Classic Poem

Tremendous , immeasurable, unimaginable is the power of the press;
It controls, it incites, it evokes; it strikes, it creates!
It works for ruin, for passion, for crime, for righteousness;
It decides the destimes of nations, like the Fates.

It mirrors the epoch we live in with accuracy photographic;
It multiplies the interest of existence a thousand times;
It traces the currents of migration, the sweep and volume of traffic;
It runs down the criminal and records his grue-some crimes.

It fills men with prejudice and plays on their meanest and lowest natures;
It stirs them to the white heat of patriotism and sacrifice;
It sways the deliberations of weak and venal legislatures;
It generously bestows the most self-sacrificing advice.

It laughs at things which ridicule only can do away with;
It smashes idols, frustrates bigotry, ventilates superstitions;
It tells the stranger what he can best fill his holiday with;
It points out the fraud of false Rembrandts, Corots and Titians.

Weigh the influence of such a journalist as Greeley.
How much to him is due the wealth of the West.
All his magnammity, his wisdom, granted freely,
Rousing in men the impulse to do their best.

Then the keen wit of Dana, clever and polished-incisive,
Shrivelling shams with a touch as a bubble is burst,
Killing an undeserved reputation with sarcasm derisive;
Sometimes damning the best as if 'twere the worst.

Not soon will the world forget the perfervid Englishman Godkin,
Attacking the Scripture-intrenched institution slavery,
Driving truth home as with the thrust of a merciless bodkin,
Standing on the side of the oppressed with simple-hearted bravery.

Nor must we forget that benevolent-minded Philadelphian, Child,
Whose Ledger was for years the bulwark of propriety,
Conservative as suited the Quaker City, trustworthy, mild,
Giving a pattern of the journalism of sobriety.

There was that lofty-hearted Springfield Republican, Bowles,
Provincial, but winning a far-spread reputation;
Whose words of patriotic wisdom glowed like living coals
To kindle public spirit throughout the nation.

Not by any means are all the editors of the old school dead and gone.
Here is one quoted from ocean to ocean, with his sane wit;
Here another whose prophetic utterances even opponents con,
Finding sound sense and honest opinion in many a hit.

There are dozens more whose names might deserve to be mentioned,
Whose high efforts have created a reputable journalism,
With vast energy for upbuilding, public-spirited, pure-intentioned,
Stirring their readers to good citizenship and patriotism.

Worthy of interest too as a part of life are the new founders —
A capitalist editing his journal by cable from Europe;
A wonderful Hebrew sprung from poverty, foremost of the hounders
Of corruption and graft, with vast ideas and sure hope.

Even Yellow Journalism has its high mission and sane good side;
If it disseminates bane, its antidote is also there.
The inch-tall scarehead letters too many times may have lied,
But the editorial is medicine, high, wholesome and fair.

On all the great questions these metropolitan journals are found
Taking generally the side of the people, the Democracy;
When safe currency is threatened their arguments and lessons are sound;
They oppose crime and political rottenness and plutocracy.

They are a part of our modern life; they take the place of colleges
For millions of citizens; they give whatever is wanted;
For their failures or mistakes let those that support them make apologies;
Truth will prevail at the last, for Truth is undaunted.