"Editor and Publisher," the leading American—journal Journalism, has recently publ two articles of amazing inaccuracy on the journalism of China.
One is entitled "Journalist in China Undeveloped; Called Meréenary and Colourless," and was written by Albin E, Johnson in Geneva, Switzerland; and the other is entitled "Many Employees of Chinese have their Homes in Plant" by Vernon McKenzie, Dean, School of Journalism, University of Washington, According to Mr, Johnson "There is but one newspaper in all China (excluding those published in a foreign language or in the concessions) that can call its soul it's own.
And that one newspaper Daily News the Republican Unfortunately for Mr. Johnson's accuracy, this newspaper, the Min Kuo] Jih Pao, is published at 202) Shantung Road in the International Settlement.
After denouncing" the "Shwr Pao," "Sin Wan Pao" and "Eastern Times" as soulless and Except for very bad_tithin and' atrocious photography, the] booklets are absorbingly interesting. There is, at any rate, a valid attempt at modern treatment of war prisoners—except as indicated by picture No, 2 of the September booklet which' bears the following description:—
Picture shows building in the Camp. On either side of the main road are new-styled houses recently built. There are al-their 480° rooms which had not been occupied since completion of construction prior to their being taken over for internment _pur-owes. At the back of- the buildings: are lawns with green grass and: plenty of flowers, While the air is fresh: and pure, the sur-soundings are pleasant and very suitable for healthy living.
What is shown, however, unlovely swamp, piles of mud in water, with: buildings in a hazy distance, The compiler of the booklets blundered severely when he included this malarial spot in his volume. Nevertheless, _the medical department. looks' very' efficient, clean and healthful and! the food storage and _kitchen appear to be as sanitary as in an ordinary Russian barracks" of the old regime, The Russian bath house is a delightful sight—he who has not experienced a real Russian bath still has a joy tol Jive for.
There is a series of pictures describing prisoners at play. In picture (a) no prisoners are to De seen except by._means of a microscope, but we must assume that they are there. In picture '(b): the prisoners stand collec-_ tively but quietly and we must} assume that they are intending' to play. In picture (e), they ave supposed: to be enjoying them-ays ina botanical garden. In existing only for profit, Johnson gives a history of] journalism in China. Mr. Johnson refers to this newspaper a3 the "North China News"; insists that Cly.
Charles James Fox'
North China Star" is British-owned; 1 calls the "Journal the "Journal Franing how a Chinese newspaper may be registered in a foreign consulate, Mr. Johnson reveals the following amazing situation:
The procedure of securing foreign protection for a Chinese newspaper is simple. Registry, costs about 80 pounds 1g ($160) per year, must be done by a citizen of the country under which the newspaper is registered. The Chinese owners bestow a nominal position of director, with a_commensurate salary, upon a Frenchman American and ask through him for registration. As a result of the so-called "Unequal, Treaties" any complaint, suit or action taken against the newspaper has to be taken with the consent the Consulate at which it is registered. Usually this consent is always forthcoming, inasmuch a the, publication is really Chinese owned, but as a part of the har-gain the Consular officials notify the' so-called "owner" or "direc-for" before approving the action, thereby giving the newspaper ample time to prepare its defense or forestall the procedure. Also, being located in the "foreign quartier". the newspaper offices are free from sporadic attack and lootings and can claim protection in emergencies. For a trifling sum of $150 the insurance isa good one.
What a wonderful thing this would hi true. We don't know who pulled Mr. Johnson's leg,~ but it must have~ been 'a remarkably clever person. The only Chinese in Geneva who,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.