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Editorial
January 5, 1928
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
Editorial criticizes publisher William Randolph Hearst for printing spurious Mexican government documents accusing U.S. senators of accepting bribes, despite his own doubts and later expert confirmation of their falsity, highlighting his unethical journalism and lack of fair play.
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HE DIDN'T PLAY FAIR
If any further evidence were necessary to prove that William Randolph Hearst, nationally known publisher, acted in a reprehensible manner in printing alleged official documents of the Mexican government, charging United States senators with accepting bribes, it was supplied yesterday by Mr. Hearst's own attorney.
The latter furnished to the committee of the United States senate investigating the charges against the senators, reports from handwriting experts employed by the publisher himself, stating that the documents are spurious.
Had Mr. Hearst been as careful to have the papers examined before they were printed, as he has been since his action was questioned by the United States senate, he would not have committed an injustice against the senators whose good names he tried to besmirch.
Despite the fact that the papers were discredited by President Coolidge and other high government officials, and although Mr. Hearst himself admitted that he never believed the senators accepted a bribe, he published the accusations.
This in itself was contemptible. Having had at all times the means to prove to himself the truth or falseness of the documents, and failing to take advantage of them, is further indication that Hearst was not sincere at any time, and was willing to print what he knew to be deliberate lies.
What his object was is rather mystifying. He stands today pretty much discredited before the American people, who are lovers of fair play, whether it be in sports, in politics or printing newspapers.
If any further evidence were necessary to prove that William Randolph Hearst, nationally known publisher, acted in a reprehensible manner in printing alleged official documents of the Mexican government, charging United States senators with accepting bribes, it was supplied yesterday by Mr. Hearst's own attorney.
The latter furnished to the committee of the United States senate investigating the charges against the senators, reports from handwriting experts employed by the publisher himself, stating that the documents are spurious.
Had Mr. Hearst been as careful to have the papers examined before they were printed, as he has been since his action was questioned by the United States senate, he would not have committed an injustice against the senators whose good names he tried to besmirch.
Despite the fact that the papers were discredited by President Coolidge and other high government officials, and although Mr. Hearst himself admitted that he never believed the senators accepted a bribe, he published the accusations.
This in itself was contemptible. Having had at all times the means to prove to himself the truth or falseness of the documents, and failing to take advantage of them, is further indication that Hearst was not sincere at any time, and was willing to print what he knew to be deliberate lies.
What his object was is rather mystifying. He stands today pretty much discredited before the American people, who are lovers of fair play, whether it be in sports, in politics or printing newspapers.
What sub-type of article is it?
Press Freedom
Partisan Politics
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Hearst
Spurious Documents
Senators Bribes
Journalistic Ethics
Fair Play
Libel
Political Accusations
What entities or persons were involved?
William Randolph Hearst
United States Senators
President Coolidge
Mexican Government
Hearst's Attorney
Handwriting Experts
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Criticism Of Hearst For Publishing Spurious Bribery Accusations Against Senators
Stance / Tone
Strongly Critical Of Hearst's Unethical Journalism
Key Figures
William Randolph Hearst
United States Senators
President Coolidge
Mexican Government
Hearst's Attorney
Handwriting Experts
Key Arguments
Hearst Printed Alleged Mexican Documents Accusing Senators Of Bribes Without Prior Verification
His Own Handwriting Experts Later Confirmed The Documents As Spurious
Hearst Failed To Examine Papers Before Printing Despite Having Means To Do So
Papers Were Discredited By President Coolidge And Officials
Hearst Admitted He Never Believed The Bribery Accusations
Publishing Despite Doubts Shows Insincerity And Willingness To Print Lies
Hearst's Motives Are Mystifying And He Is Now Discredited For Lack Of Fair Play