Page 145 - Cornelius Hedges Story

For This And Succeeding Generations Gardiner 132

Hedges’ ability as a newspaper journalist, Michael Leeson called
Judge Hedges “one of the ripest scholars and newspaper men in the
territory.”424 Also, Hedges’ son Will commented, “His extensive
reading made his assistance at that time of meager and somewhat
uncertain telegraph and mail facilities, most valuable to the paper
which he served.”425

He continued to write for the Herald until March, 1891.426 There
were times in that 19-year period during which he temporarily
ceased writing for the Herald, because of duties as Superintendent
of Public Instruction, Grand Lodge sessions, vacation trips, and at
times, simple efforts to have more time to himself.427 There were
times, also, when Hedges ran the Herald, usually in the absence of
the Fisk’s. He usually ran the paper for short periods of time during
these absences, but twice he was Editor-in-Chief for extended
periods. He served as chief editor for four months in 1876, and for a
considerable time again in 1882.428

Hedges definitely enjoyed editorial writing,429 but there were
problems periodically. On June 7, 1876, he remarked that due to
the lack of telegraph reports and mails, it was very difficult to write
editorials.430 He made the comment, on April 28, 1877, “Find it hard
getting subjects to suit me -Am not free to say what I like.”431

While affiliated with the Helena Daily Herald, Hedges helped
organize the Territorial Press Association on February 10 and 11,
1885. And on the evening of the 11th, he addressed the association.
On June 28, 1889, he was elected First Vice President of that
association.432 as an editorial writer for the Herald, Judge Cornelius
Hedges had ample opportunity to share with more people the benefits
of his extensive reading and studying. Thus through newspaper
journalism, and also through other writings, he helped to stimulate
a healthy public opinion in Montana and concern about current
events of that day. He also made significant contributions towards
the development of a literary and aesthetic heritage in Montana.

As an editorial writer for the Herald, Judge Cornelius Hedges
had ample opportunity to share with more people the benefits of his
extensive reading and studying. Thus through newspaper journalism,
and also through other writings, he helped to stimulate a healthy
public opinion in Montana and concern about current events of that
day. He also made significant contributions towards the development
of a literary and aesthetic heritage in Montana.