previously referred to. A few statistics will render it more clear.
During the year ending February, 1877, twenty-two thousand seven
hundred and seventy-three money letters passed through this department
in the WITNESS office, while as many more, having reference to changes,
instructions, giving advice, etc., were attended to. Some of these
letters are of an extraordinary nature. In one instance, on a day when
some eight hundred money letters poured into the department, the writer
signed his name after the manner of an enigma. It was interesting,
but out of place. People sometimes send letters with the statement,
"Of course you know my name, as you sent me a circular," or something
similar. Others sign their names without giving any post-office
address, while many again give two addresses, one at the head and the
other at the foot of their letters. Sometimes the amount required to be
sent is enclosed with no other intimation; but more frequently still
the letters, names and all, are sent without the money.
By an ingenious method all money letters which come into this
department are numbered, the amount received and the page of cash book
where entered marked upon them, and then filed away in books of one
hundred, which are bound together, so that any particular letter can
be turned up in an instant and referred to. The cash book is ruled so
as to give a column for the DAILY WITNESS, WEEKLY WITNESS, NORTHERN
MESSENGER, NEW DOMINION MONTHLY, and AURORE, and the total amount;
and sometimes one single letter contains a subscription for every one
of the papers enumerated, while a very large proportion have at least
two of them. There are a very large number of subscribers who, year
after year, take these papers, and not satisfied with this evidence of
goodwill, make a point of sending several other subscriptions along
with their own. It is always pleasant to the publisher to hear from
these, and their letters constantly recurring, year by year, are like
the visits of old friends.
It would be impossible to leave this department without a reference
to a minor one partially connected with it--that having charge of the
premiums. It is desired, as far as possible, to give some return for
all favors done. But here arises a difficulty. Most of these favors are
simply because of the goodwill of the performers, and any direct return
would be anything but pleasing to them. Thus the rule has been made
that those who desire to work for prizes must, in some way, indicate
their desire, and the manner considered most satisfactory is to have
the words "In competition" written on the top of all letters containing
money intended for the prizes. The names of those who send such letters
are entered in a separate book ruled in columns, and the remittances
are recorded one after the other, so that when the last is sent in the
total can be checked in an instant. The number of prizes given in a
year is nothing inconsiderable. The following is merely a partial list
of what were sent out in the winter of 1877-78:--236 pairs of skates;
30 gold lockets; 125 gold rings; 40 photograph albums; 82 Pool's
weather glass and thermometer combined; 6 magic lanterns; 4 McKinnon
pens; 298 chromos of Lady Dufferin and 327 of the Earl of Dufferin.
[Illustration: GRAVERS' TOOLS]
A new and growing department in the WITNESS office, but quite unique
as regards daily newspapers, is the one where the wood-engravings are
made. Next to the reporter, whose materials, except those carried in
the head, consist of a cedar lead-pencil, a few sheets of paper and a
penknife, his are the least troublesome and expensive used in almost
any line of business. To bring out all the beautiful effects obtainable
in wood-engraving the only tools used are about thirty "gravers'
tools," most of them triangular in shape, ground down to a sharp point.
