--- title: The American Newspaper Publishers’ Association url: https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/40-the-american-newspaper-publishers-association/ description: The American Newspaper Publishers’ Association, from How We Advertised America by George Creel. section: FRAME --- ![Illustration: an interwar radio-and-newsreel intelligence collage with a 1930s map of Europe and propaganda poster proofs.](https://propagandaarchive.org/static/generated/detail/hero-interwar.jpg) [Library](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/) · Book · [How We Advertised America](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/) # The American Newspaper Publishers’ Association This text - **Work:** [How We Advertised America](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/) - **Author:** George Creel - **Published:** 1920 Full details - **Rights:** Published in the United States in 1920, more than 95 years ago, so in the public domain in the United States; the Internet Archive lists the scan as not in copyright. Creel died in 1953, so the text is also in the public domain in countries that count the author's life plus 70 years. Chapters 1. [Dedicatory](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/01-dedicatory/) 2. [Foreword](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/02-foreword/) 3. Part I: The Domestic Section 4. [The “Second Lines”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/03-the-second-lines/) 5. [The “Censorship” Bugbear](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/04-the-censorship-bugbear/) 6. [The “Fourth of July Fake”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/05-the-fourth-of-july-fake/) 7. [The Committee’s “Aircraft Lies”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/06-the-committee-s-aircraft-lies/) 8. [Relations with Congress](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/07-relations-with-congress/) 9. [The Division of News](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/08-the-division-of-news/) 10. [The Four Minute Men](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/09-the-four-minute-men/) 11. [The Fight for the Mind of Mankind](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/10-the-fight-for-the-mind-of-mankind/) 12. [The Battle of the Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/11-the-battle-of-the-films/) 13. [The “Battle of the Fences”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/12-the-battle-of-the-fences/) 14. [The War Expositions](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/13-the-war-expositions/) 15. [The Speaking Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/14-the-speaking-division/) 16. [The Advertising Division](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/15-the-advertising-division/) 17. [The “Americanizers”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/16-the-americanizers/) 18. [Work among the Foreign-Born](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/17-work-among-the-foreign-born/) 19. [A Wonderful Fourth of July](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/18-a-wonderful-fourth-of-july/) 20. [The “Official Bulletin”](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/19-the-official-bulletin/) 21. [Division of Women’s War-Work](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/20-division-of-women-s-war-work/) 22. [Other Divisions](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/21-other-divisions/) 23. [Showing America to the Foreign Press](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/22-showing-america-to-the-foreign-press/) 24. Part II: The Foreign Section 25. [The Fight in Foreign Countries](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/23-the-fight-in-foreign-countries/) 26. [America’s World News Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/24-america-s-world-news-service/) 27. [The Foreign Mail Service](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/25-the-foreign-mail-service/) 28. [Fighting with Films](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/26-fighting-with-films/) 29. [Breaking through the Enemy Censorship](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/27-breaking-through-the-enemy-censorship/) 30. [France, England, and Italy](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/28-france-england-and-italy/) 31. [The Work in Mexico](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/29-the-work-in-mexico/) 32. [The Work in Switzerland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/30-the-work-in-switzerland/) 33. [The Work in Holland](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/31-the-work-in-holland/) 34. [The Work in Spain](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/32-the-work-in-spain/) 35. [The Work in Scandinavia](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/33-the-work-in-scandinavia/) 36. [The Work in the Orient](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/34-the-work-in-the-orient/) 37. [The Work in South America](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/35-the-work-in-south-america/) 38. [The Russian Campaign](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/36-the-russian-campaign/) 39. Part III: Demobilization 40. [After the Armistice](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/37-after-the-armistice/) 41. [“Americanizing” Mittel Europa](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/38-americanizing-mittel-europa/) 42. [Confusion and Neglect](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/39-confusion-and-neglect/) 43. Appendix 44. [The American Newspaper Publishers’ Association](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/40-the-american-newspaper-publishers-association/) 