Governor Wilson and the Press, 1910–11

Abstract

Neither Wilson’s plunge into politics nor the press’s interest in it slackened after his election. The period from his November victory extending through the spring of the following year marks a distinct and action-filled time in his political evolution. During the campaign, he had repeated his belief in “government by public opinion,” and in using the “air of publicity” to purify politics.¹ The press had an obvious role to play in this promised mobilization of public opinion, for as Wilson put it, when newspapers were “public instruments,” in touch with and serving the public, they were “capable of great good.”² He hoped, of course, that a press so committed would support him during his tenure as governor. As it turned out, a political crisis occurred even before Wilson’s inauguration, one that stirred intense feelings in the press of the area. Following its resolution, as the state legislature debated the main planks of his reform program, he proved to be the engaged governor that his supporters had prophesied. It was also at this time that he developed the style of press relations that would characterize his governorship. Finally, a movement began, with journalists in the forefront, to advance the governor as a candidate for the presidency.