The material used is boxwood, cut across the log, joined in small
pieces so perfectly that the place of junction cannot be distinguished,
and polished to a perfect state. On this the design to be followed is
drawn. The engraver may either be an artist or not. If an artist, he
will, as he pursues his work, alter and improve an imperfect drawing
in its minor and imperfect details, as may be necessary; putting in
a little light here, darkening a shade there, and almost invariably
turning out a pleasing picture. If not an artist, he will "follow his
copy, even if it goes out of the window," as a compositor would say,
copying beauties and defects with the same unconcern, and producing a
picture even from a good drawing with as little spirit or soul as the
block on which he works--a "wood-cut," not an "engraving." It will be
understood that all wood-engravings are made in relief, that which is
to be printed being allowed to remain, the lights being cut away. If
this were merely all, the work would not be very difficult; but more is
required. The block must be lowered at places to give very light and
delicate shades and that the edges of the shades may not be harsh and
coarse, for the press is not naturally a discriminating machine, and
unless everything is very near perfection, little aid can be given by
it. But, nevertheless, the pressman is required to assist the engraver,
and to do this properly he also must be an artist. By placing small
pieces of tissue paper, or, sometimes, something coarser, under the
electrotype here and there where needed, he will cause it to rise and
greater pressure to come on some portions where greater distinctness
is required than at others. This is called "underlaying." More perfect
work than is possible in newspapers is obtained by "patches," as they
are called, pasted on the "tympan," or the sheet which presses on the
face of the engraving, a process called, in contradistinction to the
other, "overlaying." There are now three engravers in the employ of
the WITNESS office, and by one of these, Charles Wilson, a deaf-mute,
the sketches which illustrate this article were made, with three
exceptions, which the reader will have no difficulty in determining.
Most of the pictures were engraved by him and his _confrères_, others
being executed by an etching process on zinc without the use of wood at
all, or, indeed, of any engraving process, which we cannot now further
refer to.
All matters in regard to the newspaper are in interest subordinate to
the editing, to which everything is in all ways subsidiary. Who or what
is the mysterious "We" whose opinions have such weight, and who appears
to be possessed of all knowledge? Sometimes there is little mystery
about it, as when the public are informed that "yesterday _we_ received
the finest cucumbers _we_ ever ate from Mr. Gardner;" or when it is
announced that "the public must excuse the small quantity of editorial
matter and the mistakes in _our_ paper of last week, as _we_ were laid
up with rheumatism." There is no poetry about a "we" who eats cucumbers
or is troubled with rheumatism. But the candid impersonal opinions of
a newspaper are usually of great weight and value, and enhanced by the
impersonality of the writer.
That this should be the case requires no discussion. A newspaper office
is the centre of information on current topics. The news gravitates
to this centre as naturally as riches to a wealthy man. Thus the
writer should be well-informed and be the best able to give a correct
judgment on matters of general interest. Then the fact that the
argus-eyed press the country over is watching his utterances closely
has a tendency to cause much greater care in the expression of views
than is the case in ordinary conversation, or in public addresses which
will be heard and forgotten. But let a writer in a paper which has the
reputation of being impartial make a mistake of consequence, and he
has many correctors before the day is over. On the other hand, there
is a very great disadvantage under which many papers labor. They are
the "organs" of some political party, and instead of being advocates
of truth, are advocates of truth only when it suits the "party." It
is strange that such papers are often blindly followed, although the
followers generally imagine that they are the leaders.
Suffice it to say, while on this matter, that the editor of a
metropolitan daily newspaper is an impersonal individual, or
individuals, who never can be seen. His functions, however, are
divided, and every one who visits a newspaper may find the person
he wants. The reception of visitors is one of the most engrossing
duties of the editorial chair. Almost daily they come in throngs, for
business or for pleasure--to receive advice, but more often to give
it--to compliment, but more frequently to complain--sometimes, but
proportionately seldom, to give valuable information. But the last they
do, sometimes, and all such visitors are gladly welcomed.
Usually the busiest looking man on the editorial staff in a newspaper
office is the managing editor, on a morning paper known as the night
editor. Every item which appears in the paper except the advertisements
must pass through his hands. It is his duty to see that the copy
is sent in in good form and grammatically correct. He prepares the
telegrams for publication, no inconsiderable duty, requiring an
extended knowledge, exact and varied information, carefulness, tact
and experience, to be properly done. No message, however ambiguous
when he receives it, must be ambiguous when it leaves his hands. The
contractions must be extended, the wrongly-spelled proper names put
right and verified by means of atlas, directory or gazetteer, and on
his zeal and ability in no slight measure depends the acceptability of
the newspaper to the public.
[Illustration: CONNECTING BRIDGE.]
