Herbert was entranced with the scene. He had already been fascinated by the smell of printers’ ink and had a very intelligent idea of the methods of modern journalism; but this scene wherein apparently hopeless confusion gradually worked itself out into perfect order and system, furnished the capstone to his already stimulated imagination. He longed to take an active part in it.
As he looked around the room his eye was attracted to little slips of paper posted on a bulletin board near the city editor’s desk. These informed all who were interested, whether John Jones or John Smith was absent or on duty; prohibited the men from smoking in the office, and contained little bits of poetry and anecdotes which had been surreptitiously posted there by some of the men on the staff. There was one thing on the bulletin board that attracted Herbert’s attention more than anything else. It might be called a code of fundamental principles for the aspiring reporter. It read as follows:
“Be accurate, courteous, earnest, enterprising, enthusiastic, faithful, honest, manly, modest, observant, persevering, pleasant, prompt, quick, sensible, shrewd, tactful, temperate.
“Ask plenty of questions, and don’t forget the answers.
“Know all you can, but don’t know it all.
“Study history, political economy, learn shorthand, use a typewriter.
“Keep posted on current events; cultivate numerous acquaintances; say little, listen much.
“Never violate confidence; be honest with yourself, your employers, and the public. Have a conscience. Don’t fake. Merit confidence. Command respect.
“Know men; know facts, then write the plain truth simply. Write plainly and avoid flub. Write for the people. Write English. Be clear, concise, direct.
“When sent for news get it, and get it right. Accuracy, accuracy, accuracy.
“Never write anything you would not sign your name to. Realize your responsibility.
“Never be unjust or unmanly; cultivate a pleasant address, be persistent, but polite.
“Observe everything. Study human nature. Study newspapers of different cities and make a model of the best.
“Cultivate humor. Be charitable. Speak kindly.
“Read good literature; avoid debasing associations.
After reading this, and resolving to memorize it for his own benefit, Herbert went to one of the unoccupied desks and began looking over some of the newspapers. While he was thus engaged the assistant city editor rushed up to him carrying a clipping taken from one of the afternoon papers.