Page 4
THE BATTALION
Friday, May 15, 1953
■Editors 9 , Students 9 Voice
Battalion’s Letters to The Editor Policy
Explained by Former Editor; Same Today
Letters to the editors column of The Battalion has played a vital
part in the campus life of A&M students- Demanding- as much, if not
more, readership than any part of the paper (with possible excep
tion of the comics), students make use of this means of expression re
gularly.
Co-editor Clayton Selph summed up the objectives, opinion-making
and goals of The Battalion in an article April 19, 1951. No material
changes in this policy have been made since that time. The article is
herein reprinted in full.—The Co-editors.
By CLAYTON SELPH
Battalion Co-Editor
O UT OF ALL the letters written to The Battalion, there
has emerged strong evidence that much of our reader-
ship does not know how, why and by whom Battalion policies
are formed.
Such a situation.is serious because as long as it exists
there is little chance for you, our readers, to understand The
Battalion and to criticize it constructively.
First, we shall make clear what Battalion opinion is and
where it may be found. That done, a discussion of how Bat
talion opinion is formed, who forms it, and on what basis,
will be in order.
Battalion opinion is that opinion expressed in articles
which are labeled “editorial.” For the most part these are
found on page two under the heading “Battalion Editorials.”
Occasionally an editorial is printed on page one. When this is
done, it is so labeled.
These editorials, and they alone, are Battalion opinion.
They carry no by-line and are not signed. They represent the
opinion of the newspaper, not that of any particular individ
ual. Several students do research for these editorials and
write them. Each of them goes to The Battalion co-editors
for approval, correction, or rejection.
The co-editors are responsible for this editorial opinion,
so it is they who must decide what is shall be.
Editors Express Batt Opinion
The editorial column, then, is that part of The Battalion
in which the editors express the opinion of the paper on var
ious questions and problems. Editorials present that side of a
question which the editors, after careful investigation and
consideration, decide is the right side. It is the opinion of The
Battalion as decided by the editors and is not advertised or
branded as being any other.
Columns, on the other hand, are signed articles appear
ing on the editorial page or on the sports page which repre
sent not Battalion opinion, but the opinion of the individual
writer. Columnists gain the authority to express their opin
ion in this way be demonstrating an ability to think clearly,
showing a sincere interest in the problem to be discussed, and
by serving a long and strenuous apprenticeship in one of The
Battalion’s news departments. Such a piece of writing is an
expression of individual opinion, not a Battalion editorial.
So that opposing opinion may be expressed, The Bat
talion, like other newspapers, opens to its readers a space for
letters.
One writer has charged that The Battalion does not pre
sent both sides of every issue. To the contrary, it is you, our
readers, who have not presented your side. The Battalion con
siders an issue and then expresses an opinion of what it
thinks is right. If those whom The Battalion serves disagree
it is their responsibility to communicate their views to The
Battalion in a letter.
The readership has, in this case, a decided advantage, be
cause the letters column is read by more people than is the
editorial column. It would be impossible for The Battalion to
present these opposition views, because it does not know what
they are. If Battalion writers do not agree with the opposing
view, it is certain they cannot present it accurately and ef
fectively.
The Battalion has always invited and welcomed such let
ters. And many of them are printed to the exclusion of im
portant news stories that should be published. Battalion edi
tors feel that letters from readers are as important as news,
editorials, or any other sections of the paper provided such
letters present honest and intelligent views. But in order to
stick to our policy we are forced to publish many communica
tions which are a waste of both our space and your time.
“Batt Should Express No Opinion”
A letter writer has asserted that The Battalion should
express no opinions. We should like to point out here that
there are few students who would sacrifice the sleep, grade-
points, leisure, and standing in the cadet corps and other or
ganizations, to work on The Battalion if there was no edi
torial opinion.
The Battalion editorial columns are its heart and mind.
Without them it would be dead and uninteresting to its staff
and its readers.
Many letters have implied that the readers must accept
Battalion editorial opinion. An opinion is expressed on a parti
cular issue not primarily to swing your views from side to
side, but to encourage your interest and investigation. It is
for this reason, and so that it can serve you, that The Bat
talion investigates and strives to locate the side of right of
every issue.
If you think through a problem carefully and find you
still disagree, fine. We have done our job and you have done
yours.
How Is Batt Opinion Decided
Now, just what do we take into consideration when de
siding what stand The Battalion should take on a particular
issue? For the key to this we will go to the slogan found just
under our nameplate at the top of page one. It reads, “Pub
lished in the Interest of A Greater A&M College.” We do not
take that slogan lightly. When we take a stand on any issue,
our decision is weighed in the light of those words.
Just what does A&M College mean, as used in our slogan.
To us, first and foremost, it stands for an educational institu
tion owned and administered by the people of the State of
Texas.
That means you and I, your parents and mine, and other
citizens who have no sons in College. It also includes the
elected, appointed and employed officials of this State and
those include the employees, faculty, and administration of
this college.
Congratulations
to THE> BATTALION
On Your
75th.
Anniversary
Roland Dansby ’31
DYERS'FUfc STORAGE HATTERS
Bryan
Pho. 2-1584
The opinions and will of many people besides the stu
dents now attending A&M must be considered. Today’s stu
dent body is only a small part of much larger, much greater
group that means “A&M College.”
So it is that we ask ourselves, “What is best for A&M
College?” And, as you know, what we decide is best is not al
ways what the college administration or the student body
thinks is best.
When we support or oppose an issue, we feel that we are
doing so “In the Interest of A Greater A&M College.” Like
wise, when you put your opinions into a letter, we expect your
thought also to be in the interest of A&M.
Of necessity, if the college is to grow and prosper, your
thoughts cannot be only in your interest, the interest of the
Senior Class, the civilian students, the Cadet Corps, or any
other segment of A&M. All of A&M and the years ahead must
be considered.
Keep in mind in your criticisms that when you lash out
at the entire paper you are speaking to many students who
are giving their time in your interest. Criticism of Battalion
thinking should be defined as such, that it will pertain only
to the co-editors, who are responsible for receiving and -con
sidering such criticism.
Famous Prexy
(Continued from Page 3)
While serving as governor, Ross
heard of a school on the Bi’azos
River, which was failing and would
soon be closed by the legislature.
The school was called Texas A&M
and had the reputation of being a
reform school for incorrigible
boys.
Ross told the Legislature he
would take the presidency of this
school if it was not closed before
he finished his term as governor.
The Legislature agreed not to close
A&M, and Ross took the presi
dency in 1890. Before long he had
put the college back on its feet -
and had given it a good name.
Throughout his administration
of the college, he was loved and
respected by all who knew him. .
Some parents sent their sons to
A&M just so they could be near
the famous president.
When Ross died on Jan. 4, 1890
his death was mourned throughout
the South. Although his term as
president of A&M was short, his
memory will always be a symbol
of the college’s greatness.
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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR
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