The Editor Regrets

In Manhattan, Kans. (pop. 18,900), readers of the devoutly Republican Mercury-Chronicle (circ. 5,445) got a surprise last week when they turned to the editorial page. The Mercury-Chronicle, which for years had consistently supported old-guard Republicans, was flatly declaring that "the old GOPers haven't had a constructive idea in 20 years. They are afraid to vote against the social program of the Democrats because they think the people want it . . . It is no wonder the people are becoming disgusted with both major parties." The solution: a third party "with a good program" that would push both old parties "into the background."

Most surprised reader of all was Fay N. Seaton, 68, owner and editor of the Mercury-Chronicle, onetime state G.O.P. publicity man and Republican-appointed chairman of the state social welfare board. When the editorial appeared, he was in Topeka for the inauguration of G.O.P. Governor Edward F. Arn. Next day, angry Editor Seaton set his readers right. Wrote he: "The editor of this newspaper regrets that such an editorial as that published Monday . . . should have appeared in its editorial column. It did not represent the view of the editor, but merely that of the writer thereof."

The writer thereof was 28-year-old Managing Editor John S. Smith, Republican. Smith, whose daily editorials are rarely seen by Owner Seaton until they appear in print, had no intention of pulling a fast one on his boss. Said he: "It was my way of shocking the public into a little sound thinking . . . Republican papers should give the party a shock once in a while to keep them on their toes." But one shock was all Editor Seaton expected to get. After "a little talk" with Smith, Seaton was certain that there would be no more anti-Republican editorials.

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