Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 June 1910 — The Fourth Estate [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Fourth Estate

Novelized by FREDERICK R. TOOMBS

From the Great Play of the Same Name by Josephs Medill Patterson and Harriet Ford. & &

SYNOPSIS. Chapter . I—Judith Bartelmy, society Woman, goes to the office of the Daily Advance to protest against a story which had severely criticised her father. a Judge of the United States court. She discovers that the author of the article was Wheeler Brand, a brilliant cyoung writer whom she had promised to marry. He refuses to cease attacking her father, n—Judith discards her engagement ring. Dupuy, a lawyer, representing big advertisers, calls and demands Brand s discharge, as his clients are friends of Judge Bartelmy. 11l Brand is discharged by the managing editor, for the paper, long owned bv an insurance company, had been friendly to corporations. Michael Nolan, who buys the paper, comes in the office and finds Dupuy to be an old enemy of his. IV—Nolan calls for Brand and makes him managing editor. V—-Brand tells Nolan and his socially ambitious family that the dishonest judge. Bartelmy, and his unsuspecting daughter have taken them «p socially so as to try to induce Nolan nop to attack the judge in his newspaper. VI —Dupuy aids Bdrtelmy in endeavoring to have Brand arid the Advance avoid attacking the judge regarding a tricky opinion he has rendered in the Lansing Iron case. “Every man has -his price, even Brand." says Dupuy- Vll—Nolan says if Brand will trap Bartelmy in the act of offering him a bribe to keep silent that the Advance will print the story in full. Vlll—Bartelmy agrees to pay Brand 110.0»» to keep quiet about the Lansing Iron case. IX —Brand lays the trap for Bartelmy. X—Bartelmy arrives at the Advance office to pay Brand the 110,000. XX —Brand, aided by three Reporters, takes a flashlight photograph of Bartelmy offering the 110,000 bribe money and obtains by a most ingenious telephone trick an accurate record of the judge's words as he, counted out the money. XU —Sylvester Nolan, son of the papers owner, endeavors to prevent publication of the story and photograph in the Advance. Dupuy also proves powerless to influence Brand.

CHAPTER XIII. I 1 |RAXD. busily engaged in writI 11 I ing the caption for the cut LaJ that was to reveal Bartelmy QqBI in bis true light, was interrupted once more—this time by the eiv trance of tie greenish bued face of the poet reporter, Powell. “You sent for me, sir?’ asked the new scribe. if “So yoo’TC covered a suicide?’ said Brand. , “Powow’s” eyes rolled wildly. He clasped his bands and bis knees shook In his horror at what he had learned. “Oh. yessir—a terrible sight! I shall dre-e-e-a mos it, sir! It would take a Dante to write of it. Oh, I” “What was this girl's name?’ asked Brand in matter of fact tones. “Madeline.” I “Madeline what?’ “Her last name,” the poet asked dazedly. “1 guess I don’t remember. Oh. yes. it was Jenks—Madeline JenksT He spoke feverishly. Brand picked np the poet’s first newspaper story and began to read It In spite of the high pressure of events that night in the Advance office, in spite of his ever present fear that Bartelmy and Dupuy migut in some way persuade Nolan to order the sensational bribery story killed, this many sided young man found the time to bother with the fantastic young poet reporter and his fantastic first article. “Madeline Jenks, eh?” commented Brand, turning over the pages. “Weil, tiie first place you mention her name Is on page 3.”

