The Press: The Gospel of Truth

Sometimes an editor makes a name for himself by creating a great newspaper, and sometimes a famed man turning editor makes a name for his paper because of himself. Consider the case of James E. Ferguson, citizen of Texas (and husband of the Governess), and The Ferguson Forum. Few people, even editors, knew of The Ferguson Forum until it began to be spoken of in connection with assertions that Mr. Ferguson was using official stationery of the Governess’s office to solicit advertising for his paper.

But the James E. Ferguson newspaper is as much a “character” as he himself. It has three slogans at the head of its front page:

We are Agin High Rents We Are Agin High Interest We Are Agin High Taxes

A union label is prominently displayed between these declarations. The journal is normally eight pages, newspaper size. Its editorial content may be indicated by the three articles which were spread across the entire upper part of the front page of an issue which came out when there was agitation for calling a special session of the legislature to investigate charges that money had been lavishly, not to say wastefully, spent by the State Road Commission, said to have been picked and dominated by James E. Ferguson. Of the seven columns, two were given to statements by several state legislators arguing that there was no need to call a special session to investigate charges against the Fergusons. Three columns more were devoted to a statement by Governess Miriam A. Ferguson as to why she would not call a special session. (Some persons were loathe to believe that a woman— or, at least, a refined woman—had written this statement, which included a reference to “this crowd that is howling about a special session,” etc.) Two columns more were given to a statement by George W. Keeling. It is best to let Mr. Keeling speak for himself:

I am pastor of the First Baptist Church of Columbus, Texas, and I was during the month of April, 1925, editor of a publication which I called The Crusader. In the April number of said publication I wrote an article headed “Fergusons Encourage Crime.” In that article I discussed the pardon record of Governor Miriam A. Ferguson, and in connection with such discussion I referred to Jim Ferguson in the following language: “All Texans are sorry for the woman that must bear his practice of using her as a rubber stamp that he may be rehabilitated through the criminal element of the state. Jim Ferguson knows that he can never be elected to office again and that two years will close the political career of Mrs. Ferguson, and he is doubtless ‘making hay while the sun shines.’ Is Jim Ferguson the unseen agent that acts before the pardon board for the criminals and then sits at the right hand of ‘Miladi’ while she signs on the dotted line? Talk about high finance. Somebody, somewhere down the line must be getting lots of cash.”

I now therefore desire to retract said statement and attack upon the administration of Governor Miriam A. Ferguson and upon the character of Jim Ferguson. I freely admit and acknowledge, confess and declare that my said statement in reference to Governor Ferguson and Jim Ferguson is not true in whole or in part, and my statement above quoted and printed in The Crusader was made without any foundation in fact or upon any excuse that would justify me in making the same.

In order that justice may be done I authorize the publication of this my statement in any newspaper of the State or in any other manner. Did not Mr. Keeling know that there are libel laws in the State of Texas? It surely must be libelous to print in Texas that anyone “encourages crime” unless one has definite proof. Mr. Keeling was very fortunate to escape prosecution.

It does not appear from examining The Ferguson Forum that James E. Ferguson, “President and Editor,” is using official stationery to solicit advertising. Its advertising includes such items as:

A full page advertising “Pecans in Texas,” with no names of persons or firms likely to profit from its insertion mentioned.

“666 is a prescription for Colds, Grippe, Flu, Dengue, Bilious Fever and Malaria. It kills the germs.”

“Father and Son tell how they found relief from liver disorders by taking Black-Draught,” etc.

An advertisement of about half a page offering for sale small farms, subdivisions of a great ranch. Strangely enough, adjoining this advertisement on the same page was an extensive news article describing the same thing and headed: “Realization of Trail-breaker’s Dream Makes Possible Owning of Homes by Men Poor but Thrifty.”

“Tutt’s Pills induce regular habit, good digestion. Relieve the dyspeptic and debilitated and tone up the system against Malaria.”

“Rally, Friends, Rally! I am making a fight through the Forum for good government, good schools, religious and political freedom and lower taxes in Texas, and I will appreciate it personally if you will help me in this fight by sending in your subscription to the Forum at once.

“The Forum is now $2 a year for single subscriptions or $1.50 a year in clubs of five or more.

“Here is a convenient coupon for either single or club subscriptions. Please use it and help us spread the gospel of truth in Texas. . . .

“Jim Ferguson, Editor.”