A hundred years ago
As we shall hear a great deal by-and-by of Persian news-writers, we may as well say that these men are extremely useful servants both of the Government and the newspapers. They are credulous and gossipy, and sometimes, no doubt, bought; but they are wonderfully clever in collecting personal news, in reporting things said, and in escaping attention at their posts. The Delhi Gazette bought one once, for about £1 00 a year, who was as good as an ambassador, and repeatedly of the greatest use to Government. The Punjab Government used them constantly, and with a little attention found it always knew what was going on. They have a pleasure in their work, which has a spice of intrigue in it that amuses them, and sometimes a very curious fidelity to it. Considering that natives always know things before we do, and that they are masters of diplomatic intrigue, it is a little ridiculous to assume that their news-writers are wholly untrustworthy.
. Spectator 13 September 1879
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