Life, 1914-10-29 · page 39 of 44
Life — October 29, 1914 — page 39: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page reviews Samuel Hopkins Adams' novel about a young newspaper editor fighting corruption. The satirical poem describes Hal, son of a patent-medicine millionaire, who buys a struggling newspaper ("The Clarion") to crusade for truth. However, he discovers that exposing social problems—slums, graft, hidden epidemics—antagonizes advertisers, wealthy store owners, and criminals who threaten violence against his publication. The satire targets the constraints on American press freedom in the early 1900s. Despite claiming to print "The Truth—Unchanged for Fear or Favor," newspapers faced economic and physical pressure to suppress investigations into corruption. The poem's resolution is gently cynical: the hero wins through romance and eventually converts his father, who now profits from a patent remedy called "Brainfood"—suggesting that reform often serves commercial interests rather than genuine social change.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Rhymed Reviews The Clarion (By Samuel Hopkins Adams, Hough- ton Mifflin Co.) EREIN is shown what storm and stress Beset a bravely candid paper, And why a business-muzzled press Is oft a town’s opinion-shaper : Old Doctor Surtaine having won A fortune peddling patent potions, In retribution, Hal, his son, Became a prey to Higher Notions, He bought “The Clarion”, a rag Of small repute and doubtful savor, And voiced the journalistic brag, “The Truth—Unchanged for Fear or Favor!” But soon he saw with startled eyes How many matters, proved or hinted, There are that Honest Enterprise Objects to having known or printed. The man who owned the biggest store Came down upon him breathing slaughter Because the scamp had dared to score The magnate’s Juggernauting daugh- ter! Ninety Years New Gott . 164— Novelty Shirt tn Printed shroom pleated bosom; ‘stripes. Laundered double eu! var choice of various colors sud stripes, $2. Emery deaters. GUARANTEED fit, color, wear Ask to see Style 1834 at your dealer’, If he can’t supply it, write to us, PP Fe ction Drtsn W. M. Steppacher & Bro., Inc., Philadelphia (Offices also: New York, Chicago, St. Leute was this pitcher. After ninety years it still is in steady demand in pewter, in heavy plate and in massive sterling silver. Noteworthy for its beauty and practical utility, it is especially significant as an example of the permanence of Reed & Barton’s designing. Good artis always new. Beauty of line and lifelong service—these qualities make the great demand for Reed & Barton’s exclusive designs. Offered by leading jewelers everywhere, and identified by the Eagle and Lion trade mark shown above. Send for “Chats About Silver’”’—a mine of silver knowledge Reed & Barton Established 1824 Taunton Massachusetts Represented at Fifth Avenue and 32d Street O™ of the first models made by Reed & Barton in 1824 4 Maiden Lane, New York Boston Chicago San Francisco London Paris The Wealthy raged at what he said About the slums and those who owned them; The Advertisers cut him dead; The Grafters drew their blades and honed them. They even came and mobbed his place Because the ardent young polemic Had bared the nervous town’s dis- grace— An awful, hidden epidemic. But after all he won the game (The maid he worshipped helped him win it), And half-reformed his Dad,—the same Is booming “ Brainfood” ;—millions in it! Arthur Guiterman. comicbooks.com