He plucked off the first two pages and threw them on the floor. Powell winced painfully at the massacre of his first peportorial offspring. “Begin there.’* said Brand. Powell longed downward to rescue his first two pages, but Brand kicked them away from him. “Where’d she live?" he next asked. Powell clasped his hands and gazed plaintively at the ceiling. “Over a chop suey case, sir." •‘Number and street?” “two forty-three and a half West Peart street.” Brand threw away two more pages. POweil watching him anxiously the while. “Put that next Here. Madeline Jenks." Brand began to write, “an inmate of 243% West Pearl street What did she do r “She destroyed herself utterly r the new reporter wailed. Brand went on writing. “Is she dead?” “Yea. sir.” “Shot and killed herself— w hen T “Tonight at 9 o’clock." t Brand wrote on. “Inst night at 9 o’clock. Why?" Powell answered very intensely: “Oh, she could no longer face the ghastliness of her existence. She knew “She was weary of life in the streets." “I don't blame her,” Brand commented to himself. He turned to PowelL “There’s your story. Thirty words—you bad 3,000. Arid remember the story of the creation was told in €OO words.’ - Powell picked up the pages of his story which Brand had discarded and walked dejectedly away. “Ms;’ Brand ordered, “ here’s a r ' : ' ■ ~ .

dance nail suicide. Put it with local brevities, will you - ;' Had brand at this moment been able to see through the wall that separated the composing room from the ball he would Date witnessed a sight that would have deprived him oi some oi the sell possession that marked his present demeanor. A figure clad in an elaborate evening gown crept softly up the stairway, stood irresolutely at the landing and then turned into the managing editor’s office Judith Bartel my probably never looked more beautiful in her life than she did that night A flush of excitement enhanced the soft allurement ot her exquisite features, and the low cut neck of her sleeveless gown completed a picture of feminine loveliuess that, innocently enough on her part. Was admirably adapted to the purpose Judge Bartelmy had in his unprincipled mind when be sent her to the Advance office. “You are my only hope. ' he had told her after Dupuy had at first failed to lo cate .Nolan “You must go and plead with VYheeler Brand or else I am ruined. Your father will be ruined ab solutely ” At the sight qf her father’s emotion and yielding to the fervent pleadings of her only living parent she had willingly consented to under take the mission. Cnpleasaht though she knew it would be. she believed it her duty to stand by in his hour of dire need the father whom she loved the father whom she did uot know As she entered the office and paused in conjecture as to just bow she would proceed she heard footsteps hurriedly ascending the stairs, and. withdrawing into a shadow in a corner, she saw Michael Nolan and Mrs. Nolan cross the hall and disappear into the composing room. “Thank heaven!” she murmured fervently. “They will stop this story, which father says is a horrible lie.” Wheeler Brand will never forget—he

has since said so from the depths of his soul—the shock that went through him when be saw Noian. accompanied by his wife, making their way toward him on that memorable night. McHenry was speaking when they entered. "There is your first page. Brand.” he Was saying, "and it sends Bartel my to state prison.” The managing editor gazed approvingly at the appearance of the page of type and the cut in the form as it lay exposed on one of the stones under a shaded electric light. He looked up to congratulate McHenry on the manner in which be had completed the makeup of the page when his jaw suddenly fell. His eyes took on an amazed stare. He was looking straight over the night editor’s shoulder. McHenry caught Brand’s expression and whirled about Then he, too, saw the owner of the Advance and his wife draw near. The triumphant air with which the wife and mother sailed along by his side boded no good to Brand and his story. __ Nolan paused in front of the form without looking at the contents at first "Wheeler.” he said kindly, “I’ve been notified about this story, and I think it best that I read it carefully myself, analyze it and learn all the circumstances under which it was procured before I allow it to go to press. That is a task which cannot be done in the shoit time that remains before press time, so we had best let it go over until tomorrow—delay it one day. That won’t hurt the story any. r Mrs. Nolan clutched at the ex-miner's arm and cried shrilly: “Now. now, Michael, that's not your usual way to explain things to one of your employees, j Order him to destroy all this miserable stuff about the judge at once. Don't hesitate like this. Think what it means to me. to the children, to us,” she pleaded.

