The pattern of a newspaperman's life is like the plot of 'Black Beauty.' Sometimes he finds a kind master who gives him a dry stall and an occasional bran mash in the form of a Christmas bonus, sometimes he falls into the hands of a mean owner who drives him in spite of spavins and expects him to live on potato peelings.

The quote "The pattern of a newspaperman's life is like the plot of 'Black Beauty.' Sometimes he finds a kind master who gives him a dry stall and an occasional bran mash in the form of a Christmas bonus, sometimes he falls into the hands of a mean owner who drives him in spite of spavins and expects him to live on potato peelings." by A. J. Liebling uses a metaphor to describe the unpredictable and often difficult nature of a newspaperman's career. The comparison to the plot of "Black Beauty", a famous novel about a horse’s life under various masters, illustrates the ups and downs that journalists often experience in their professional lives.

The "kind master" refers to an ideal situation where a newspaperman works for an employer who treats them well, offering them stability and occasional rewards, such as a Christmas bonus. This is contrasted with the "mean owner", representing a harsh, demanding employer who pushes the journalist to their limits, expecting constant productivity and offering little in return, symbolized by the "potato peelings"—meager sustenance. This contrast reflects the volatile nature of the journalism industry, where conditions can shift dramatically, often depending on the employer.

Liebling's quote also touches on the idea that journalists are often at the mercy of their employers, much like the horse in "Black Beauty" who is subject to the whims of the humans around him. The reference to spavins, a term used for lameness in horses, suggests that a newspaperman, like the horse, may be asked to work despite exhaustion or physical limitations, adding to the sense of exploitation.

Ultimately, this quote highlights the inconsistency and hardships that can come with a career in journalism. Liebling uses the metaphor of "Black Beauty" to convey the sense of vulnerability that journalists often feel, caught between a good employer who provides support and a demanding one who offers little but expects everything in return.