A man of no little consequence in most daily papers is the commercial
editor. He needs discretion, shrewdness, sound judgment, and above all
to possess the highest sense of honor and responsibility. In these
days when fortunes are made and lost in an hour, when farmers consult
the newspapers as to the time to sell, and business is conducted
at a feverish heat, it is necessary that all important commercial
transactions be promptly and correctly reported in the daily papers.
To do this properly is a matter of great difficulty. "Bulls" and
"bears" are not over-scrupulous in playing a joke on a reporter
sometimes, when they have an end in view, and unless the commercial
editor of a paper is well up to his work he and his constituents will
be often lead astray. He is supposed to be well versed in every topic
of the commercial world, in stocks and produce, railroads, steamboats,
dry-goods, hardware, and everything whereby men make gain.
The exchange editor of a newspaper is a man with an eye which just
covers a page of print, no matter what the size. Through his hands
pass all the newspapers received at the office, except, perhaps,
those on special subjects, which may go to the different editors.
He is usually armed with a huge pair of shears, and as he rapidly
opens one paper after another, falling on something here and there of
interest or probable interest, it is cut out for revision and perhaps
republication. He is the "paste and scissors" editor so much talked and
read about, but has no little responsibility in making a paper readable
and "newsy." From the force of education or habit he knows exactly
where to look for the kind of information he requires, and a single
rapid glance over a page tells him at once if there is anything there
for him. He is naturally well-informed in all matters interesting the
country outside the city he is in, and thus becomes an authority on
local politics.
The ubiquitous members of a daily newspaper staff are the city
reporters. The education of habit can hardly go further than is shown
in their lives. Unconsciously they are drawn to where some event is
happening, or about to happen, and if the reporters are on the _qui
vive_, but little need escape them. Gathering information is as much
a matter of habit as the duties of the table. A reporter cannot stray
along the street without finding something to make a note of, and the
note is made in his mind if not in his book.
[Illustration: WAITING FOR THE EDITOR.]
His perseverance is unmeasurable, his tact perfect, his courage
undoubted, and his audacity--perhaps the least said of this the better!
But it must be of a very peculiar nature--there must be no swagger
about it. A reporter should not be what is best described by the
vulgar term "cheeky." Such a one will never succeed. He must rather
have a quiet determination which will overcome all obstacles, together
with a modest demeanor and sufficient self-confidence "not to stand
any nonsense;" be fluent of speech and speak with authority when he
has anything to say; have a perfect knowledge of men and things of
interest, and be an easy, rapid and fluent writer. It may be said that
such a man would be a paragon of excellencies. However this may be, a
first-class reporter is not often met, and seldom remains a reporter
very long, except under specially favorable circumstances, for the
opportunities to pursue other occupations, if he be a man of good
character, are not few. But once a reporter, the reporting spirit
never leaves him. The occupation is so full of variety and interest,
that the mind constantly reverts to it. He has plenty of drudgery
also. Sitting up till midnight or daylight to make a good _resume_ of
some dry speech is not pleasant work; digesting long and complicated
reports, and many other duties, are mere drudgery, and form no small
fraction of his duties. To these, however, are added the excitement
belonging to the work of a detective who is employed in searching out
hidden things; that of a lawyer examining and cross-examining a witness
in order to arrive at the truth; of a judge weighing the evidence
from all sides to come to something like a satisfactory decision on
troublesome questions. It may be thought that this is an ideal view
of a reporter, and that the reality is never met with in real life.
But the ideal has often been reached, and during the comparatively
short life of the WITNESS there have been connected with it in this
and other capacities gentlemen whose names rank with the highest in
commercial and professional life. The ranks of the press in England,
France, and the United States, as well as Canada, are constantly being
infringed on to fill those of legislators, business men and authors.