“There, there, mother; you keep out of this,” said Nolan kindly, yet firmly. “I’m trying to do the best 1 can for you. JtPs because of you that I’m here now. But you see”— Ed Dupuy bivst excitedly in upon them, and as the typesetters were be ginning to become distracted from their work owing to the unusual situation Brand began to fear that this new intruder would prove the final deraor alizer of the entire night shift. “Mr. Nolan." cried Dupuy, “we haven’t a minute to lose! They are almost ready to go to press.” He look efl intently at the uewspaper owner. “Yes, quite right We do go to press very soon.” cried Brand confidently, “and I know Michael Nolan is the man who will order it done.” “Michael,” cried Mrs. Nolan at the top of her voice, which rose sharply over the din of the typesetting ma chines, “are yon going to stand for this? Mr. Brand acts as if he owned the Advance and treats you as if yon were the office boy. He thinks he’s a great reformer and knows it all. We other people have a right to our opinions, too. and I don’t see why you and your family should be made to suffer on account of him as we have had to ever since you took him up.” Judith Bartelmy heard the stormy scene, lived a part of it herself huddled in the managing editor’s office. She felt that Nolan would Dot let the story be used from what she had heard, and ’she could not suppress a pang of pain that pierced, her heart at what she believed to be the fanatical vindictiveness of Wheeler Brand against her father. Yet she was a true woman, and she could not. in spite of her loyalty to her parent, avoid feeling a touch of pride at his strength of character, his determination, at the sacrifices he had made, to accomplish what he believed, even if foolishly, to be his duty. “They don't need me,” she finally muttered, and. gathering np her'costly skirts, she tripped daintily across the paper strewn floor, out into the hall and down to her carriage. Nolan dropped his head In thought when his wife had finished her tirade. He paced up and down nervously He looked at the clock, then at the form with its accusing contents, then at Brand, then at his wife. “Til go and telephone Judge Bartelmy.” put in Dupuy. “He’ll be anxioos.” The lawyer took himself off. Brand saw the danger of delay. He doubted if any man would be able to successfully withstand the pressure that Bartelmy and Nolan’s family would be able to bring to bear od the owner in another twenty-four hours. “No. no!” he exclaimed to Nolan. “You wquld fail me again. 1 have tried to prove this judge’s guilt to the people, but I fear I have only succeeded in proving it to bis daughter. A lay’s delay would be fatal. I know. At least Bartelmy could another judge to issue an injunction against us even if he would not dare to do it himself. And there are other steps he might take.” His voice rose higher, and he worked himself into a frenzy of earnestness. He stood before the little group gathered around the ink .blaek form and continued his impassioned words: “You know I thought we were going to be absolutely unmuzzled here. You were a free man. Poverty couldn’t

