The Herald And News

The True Reporter.

Fatally injured in the Stamford Railroad wreck, the first thought and, as it proved, practically the last thought of Gregory Humes, a reporter for the World, was of duty. In a moment of agony that preceded unconsciousness he gave urgent directions that the World should be notified at once by telephone of the accident: that "the story was a big one," but that he "would not be able to cover it." In the very presence of death in one of its hideous forms he was faithful.

With sorrowful pride in devotion so heroically displayed and with sympathy appreciation of the many other noble qualities possessed by Mr. Humes, the World in paying a deserved tribute to him would also in a few words exalt the whole class of workers of which he was a fine example. In no other walk of life do we find more truth, zeal, honor and courage than among newspaper reporters.

They record history in the making. On their fidelity, judgment and energy the people of today and the generations that are to come depend for the records that must be imperishable.

Into the collection and writing of these chronicles of busy days, sacrifices of health and life itself often enter. Inured to exhausting labor, reckless of hours or comfort, working under incredible pressure and usually with a singleness of purpose that is generally associated only with the battlefield, the true reporter has two mighty incentives, one being the pursuit of truth, and the other the triumph of his newspaper.

Mr. Humes died on the job with no thought that he was a hero, but many a towering shaft the whole earth around commemorates loyalty less notable and bravery less admirable. -New York World.