r { III I III II I 014 205 587 9 Hollinijcr pH 8.5 Mill Run F3,-1719 M! IRISH COLLEACIIES OF NEW 111111 l^eminiscences and Experiences of a Journalist, 1801 to 1901 Copyright, 1901 By THOMAS J, CUMMINS IN MtMORY OF THE DEAD. IN COMPLIMENT OF THE LIVING. IN AROUME.NT FOR THt RIGHT. IN ILXPOSURt: OF TI1K WRONG SOUVENIR COPY THOMAS J. CUMMINS. MI IRISH COLLEAGUES OE NEW IIIRK l^eminiscences and Experiences of a Journalist, 1801 to 1901 Copyright, 1901 By THOMAS J. CUMMINS IN MEMORT or THE DEAD. IN COMPLIMENT OF THE LIVING. IN ARGUMENT FOR THE: RIGHT. IN ElXPOSURi: OF THE ^VRONG. SOUVENIR COPY. INTRODUCTORY. This " souvenir " pamphlet is now published by the author for these reasbns : — 1. In order that it may be finally preserved among the archives of the American Irish Historical Society, of which I am a member. 2. That it may be kept by friends and relatives in sad testimony of the eventful lives of brilliant, loyal men who radiantly and ably fought by my side in the wearing battles of the newspaper field. 3. As a compliment to the living, active colleagues of to-day of the same profession. 4. As an exploitation and explanation of the American Metro- politan newspaper world of the past, the present and the future, with some serious suggestions which may prove of especial advantage. Since the recent publication of my original article in the Buffalo Uiiion-Tiuics, Irish World, Albany Argus, St. Louis Church- Progress and other newspapers and magazines of the United States and Europe, I have been compelled to add considera- bly to its length and scope. Thomas J. Cummins. Press Club Rooms, 116 Nassau Street, New York City. MY IRISH COLLEAGUES OF NEW YORK Reminiscences and Experiences of a Journalist, 1861 to 1901. The Civil War — Some of the Celebrated Writers of Those Days : Thomas B. Connery, Frederic Hudson, William F. Lyons, Charles S. Shanahan, John J. Ryan, Henry G. Hayes, Charles G. Halpine ("Miles O'Reilly,") Finley Anderson, James C. Fitzpatrick, John McClenahan — Herald Staff's First Banquet — Noted Incident of Arrival Back of Sixty- Ninth Regiment, N. G., from the War — A "Spanish-Irish" Writer of Fame — The Sensational "Wild Beast" Story in Herald; One of Its Authors, Henry Vincent O'Connor, and His Remarkable Personal- ity — Pen Picture of "Jeff" Davis When Released on Bail — O'Connor at Albany and Washington ; His Sad Death — Jerome J. Collins, of North Pole Expedition, fitted out by James Gordon Bennett — Frozen and Starved to Death — Henry McCloskey and Thomas Kinsella, of Brooklyn Eagle — A Distinguished Musical Critic, M. A. Cooney — James J. O'Kelly, M. P., Confidant of Parnell— General Howard Carroll- Frank W. Mack— Alfred M. Downes— Michael F. Blake— P. J. Hanway— Wm. N. Penny — Many Others of Brilliancy, Originality and Force — Tribute to 'the Dead — Press Criticisms, Explanatory and Otherwise — Points from the " Inner " Circle — Bigots and Bigotry — Forgetfulness and Ingratitude for Literary Fleroes — Political Reminiscences — Echoes from the Great Platt-Conkling Senatorial Struggle — The " Bright Young" Journalist and the "Man of Experience" Contrasted — The " Higher " Mission of the Press — Yesterday, To-day and To-morrow — Some Earnest Considerations for Press Clubs, etc., etc. Iiy IRISH COLLEACliES OF NEW YORK Reminiscences and Experiences of a Journalist, 1861 to 1901 Suinewhat Expliinatory. The subject which I was recently re- quested to present to the members of the American Irish Historical Society, contains such a wealth of reminiscences, interesting personalities, and tragic and comic incidents that it will be indeed very difficult for me to condense what I have to say in any article of this de- scription. Volumes might he written in depicting the influences and person- alities of the Irish race and their im- mediate descendants on the press of New York. I must, under these cir- cumstances, consequently, confine my- self — at least in the present task— to a few of my own peculiar experiences, and the colleagues of my nationality and de- scent with whom I have been more or less intimately associated for over thirty years. Civil "War Opens the Tale. When the first gun sent its shot flying in rebellious attack on Fort Sumter, I was then connected with the New York Herald. I was at the time between seventeen and eig^ht- een years old. The staff of that paper — not alone in its literary, but in its business and mechanical departments — was nearly all composed of men of either Irish birth or direct lineage. It is easy then, to conclude that the foundations of this great paper, which possibly, at that time and to-day, was and is one of the most influential in the world, was founded, directed and advanced by Irishmen. I do not, in this assertion, mean to detract one iota from the great intellect of that splendid jour- nalist, James Gordon Bennett, senior, the starter and organizer of the Herald. He was a Scotchman by birth, mar- ried to an Irish lady, but was early to recognize the loyalty, ability and vigor of his Irish employes, and at all times held them in the highest esteem. Early Associates. Among the distinguished journalists of this class, who were members of the Herald staff in these early days was Mr. Thomas B. Connery, afterwards Albany correspondent, city editor, Washington correspondent, and for very many years managing editor. He suc- ceeded Mr. Frederick Hudson as man- aging editor, and I cannot let this oc- casion pass without paying a warm tribute of the highest respect and es- teem for that splendid gentleman. Mr. Connery graduated in journalism under the guidance of Mr. Hudson, and was selected for the highest position on the Herald by the present owner, Mr. James Gordon Bennett, junior. Others of that date and for many jears later on, who were brilliant and more than especially equipped in their Iirofession, were Captain William F. Lyons, one of