"It is unsound for an independent editor to be a financial contributor to any cause which would cause any type of special pleading"

This quote by Walter Annenberg is emphasizing the significance of an independent editor's impartiality. He is suggesting that an independent editor must not be financially adding to any cause that might potentially result in biased or one-sided reporting. This is because if an editor is financially purchased a cause, they might be more likely to provide it in a beneficial light, which could result in special pleading. This might be viewed as dishonest and could cause a lack of rely on the editor's work. Annenberg is recommending that an independent editor should stay neutral and impartial in order to keep the integrity of their work. This quote is a pointer of the value of objectivity and impartiality in journalism.