Cleburne 
 
 Pope, J. L., News Amarillo 
 
 Price, Will W., News-Mail ., Brackettvi'lle 
 
 Price, E. L., News Odem 
 
 Procter; Orion, N. W., Press Bridgeport 
 
 Proske, J. A., Volksblatt Giddings 
 
 Pyle, Chas. W., Journal Belton 
 
 Pyle, O. P., Journal Belton 
 
 Railey, J. E. H., Herald Weatherford 
 
 Ramsey, E. L., Thorn Thorndale 
 
 Rankin, W. W., Burleson Co. Ledger Caldwell 
 
 Ransone, Keating, Enterprise Cleburne 
 
 Ransone, J. R., Jr., Daily Enterprise Cleburne 
 
 Ray, Shaw D '. Winnsboro 
 
 Reavis,'H. S., Fuel Oil Journal Houston 
 
 Reavis, "R. V., Register Malone 
 
 Reese, Henry, Inquirer Gonzales 
 
 Richardson, A. G., News w _ McLean 
 
 Risien, John T., Chronicle Carrollton 
 
 Roberts, Artemas R., News Waco 
 
 Roberts, Sam A., Star Burkburnett 
 
 Robison, J. T., Cyclone Kosse 
 
 Robinson, Fred B", Times-Herald Waco 
 
 Roche, F. T., Sun Georgetown 
 
 Rountree, L. J., Commercial Georgetown 
 
 Ruff, R. Roy.. Record Wentz 
 
 Satterwhite, Ed, Journal Wortham 
 
 400 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Savage, H. B., News Belton 
 
 Schless, C. L., Journal Beaumont 
 
 Schofield, Wm. M., Post Lockhart 
 
 Schroeter, Alf B., Karnes Co. News Runge 
 
 Schwenker, H. F., Standard Brady 
 
 Sellers, M. S., Sentinel , Brady 
 
 Sevier, Hal H., American Austin 
 
 Shepherd, B. F., Democrat Memphis 
 
 Shuffler, R., Enterprise Olney 
 
 Simmons, W. W Gunter 
 
 Simpson, J. P., Jr., Reporter., Portland 
 
 Simpson, Ross, Texan Grand Prairie 
 
 Sledge, A. W., Banner-Leader Ballinger 
 
 Smith, Ben F., Beacon Lockney 
 
 Smith, G. Clarence, Red River Co. News Clarksville 
 
 Smith, J. A., Transmitter Fort Worth 
 
 Smith, Jos. Emerson, Express San Antonio 
 
 Smith, J. Frank, Examiner McKinney 
 
 Smith,' J. O., Courier : Elgin 
 
 Smith, M. M., Texas Medical News Dallas 
 
 Smith, W. A., News San Saba 
 
 Son, J. C., Palo Pinto Co. Star Palo Pinto 
 
 Sparkman, T. R., Enterprise ;Roanoke 
 
 Spencer, J. L., Herald Mart 
 
 Spotts, W. Sherwood, Favorite Bonham 
 
 Stanberry, W. M., Argus Midlothian 
 
 Stanberry, Laten, Messenger Forney 
 
 Staples, Geo. C., Record San Marcos 
 
 Staples, H. K., Herald Edna 
 
 Stayton, John W., Caller Corpus Christi 
 
 Sterett, G. W., News ____Dallas 
 
 Steen, Homer, Floyd County Hesperian Floydada 
 
 Straley, W., News-Review Hico 
 
 Stump, D. L., Beacon Palacios 
 
 Tanlunson, M'aud P., Gossip Texarkana 
 
 Taylor, Joe J., News Dallas 
 
 Taylor, Ward, Jimplecute Jefferson 
 
 Taylor, C. W., News '. Rogers 
 
 Taylor, F. A., Leader Longview 
 
 Terrell, H. B., News West 
 
 Thomas, A. L., Free Press Winnsboro 
 
 Thomas, Hubert, Monitor Mineola 
 
 Thomas, P. N., Wood County Democrat ^.Quitman 
 
 Thomas, J. C., Post Childress 
 
 Thomas, W. G., Enterprise An son 
 
 Thomason, Frank W., Enterprise Bynum 
 
 Thompson, Clint, Examiner McKinney 
 
 Thompson, R. M., Eagle Goldthwaite 
 
 Thompson, F. C., Examiner McKinney 
 
 Thornton, W. W., Texarkanian Texarkana 
 
 Thrash, D. .Matt, Review ! Cleburne 
 
 401 
 
HISTORY OF THE TEXAS PRESS 
 
 Toomey, D. P., News Dallas 
 
 Townley, M. D., Blade ^ ,. Lampasas 
 
 Turner, H. A., Progressive Advertiser De Kalb 
 
 Tyron, C. F., Democrat Corpus Christi 
 
 Van Meldert, Louis, Weekly Cedar Bayou 
 
 Vernor, J. E., Leader Lampasas 
 
 Vickers, P. T., Wave Port Lavaca 
 
 Vogel, W. C . Dallas 
 
 Wade, Homer D. Stamford 
 
 Wade,. L. F., Post T Talpa 
 
 Waggoner, J. H., Sun Whitewright 
 
 Waggoner, L. G., Chief Miami 
 
 Wallace, M. E., Eagle Bryan 
 
 Warlick, W. M., Texas Presbyterian ^Pallas 
 
 Warren, Joe M., News Clarendon 
 
 Warrook, W. L., News Rosebud 
 
 Warwick, C. W., Randall County News Canyon 
 
 Watford, G. E., News Lufkin 
 
 Watson, C. C., Reporter Midland 
 
 Weekly, John M., News Ennis 
 
 Weimar, Frank L., Houston Co. Herald Ratcliff 
 
 Welch, T. J., Houston Co. Times Crockett 
 
 Wells, J. Claude, Informer Hedley 
 
 West, W. L., Polk Co. Enterprise Livingston 
 
 Wilkinson, L. W., Rockwall Co. Tribune Rockwall 
 
 Whipkey, F. B., Record ".Colorado 
 
 White, Frank M Navasota 
 
 White, James .C., Bulletin Brownwood 
 
 White, Lester H., Review Campbell 
 
 W<hitley, Geo. B., Progress Jacksonville 
 
 Whitley, W. H., Gazette _.__Deriison 
 
 Whitman, Walter B., Holland's Magazine Dallas 
 
 Whitman, Mrs. Walter B., Holland's Dallas 
 
 Wilson, Walter B., Democrat-Gazette McKinney 
 
 Wilson, C. W., Index Mineral Wells 
 
 Willbern, A. H., Searchlight J___Llano 
 
 Williams, *E. K., Daily Telegram TemnJe 
 
 Williams, W. J., Reporter Lometa 
 
 Wilkes, M. C., News Llano 
 
 Woodward, Roy, Leader Pearsall 
 
 Wortham, A. A., Sun Corsicana 
 
 Wortham, Louis J., Star-Telegram Fort Worth 
 
 Wurtz, J. H., Light San Antonio 
 
 Yantis, R, E., Review Athens 
 
 Yantis, R. A., Review Athens 
 
 Yates, Geo. T., Hesperian Gainesville 
 
 Yates, W- J., Avalanche Alpine 
 
 Zieske, Richard E., Times -, Beeville 
 
 402 
 
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