Digest of Public Opinion on Jewish Matters

[The purpose of the Digest is informative: Preference is given to papers not generally accessible to our readers. Quotation does not indicate approval.–Editor.]

The statement of policy of the New York “Times,” today one of the greatest newspapers in the world, published thirty years ago when that paper passed to the ownership of Adolph S. Ochs, is reprinted in the “Times” of Aug. 18. in an editorial dealing with the paper’s achievements during the period of Mr. Ochs’ ownership.

“Today,” “The Times” editorial declares. “we reaffirm the principles announced thirty years ago when ‘The New York Times passed to the present management. It is for our readers to say how well it has kept faith in its 10,957 issues that have appeared since that announcement was made. It is as follows:

ANNOUNCEMENT

“To undertake the management of ‘The New York Times.’ with its great history for right doing, and to attempt to keep bright the lustre which Henry J. Raymond and George Jones have given it, is an extraordinary task. But if a sincere desire to conduct a high-standard newspaper, clean, dignified and trustworthy, requires for success honesty, watchfulness, earnestness, industry, and practical knowledge applied with common sense. I entertain the hope that I can succeed and maintain the high estimate that thoughtful, pure-minded people have ever had of ‘The New York Times.’

“It will be my earnest aim that ‘The New York Times’ give the news, all the news, in concise and attractive form, in language that is permissible in good society, and give it as early, if not earlier than it can be learned through any other reliable medium; to give the news impartially, without fear or favor, regardless of party, sect, or interests involved; to make of the columns of ‘The New York Times’ a forum for the consideration of all questions of public importance, and to that end to invite intelligent discussion from all shades of opinion.

“There will be no radical changes in the personnel of the present efficient staff. Mr. Charles R. Miller, who has so ably for many years presided over the editorial page, will continue to be the editor; nor will there be a departure from the general tone and character and policies pursued with relation to public questions that have distinguished ‘The New York Times’ as a nonpartisan newspaper–unless it be, if possible, to intensify its devotion to the cause of sound money and tariff reform, opposition to wastefulness and peculation in administering public affairs, and in its advocacy of the lowest tax consistent with good government, and no more government than is absolutely necessary to protect society, maintain individual and vested rights, and assure the free exercise of a sound conscience. ADOLPH S. OCHS. ” New York City Aug. 18 1896.