5971. NEWSPAPERS, Reformation of.—
Perhaps an editor might begin a reformation
[of his newspaper] in some such way
as this: Divide his paper into four chapters,
heading the first “Truths”; the second,
“Probabilities”; third, “Possibilities”;
fourth, “Lies”. The first chapter would be
very short, as it would contain little more
than authentic papers, and information from
such sources, as the editor would be willing
to risk his own reputation for their truth.
The second would contain what, from a mature
consideration of all circumstances, his
judgment should conclude to be probably
true. This, however, should rather contain
too little than too much. The third and
fourth should be professedly for those readers
who would rather have lies for their money
than the blank paper they would occupy.—
To John Norvell. Washington ed. v, 92.
Ford ed., ix, 74.
(W.
1807)
