Similarly, a phrase or clause transferred from its normal position in the sentence will attract attention to itself. Note the increased emphasis upon the matter was purely political in the following sentence by transference of it from its normal position at the end:
Simpson, who was in the uniform of a lieutenant when arrested at New Orleans, said the matter was purely political.
That the matter was purely political was the statement made by Simpson, who was in the uniform of a lieutenant when arrested at New Orleans.
166. Proportion for Emphasis.—The emphasis of a sentence in a news story varies in inverse proportion to its length. Emphasis is gained by brevity. A prolix style tires the reader; and newspaper space is valuable. The reporter, therefore, must make his sentences short and pointed. He must condense, must reduce predication to a minimum. As few verbs as possible and all verbs active is a slogan in the news room. It is an error from a newspaper standpoint to include in a sentence any word that may be omitted without altering or obscuring the sense. One of the first requisites for success in journalism is ability to present facts with a minimum of words. Note the added emphasis given the following sentences by mere reduction in the number of words:
It is well to understand that a high temperature of heat, boiling or more, destroys the germs of disease.
It is well understood that a high temperature, boiling or more, destroys germs.
A pioneer living west of Solon blew his head off to-day with a shotgun. Death followed the deed instantly.
A pioneer living west of Solon killed himself instantly to-day by blowing his head off with a shotgun.