There is one thing connected with reporting which always has had a
tendency to lower it in the public estimation. It has been considered
a means of providing men of ability, but lax in morals and irregular
in habits, a means of obtaining a precarious livelihood. This has made
the dangers to be met with in this course of life very great, because
of the associations surrounding those engaged in it, and at one time it
was supposed to be almost impossible to be a reporter and a well-living
man. But the days of "Bohemianism" have passed in Canada, and for years
there has but very seldom been a reporter on the WITNESS who was not at
the same time a total abstainer from all that intoxicates.
We might mention very many interesting instances, showing under what
difficulties information is sometimes obtained, how "secret" meetings
are reported in full, and how but very little that reporters want to
know is hid, but space will not permit.
[Illustration: THE LIBRARY.]
We will now rapidly run through the WITNESS office. It occupies two
large, three-story buildings, one fronting on St. Bonaventure street,
Montreal, and the other extending back almost to Craig street in the
rear. These two buildings are united by an enclosed space, which is
utilized as an engine-room and storehouse. This portion is covered
with a glass roof to give light to both of the buildings, which are
connected by bridges ornamented with flowers and musical with the
songs of birds, as suggested by the engraving. Entering by the front
door from St. Bonaventure street is the business office. Ascending the
large staircase shown, the editorial and reporting rooms are reached.
In the latter is the library for the use of the WITNESS employees,
containing over one thousand volumes. These books are lent free to
all engaged in the office desirous of reading them. The principal
English, American and Canadian papers are also kept on file. On the
same flat is the correspondence department,--in which young ladies
do most of the work,--the engraving department, the editor of the
AURORE, and the desk of the mechanical manager. Going up stairs still
higher, the "news" room is reached, where the compositors of the DAILY
WITNESS perform their duties. The managing editor and the proof-readers
monopolize a corner of this room. Crossing one of the bridges
previously referred to, the electrotyping department is seen occupying
a partitioned-off corner of the very large and airy "job" office, where
are the compositors of the DOMINION MONTHLY, and where any amount of
pamphlets, books, and of job work is turned out each year. Taking the
hoist we descend to the next floor, which is occupied by the binding
and folding room. Here also the mailing lists are kept and scores of
"chases" full of names are to be seen, as well as the machines for
mailing the papers. This room is the one shown in the illustration of
the dinner to the newsboys, the tables, however being covered with
something, to them, more attractive than sheets of pamphlets, while the
walls are draped with the national flags. This room has been formally
devoted to any reunions the employees may decide to hold for their own
entertainment. Descending still another story, we reach the pressroom,
where the huge eight feeder, nineteen feet high, thirty feet long and
six broad, is turning out sixteen thousand printed sheets an hour.
The double building occupies 7,300 feet of ground and 20,400 feet of
flooring, besides cellarage.
[Illustration: JOHN DOUGALL.]
In all there are one hundred and twenty-eight persons employed within
these walls. In the business department there are ten; in the editorial
and reporting thirteen; three engravers; four in the promotion and
correspondence department; thirty-five compositors on the DAILY
WITNESS, including foremen; four proof-readers and copy-holders; two
electrotypers; thirteen job printers; eighteen folders and binders;
four despatchers; three compositors to keep the mailing lists in order;
fifteen pressmen; one engineer, and four drivers for delivery to city
dealers.
Besides these there are a host of others, a part of whose sustenance is
obtained from the WITNESS. Newsboys, carriers, dealers, correspondents,
telegraphic operators, writers, agents and others, all make a list of
no little importance. Female labor is extensively used in the offices,
there being no less than thirty-seven young women employed. Amongst all
the employees there has grown up a commendable _esprit de corps_, which
is much to be admired. There are but few changes in the _personnel_ of
any department, and the good feeling amongst all has much to do with
the general efficiency of the establishment, and will conduce to make
it still more prosperous and useful.
