"
A few days later a newspaper was brought to him announcing that the
Moritos had massacred the garrison stationed among them, that the whole
province of San Diego was in revolt, and that the regiment there would
probably have to fall back on Havilla. Sam was much scandalized, and
sent at once for the native editor.
"What does this mean?" said he.
"Pardon, my colonel," said the little man apologetically, "this is a
newspaper and this is news. I am sure it is true."
"That is the civilian conception of news," said Sam, with disdain.
"Officially this is not true. We have instructions, as you have often
been told, not to allow anything to be printed that can injure the
Administration at Whoppington. Any one can see how this would injure
it, and news that can injure it is, from the military point of view,
untrue. General Notice is making a tour of the country at home,
receiving ovations everywhere on account of the complete subjugation of
the islands. What effect will such news have upon his reception? Is it
a proper way to treat a general who has deserved well of his country?"
"But," interposed the editor, "don't the people know that you are
continually sending out more troops?"
"The people do not mind a little thing like that," said Sam. "When an
officer and a gentleman says the war is over, they believe it, and
they show their gratitude by voting money to send new regiments.
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