45. [“Savagery” vs. Sanity](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/41-savagery-vs-sanity/) 46. [Publications of the Committee on Public Information in the United States](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/42-publications-of-the-committee-on-public-informat/) [← Confusion and Neglect](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/39-confusion-and-neglect/) [“Savagery” vs. Sanity →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/41-savagery-vs-sanity/) **Content note:** Quotes wartime anti-German language, including "Hun", and period terms for racial and national groups. This object is shown as it was published. [Why](https://propagandaarchive.org/about/#as-it-was) IT can be stated as an indisputable fact that not once in its existence was the Committee on Public Information attacked by any one with the slightest first-hand knowledge of its activities. In no case was denunciation ever preceded by the least attempt at investigation. Speaking advisedly and after careful checking, I say that every single public charge against the Committee was made by a person or persons who were in absolute ignorance of what we were doing, who made no effort to find out, and who even after the attack could not be induced to pay a visit of inspection. Perhaps the most illustrative incident of the kind was the case of one Hopewell Rogers, who, in the closing hours of the convention of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, made a speech in which he scored the Committee as useless, branded me as "incompetent and disloyal." It was a cruel and cowardly attack, for he timed it in such a manner that I was given no chance to appear in reply, and what gave it added bitterness was that Rogers, while slandering the sacrifices of hundreds of devoted men and women, was himself holding his peace-time job and enjoying his peace-time profits. Putting personal anger to one side, however, I addressed myself to the task of turning the attack to account by using it as a means of forcing an investigation that would once 29 437 and for all establish the Committee's competency or incompetency. How the effort failed is set forth in the following correspondence: April 29, 1918. MR. FRANK P. GLASS, The Birmingham News, Birmingham, Alabama. MY DEAR MR. GLASS: The following telegram was sent by me on the evening of April 25th: HOPEWELL ROGERS, American Newspaper Publishers' Association, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City. Have just read report of your speech criticizing publicity policy of government. I assume your absolute sincerity, but feel that no criticism can be constructive when based only upon hearsay and personal opinion. In the interest of larger effectiveness I respectfully urge you to come to Washington, either with a committee or your entire membership, for a full and frank discussion of these mutual problems. I pledge full information as to every activity of the Committee on Public Information, and will welcome advice, suggestion, and co-operation. In view of your criticism given publicly as the head of a great organization, I feel strongly that your acceptance is compelled by fairness as well as the national interests. It does not appear that this telegram was communicated either to the directors of thv / Association or to the delegates, nor have I had any reply from Mr. Rogers himself. I am writing to you as the newly elected president of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, for the matters involved are of too great importance to be dismissed as a mere convention incident. When Mr. Rogers accuses me of disloyalty, I am not greatly disturbed, for I feel that the devotions of a lifetime will weigh against any single reckless, unsupported statement made in prejudice and partizanship. When Mr. Rogers attacks my competency, however, the personal element disappears, for not only does he assail the entire educational work that the Committee on Public Information is doing in the United States, and in every other country in the world, but he impugns the motives and merits of thousands of patriotic men and women who have given themselves wholeheartedly and unselfishly to this branch of the national service. Three thousand historians are at our call' in the preparation of pamphlet matter; virtually every writer of prominence is giving time to the work of the Committee; the Division of Advertising enlists the energies of every great advertising expert in the United States; there are close to fifty thousand speakers in the Four Minute Men; the war conferences of the states are under our supervision; men and women of all nationalities go from coast to coast at our bidding; the famous artists of the United States are banded together for the production of our posters; the motion-picture industry has been mobilized and is giving us ungrudging support without thought of financial return; and in every capital in the world there are men and women serving with courage and intelligence. I can readily understand how the Germans might insist that our effort was worthless, and that these thousands were laboring vainly and even disloyally, but it is amazing indeed that one who calls himself an American should level such a charge, especially when he has never taken the trouble to call upon me and knows absolutely nothing of the work of this Committee, its aims, and its plans. I insist that the American Newspaper Publishers' Association is compelled by every dictate of patriotism to prove or disprove the charges that Mr. Rogers made as its president. As stated in my telegram, I shall be glad to receive any committee, no matter what its size, welcoming the fullest possible investigation — and so confident am I that I permit you, and even urge you, to compose it of men who have the idea that my work could be done more effectively. I have long felt