So much has been said about the WITNESS office that there is little
room for the WITNESS itself. It will remain a lasting monument to the
zeal of Mr. John Dougall, who is now in New York, endeavoring to
engineer the New York WITNESS to success. Its history has been one of
trial, perseverance, but ultimate success all through. It was started
in Montreal as a weekly in January, 1846, on a basis then entirely
novel in Canada. It was devoted to the advance of religion, religious
liberty, temperance, and of all moral and social reforms, and to the
education of the people in matters affecting their moral or material
wellbeing, standing entirely alone on many questions. The following,
from the opening article in the first number, shows the object for
which the paper was started, and the course marked out for it to pursue.
* * * "We say good papers, for assuredly the utmost of care should
be exercised to keep such sheets as have a demoralizing tendency
away from the hallowed precincts of the family circle.
"The Canadian field is comparatively unoccupied at present, and,
therefore, the importance of sowing good seed early and plentifully
can scarcely be over-rated, otherwise it will, doubtless, soon be
filled with tares and thistles."
* * * "The power of the press is incalculable; it is, probably, the
very first element, next to the living voice, of general influence;
should not, then the Lord's people make every effort to wield it on
His side, and not tamely abandon it to the god of this world." * * *
"By occupying the field for the Lord, we do
not mean, however, the publication exclusively, or even
chiefly, of what is called religious matter. We mean that every
subject,--History, Science, Education, Agriculture, News, and in a
word, all the affairs of life,--should be treated and illustrated
as part and parcel of the Moral and Providential Government of an
infinitely great, just, wise, and good God, whose crowning mercy is
displayed on the cross of Christ.
"'I have never wanted articles on religious subjects half so much
as articles on common subjects written with a decidedly religious
tone,' were the words of Dr. Arnold, one of the master minds
of the age, words which the Religious Tract Society of London
has appropriately chosen as the motto of a series of volume
publications intended to supply the Christian family, and in
fact, the world, with the requisite information upon important
secular subjects, tinged, or rather embued, with the spirit of
pure, undefiled religion, instead of the spirit of infidelity or
licentiousness which has too often pervaded popular publications
hitherto. In fact, they seek to efface the brand of Satan from
popular literature, and substitute the stamp of Christ; and is this
not a worthy object of Christian ambition? For ourselves we would
say, that our highest aim is to spend, and be spent, in humbly
endeavoring to contribute to the attainment of such an object."
[Illustration: LOCKING UP "DOMINION" FORM.]
At the close of the year the following course was laid down:
"It is our intention to carry on the '_Witness_' substantially
as it has been carried on during the past year--testifying for
great truths as occasions may arise; acknowledging no sect but
Christianity, and regarding no politics but those of the kingdom
of God; yet devoting much attention to everything that regards the
physical welfare and social improvement of the people of Canada."
This was no idle expression of intention, as the history of the paper
to the present time gives evidence. As it was instituted it remains
to-day. It is amusing to read that in 1864 it began agitating for
public baths--which it is agitating for now--and that it began working
for a reduction in postage, which soon after it was successful in
obtaining. It began publishing pictures in the second number issued,
and still gives more space to them than other journals. For several of
its early years appeals were made to subscribers to assist it so that
it might be able to live and become a success. But the crisis once
past it grew rapidly and firmly. It became a semi-weekly at the time
it adopted first in Canada the cash system of payments, by which it
was able to give just twice as much for the money. On the visit of the
Prince of Wales in 1860, a daily was commenced experimentally. It was
so popular from the first that it was continued. Its circulation, which
began with hundreds, rapidly grew to thousands. As it became prosperous
its production became expensive. First it was a very small sheet which
might easily be sold for a cent with some profit. But as it grew older
the necessity for improvement became more pressing until it now, in
interest and the quantity and value of its contents, excels papers
which attain to the proud dignity of selling fewer copies at three
cents or more.
At first it was printed on a single feeder press in a back office; now
it is printed on the gigantic eight feeder spoken of above. In 1860 the
weekly pay list amounted to $80, which was paid to sixteen employees;
now it amounts to $925, paid to one hundred and twenty-eight employees.