NEWS WILL OUT

Again the coal fields of Kentucky have come into the public notice with the recent account by Waldo Frank and his fellow writers of their treatment by Kentucky citizens. Entirely aside from the question of right or wrong in the coal fields, the action taken by Kentucky in attempting to suppress all investigation of the rumored regain of terror in its coal counties touches on the problem of freedom of the press. Whether the courts and citizens of a state are wise in attempting to defy this principle can be shown by the results in this instance.

First Theodore Dreiser went down to investigate conditions. No sooner had he started his work than he was arrested on a trumped-up charge convicted and sent out of the state. Then came the trial of various labor workers for murder, in connection with the many deaths resulting from strikes. The tirade against communism and other radical institutions by the presiding judge, who convicted these men drew the fire of the Scripps-Howard newspapers. When the reporters criticized the judiciary methods the courts were closed to the press. Newton D. Baker at attorney for the paper then brought suit to have the courts reopened, and lost his case. Finally a committee of writers headed by Waldo Frank entered the investigation. They did not get even the courtesy of a trial, but were ushered out of the state with little ceremony, by a vigilance committee.

The capitalistic interests have gained little by these actions. True, they have so far kept the general public from learning the true facts about conditions in the coal fields and won three minor victories against the press. On the other hand the public is now aware of the abuses. Dreiser as a widely-read novelist can and undoubtedly will air his views on the subject. The Seripps-Howard newspapers have been running daily stories about the reign of terror. Frank and his associates have already started Congressional investigation and they can at a moment's notice will the controversial magazines with their findings.

The outcome is obvious. Kentucky has restricted the press locally but if has incurred the censure of men who to a great degree influence public opinion. Perhaps this lesson will show that freedom of the press is a principle far above move governmental restriction and that unreasonable lamination only arouse if to greater action.