The Press: The Power of a Woman

Last month, when Newspaper Publisher Samuel Newhouse bought a 15% slice of the Denver Post, it seemed certain that that was only the beginning. In the process of acquiring 14 newspapers, Newhouse has never been content with less than full possession, and before leaving Denver he hinted broadly that he planned eventually to own 100% of the Post. But Newhouse reckoned without the power—and the fury—of a woman.

That woman is Mrs. Helen Bonfils Davis, a 20% Post stockholder and elderly daughter of the late Frederick G. Bonfils, who with Harry H. Tammen, his...