mgfcten yoa. and yon had mem Data 1 sides of life. Tern promised to back ; me up. no matter what it cost, so long ; as we printed the troth, bat at the first big test yon fail : ie.*' Mrs. Nolan was on the point of becoming hysterical in her agitation. “Michael, Michael*'— she began. “There, mother, yon go home will Sylvester. He's waiting outside for you. After all. this is a man's jot we’ve got here. lam the bead of the family, and 1 will settle this matter j in my own way.” he said sternly : “You must not attempt further to interfere.”’ He led her out of the room. Birand spoke to McHenry. ■ “Did you hear. Mac?” be asked. “He won’t decide to run It” “It’s tough, old man—it’s tough!” “This is such a live thing 1 don’t ; see bow I can kill it,” the managing editor raid, rubbing bis hand over the , face of the form. “That’s the best first page ever made • up in America.** said McHenry, with f justifiable professional pride. ( Brand was inconsolable. “I’ve been working ten years f« j just this thing.” he said, “something J so plain that even children would see what the big thieves are doing ' “You go home!” Brand suddenly ordered McHenry. j •'What?” was the surprised exclamation: “1 said go home!” * j Brand’s face was beginning to twitch ; nervously. He swwd in the .middle of the coinjwsiDg room, under the floodin a white dare fn«m a >ixty fopr can- j die.power electric tight, and clincfled and uuclinched pis hands, not daring ( to look McHenry squarely in the face I The night editor began to guess vrhar I was passing through Brand's mind. “Yes, buu” be began to protest—“but” Brand cut him short, spying agitatedly: “I am still managing editor” McHenry now realized plainly that the intensely earnest Brand had decided to run the story That very night regardless of Nolan’s attitude. It would be an easy matter, as Nolan, of course, would not remain at the office much longer. And McHenry well knew that such an actjgpold not only bring about Brifend *”<fischarge from the Advance, but that it would as well injure his reputation iD other newspaper offices, where obedience to one's superior, as in any well regulated organization, is a man’s first duty under all circumstances. “Why, man,” be exclaimed questaoningly, “you’re surely not going to run j this story?” [ Before Brand could give an answer to tii is last question, even if be bad intended to do so.. Nolan broke in on the pair. “Mr Nolan,” began Brand, “yon have heard the whole story of this miserable affair, both sides of it—Rajrtelmy’s and mv own. from our own lips Whatever defense or explanation Bartelmy gave you 1 don’t know. But, * so far as 1 am concerned. I told you the facts and the truth. You most khow that by this time. You must be- * lieve it. Therefore why do you or how in#heaven’s name can you best- t tatef Michael Nolan’s face shone with the j, light of determination. , r .. “Wheeler, my boy,” be said. 'T' have learned much from you. I have needed contact with such a man as you. 1 have led a rough life tor most of my rareer. When I rose to be chairman of the Street Bailway Workers’ union I did so simply through my ruggedness of character, my ability to master men. Then I was driven out into the world, an outcast, and became a day laborer in the mines. When the day came that I owned my own mine it ' was again.a case of fight. MfhL FIGHT. 1 for the lawless claim jumpers threat- j ened me above ground, and the lawless floods assailed me below ground. So in the life I led I did not get the ; “Mr. Brand, has Mr. Nolan been here tonight?*’ asked Bartelmy. “Yes.” “Have you received instructions about this story?” “Yes.” j “What were those iustructiona? la the story to be printed?” “I am not at liberty to discuss with any outside person the communications I receive from the owner, but I will add for your information that the story will be on the pres in a rery few minutes.” At this latest declaration of Brand’s Judith could restrain herself no longer. She rushed through the doorway, across the grimy floor, regardless of the flowing train of her silk gown. Brand nibbed the back of his hand across his eyes as though they were deceiving him. “Good God. it is Judith T” be exclaimed. Then be turned to his assistant. “Here, Mac, hurry—take this form away.” The girl's face and eyes were aglow with the effects of the nervous strain under which she labored on that epoch making and epoch breaking night before the startled night shift »f the Advance. “Wheeler, you’re rtot going to use that picture?” she pleaded. “Take the form away.” agajn ordered Brand, his voice almost falling him. '( “No. no: don't send ft! Walt, wait!” She threw herself over the.lnky form, her arms outstretched. Brand tried to draw her away. “Judith, please!” be protested. “They can’t have”— She was hysterical. »pportunity to study «v even become familiar with the important questions and the probleL— that confront the men that guide the policy of newspapers.” ■, __— Nolan drew close to Brand and placed his hand affectionately on the young editor’s shoulder. “But yop, Wheeler—yon'have taught

me much about those big issues that I did not know, and you bare shown to me the high ideals that should guide the newspaper writer, the newspaper editor and the newspaper owner as welL You are right in this case.” His voice rose to majestic heights. .“Wheeler Brand. I have learned from you that the Advance is more than a newspa per. It is a great, throbbing, potential force. It is the strong arm of the Right standing against the evil arm of the Wrong. So we mast uot fait A. We must not delay. Show the big thieves up. VY heeler. Let the story go to press!” Nolan turned quickly away and hastened out and down into the street. A warm glow of enthusiasm spread over the face ot Wheeler Brstud as ne picked up a bundle of proofs. “We'll show (hem up?’ he cried exultantly. "We’ll show them up. ’and we’ll put them down!” (To Be Continued.)

“He thinks he’s a great reformer and knows it all .”

"Remember the story of the creation was told in 600 words."