American essays -- 19th century; American fiction -- 19th century; American poetry -- 19th century; Short stories, American
One of the most important of the world's industries carried on at
night is the making of the great morning daily newspaper. The average
reader who unfolds his paper above his coffee cup in the morning
rarely reflects that it represents the labor of half a hundred men, a
great number of whom bend their lagging steps homeward only when the
newsboy has begun to wake the morning echoes with his familiar cry.
When night comes the editorial day-force is ready for home; the
Associated Press wire is rattling in its messages from all parts of
the world; the telegraph editor is busy putting "heads" on the
type-written copy of the telegraph operator, and the night editor has
rolled up his sleeves, laid his club handy, and breathes a silent
prayer for help to the Goddess of Invective as he begins to wade
through his pile of missives from correspondents. The State wires are
opened, and the messenger boys are beginning to arrive with specials.
The city editor and his force are in, and are busy writing out the
local news from the notes they have taken during the day.
The phone rings, a reporter seizes his hat and is off to get the
item--perhaps an affray--someone run over by a wagon--a fire-a
hold-up, or burglary--something that the good citizens must not miss
as they eat their hash and muffins at breakfast.
The editorial room at night sees many strange characters and scenes.
People come up on all kinds of curious missions.
A citizen stumbles up the stairs and nearly falls into the room. The
force simply glances at him and keeps on working. His hair is
frowzled; his coat is buttoned in the wrong buttonholes; he wears no
collar; and in his blinking eyes, a roguish twinkle strives to
overcome the effects of loss of sleep. He is a well-known citizien,
and the force marvels slightly at his unusual condition. He staggers
over to the telegraph operator and clutches the railing around his
desk.
"Shay," he says in a bibulous voice, "wantscher to telgraph startlin'
news to ze outside world. Cable 'm to Europe 'n spread glad tidings to
all shivilized countries. Get shome bull'tins out at onesh."
The telegraph operator does not look up, and the gentleman tacks with
difficulty and steers against the railroad editor.
"Whatsher doin'?" he says.
"Railroads," says that gentleman shortly.
"Zat's ze sing. Gotter bigesht railroad item ever saw. Give you two
columns cause tremendoush 'citement railroad shircles."
The railroad editor writes calmly on, and the visitor gives him a
reproachful look and bears down upon the city editor.
"Shay, friend," he says, "gozzer bigges scoop 'n city news world ever
heard. No ozzer paper 'n town knows it."
"What is it?" says the city editor, without turning his head.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account