Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/396

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382 THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY

sense. The editor may seem "august" behind his "we," but he is human, and he is amenable to appeal and influence. He likes approbation and dislikes rebuke and criticism. He can be taught care and moderation. No single person, no matter how highly placed, is a match for the omnipotent editor, but in soli- darity there is strength, and he who rightfully takes up the cudgels against an editor should be vigorously supported by all who sympathize with his protest.

Sociologists who are profoundly concerned in the formation and guidance of public opinion may evolve other means of con- trolling that engine and force, the daily press, in the interest of righteousness and moral progress, but the great question has been neglected so far. Yet what public man, what intelligent observer, what active citizen has not had occasion to bless — and to curse — the press for its part in modern life?

V. S. Yarros. Chicago.