A Yellow Proceeding

YELLOW journalism is not only objectionable in print, but a recent occurrence in Albany shows it is equally unprincipled in its business methods. The case in point is the attempt of the New York Journal to drive out of business W. J. Coulson, one of the principal newsdealers in Albany. As reported to LIFE, the first step was placing on either side of Mr. Coulson’s shop two loud-mouthed ruffians, who offered to give away copies of the Journal and to sell the other newspapers at half-price. Under date of October 11th, a trusted correspondent in Albany sends us these further particulars:

     The day after the President was shot, he (Coulson) put up this sign: “I do not sell the New York Journal. Please do not ask for it.” The next day he had the following sign painted in large letters: “We do not sell the New York Journal, and we never will. Please do not ask for it.”
     Mr. Hearst’s emissaries are not confined to two, but sometimes eight or ten. They have become such a nuisance by their “hollering,” and their insulting conduct towards passers-by—and this, you must remember, is the most prominent corner in Albany—that police protection has been asked for and refused, and to-day Coulson has put the case in the hands of a lawyer.
     Last week an agent of Mr. Hearst’s attempted to have Coulson evicted for creating a nuisance, which Hearst himself is responsible for, and, failing in that, offered to lease the building at a sum greatly in excess of the price now obtained. He failed in this, and then offered to purchase the building. Coulson informs me that, notwithstanding the discouraging surroundings, and the persecution that he is exposed to, his business is greater and his profits larger than ever before. He says that is is a matter of principle with him, and that he will fight it to the end, but that, of course, to win, he must have the support of the public.

     The Journal has, as usual, failed to appreciate the spirit of the American people. It is to the credit of Albany that its citizens are rallying to the support of Mr. Coulson. They are showing Mr. Hearst that not even with all the money he has at his command can he engage with impunity in a conspiracy to ruin an American citizen.