What a superiority there is in England over France, and every other
nation, in the periodical and daily press, especially in the latter!
Take up the "Constitutionnel," or "Journal des Debats" at Paris, and
then look at the broad double sheets of the "Times" and other morning
papers, with the columns of information and original matter which they
contain. Compare the flimsy sheets, bad printing, and general paucity
of information of the continental daily press, with the clear types,
rapid steam power called into action, the outlay, enormous expenditure,
and rapid information obtained by our leading journals from all quarters
of the globe. I have looked with astonishment and admiration at the
working of the "Times" newspaper by its beautiful steam-engine; it is
one of the most interesting sights that can be beheld.
Nothing but the assistance of steam could, indeed, enable the great
daily newspapers to accomplish their present task. When the reader
calls to mind that the debates in the House are sometimes kept up till
two or three o'clock in the morning; that the reporters, relieved every
twenty minutes, have to carry all their communications to the office;
that all this matter has to be arranged, put in type, and then worked
off; and that, notwithstanding this, the double sheet of matter is on
thousands and thousands of tables by nine o'clock the next morning, it
is really wonderful how it can be accomplished. Saturday night appears
to be the only night on which those connected with these immense,
undertakings can be said to have any repose from year's end to year's
end. What a life of toil what an unnatural life must theirs be, who
thus cater during the hours of darkness for the information and
amusement of the mass who have slept soundly through the night, and rise
to be instructed by the labour of their vigils! It can be effected in
no other country in the world. It is another link in the great chain of
miracles, which proves the greatness of England.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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