“Yellow Journalism’s” Responsibility

Dr. Allan McLane Hamilton, professor of mental diseases at Cornell University, and one of the leading alienists of this country, says that he believes that the act of Czolgosz was “largely due to the deplorable influence of certain sensational newspapers that have worked upon such minds as his.” This is professional opinion upon one aspect of this case, which is much interesting the non-professional mind. In countless sermons and interviews “yellow journalism” as well as the specific teachings of anarchists has been charged with accountability for much of the disrespect and hatred of public officials which has culminated in the attack on the President; and it is apparent that, along with coming legislation to limit immigration and to exterminate avowed anarchists, there will be a renewal of discussion of the limits to be put upon such cartoonists as Davenport and Opper, whose creations during the past year or two have gone to the verge—if not beyond—of decency and safety. Equally pernicious are such illustrations of cases of crime as the Boston Globe published in its issue of the 7th, when an imaginary picture of the method adopted by Czolgosz in holding the pistol concealed under a handkerchief was given. That he so held the pistol is a fact important only to the officers of the law. How he did it need not be made apparent to the lower classes of the community, who need no “suggestion” as to how firearms may be used against their fellowmen.