the need of an advisory committee made up of those truly representative of the press of the United States, but I think you will agree with me that such a selection is attended with many difficulties. The American Newspaper Publishers' Association is the one great body in the field, and yet even this does not express the views and desires of the editorial room, with which the government is concerned, but represents the business control. That body of the press which deals with the news itself is without national organization, and any attempt to select from its vast personnel would involve an unfair discrimination at the very outset. I beg you to believe it is not only an injustice that I am seeking to have remedied. It is a great and necessary work that I am trying to protect. If the American Newspaper Publishers' Association can help me in any manner, or point out to me what larger efficiency can be secured, it is its duty. I shall be glad to receive this committee at any time. Sincerely, GEORGE CREEL, Chairman. May £, 1918. MR. GEORGE CREEL, Chairman, Committee on Public Information, City. MY DEAR MR. CREEL: Since the conference with you at the Cosmos Club on the part of Mr. McAneny and myself, we have been much engrossed with another matter of urgent interest to our Association. Nevertheless, we have given your complaint and suggestions serious consideration. As the successor of Mr. Rogers in the presidency of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association I do not think I have any function in replying to your strictures upon his recent criticism. I do not believe that Mr. Rogers could have had any wish to imply that his utterances were to be accepted as the opinion of the American Newspaper Publishers' Association rather than as his OWE personal views. I may assure you, however, that I do not entertain, myself, the view that you have been disloyal to our country in any of your utterances or work. Nevertheless, I am impressed with an important lesson of the incident, and that there should be a more thorough knowledge on the part of the public of your Committee's function and work. I am convinced that such a knowledge would be most beneficial to the country and especially to the newspapers. It is also probable that thereby your Committee's power for good would be strengthened. In line with this view and with your own urgent request I shall, therefore, appoint a committee of representative newspaper men connected with the membership of our Association, to come to Washington and to give the proper time to a careful inquiry into the work your Committee is doing, with the belief that it will find many excellent things to commend, and with the hope that it may develop suggestions that will prove valuable both to you and to the various official sources of information which you are trying to co-ordinate. You have been unselfish enough to suggest that this committee be made up of some of your severest critics, but it seems the better way to appoint a thoroughly representative judicial body of men, who would not be tempted to sustain destructive criticism and who may be constructive in their report. Unquestionably such a committee as yours can be of even greater service to our beloved country at this vital juncture, in giving the departments of the government a thoroughly acceptable publicity and at the same time of a type to which the newspapers will respond with the fullest sympathy. As soon as this committee is made up, I will take pleasure in giving you its personnel, in order that an agreement may be made as to the time for its work. Trusting this may be satisfactory, I am, Sincerely yours, FRANK P. GLASS. May 4, 1918. MR. FRANK P. GLASS, The Raleigh Hotel, Washington, D. C. MY DEAR MR. GLASS: I am very happy to learn of your decision, and I agree with your point of view entirely. Virtually every paper in the country took the view that Mr. Rogers was speaking for the American Newspaper Publishers' Association, and nearly all of the head-lines made the flat statement that it was "the publishers" who denounced me. The whole thing was so cruel and unfair that it was impossible for me at the time to keep out all feeling. Will you be kind enough to let me see you before you announce a committee, for I think the appointments should be accompanied by a letter defining its attitude and its functions in line with the views expressed in your letter of May 4th. This accompanying statement can be framed so as to lift the whole thing out of the personal and up to the higher level of the co-operative. Sincerely, GEORGE CREEL, Chairman. It will be seen by these letters that I agreed to the elimination of the "Rogers incident," instead of insisting that he be forced on the witness-stand, and yet even after this concession I was not able to force the investigation that was due the Committee as a matter of common decency. Mr. Glass and Mr. McAneny gave good and honest effort to bring it about, but all the king's horses could not have dragged one of my enemies to Washington for the purpose of surveying the work of the Committee and reporting upon it. They preferred their prejudices to facts, their lies to truth. [← Confusion and Neglect](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/39-confusion-and-neglect/) [“Savagery” vs. Sanity →](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/41-savagery-vs-sanity/) How We Advertised America, George Creel. Published in the United States in 1920, more than 95 years ago, so in the public domain in the United States; the Internet Archive lists the scan as not in copyright. Creel died in 1953, so the text is also in the public domain in countries that count the author's life plus 70 years. [Provenance and rights](https://propagandaarchive.org/library/creel-how-we-advertised-america-1920/).