the national Irish patriots of "48 fame; Mr. John J. Ryan, after- wards head of the Paris Herald's bu- reau; Mr. Charles S. Shanahan, one of the most versatile, and extraordinarily talented men of his day; Mr. Henry G. Hayes, now of Washington; Mr. Stephen Hayes, Mr. Finley Anderson; Mr. Wil- liam Anderson; Mi-. James C. Fitzpat- rick; Mr. Edward T. Flynn, Mr. John McClenahan, father and son, and Mr. Robert W. Bligh. First Banciiiet of Herald Staff. The country, at this time, was in the throes of civil war; all tne newspapers sent special cori'espondents to the front. Their achievements are matters of history. I recollect, in 1864, attending a dinner at the Astor House, of the Herald staff, given in honor of Mr. Fin- ley Anderson, previous to his departure for the war as correspondent for the Herald. He was attached to the staff of General McClellan. His letters and dispatches from fields of battle were of the highest order in descriptive power, and truthful narrative. Many of the gentlemen mentioned by me here- in were present at that banquet. Speeches were made by nearly all in bidding farewell to Mr. Anderson. The occasion was one of inspira- tion and good-fellowship, subsequent- ly, followed up annually for several years afterwards by Herald banquets. War Scenes and War Writers. Mr. Charles S. Shanahan, whom I have singled out as particularly vei'satile and talented, was the son of an Irishman, educated at Oxford, born, I think, in Spain. He was the typical Spaniard in appearance: over six feet high, with fine physique, black sparkling eyes and a most engaging manner. He spoke some dozen languages, was a famous descriptive writer, as well as a short- hand expert of exceptional ability. In fact, he was one of the most accomp- lished literary geniuses of that or the present day. Many will recollect his letters from Mexico, where he was sent to describe the terrible condition of af- fairs there at the close of Maximillian's reign, and the tragic end of that un- fortunate Emperor. Mr. Shanahan was my friend in those days, and we were often together. He had the careless, free and easy manner of the "Bohe- mian" in make-up. I do not say this in an offensive sense, for the "Bohe- mian," to my mind, has many qualities that command love and respect. I rec- ollect on one occasion Mr. Shanahan was directed by Mr. Hudson to write a two or three column description of the return of the 69th N. Y. National Guard Regiment from the war, after its Bull Run experience. This gallant Irish organization had fought valiant- ly at the battle of Bull Run— its colonel, Michael Corcoran being detained prisoner — and with decimated ranks and tattered colors returned to New York after a three months' service as a National Gu.ard regiment, to recruit its broken ranks. Return of the Sixty-Xintli. The popular reception it received was most enthusiastic. I had written up its departure to the war myself, and was anxious to watch its march back through the streets of New York. Two hours before it landed at the Battery, Mr. Shanahan and I lunched together ir, a famous old-time restaurant in Park Row called "Windust's." Some jovial spirits — poets and writers of the time — were frequenters of this estab'ish- inent. At lunch they came and talked freely with my friend Shanahan. "Spirituality" was very prominent in this intercourse — so prominent that Mr. Shanahan forgot all about the 69th, or that a war of the rebellion was at all in progress. Suddenly, the shouts of the multitude were heard coming from Broadway, and the salute of cannon vibrated from the Battery. Drums were heard beating, people rushed into the street from all quarters by tens of thou- sands, to welcome back the gallant 69th. I called Shanahan's attention to the fact that the regiment was about to move up Broadway and the necessity for seeing the display. He laughed and remained in Windust's. until the whole display had ended. He never saw a member of the 69th that day. nor the waving ban- ners that fluttered from thousands upon thouFands of homes and welcomers. The poetic Bohemian sentiment was upper- most; "spirituality" and good-fellow- .=;hip occupied the balance of the day in the weird recesses of Windust's. My dear friend's writing powers, I thought, were subordinated to this "spiritual" feeling, but I was mistaken. The next day the Herald came out from the hands of Shanahan with one of the most beau- tiful and splendid accounts of the recep- tion to the 69th that I have ever read. Mr. Shanahan died suddenly in Mex- ico. Although never in Ireland, he loved that country and its people. He recog- nized flatteringly the blood that flowed in his veins, and never forgot the fact, with pride and laudation, that his father was a true Irishman with all that this grand nationality conveys and inspires. The Wild Beast Story. Going on later— (as I will not in this review seek to deal with my reminis- censes in a. consecutive way) — I will mention the personality of Mr. Harry V. O'Connor, who was also Cinequalled in his career as a descriptive writer, and as a whole-souled, generous gentle- )T,an. All, possibly, recollect the famous "wild beast story," of six col- umns, published in the Herald one fine morning. The narrative was fictitious, but was pictured so vividly and with such precise detail, that nearly every leader of the Herald of that day thought ii was the exact trutJi. The last line or two alone gave the true impression of the story. It portrayed the escape of the animals from Central Park, and their terrific operations all over the city, on trains, ferry-boats and in private houses. So fearfully realistic was the picture that mothers ran wildly to the schools to bring their children home, while others kept them indoors fearing that they might be made victims for the escaped lion and tiger. Mr. O'Connor was one of the authors and originators of this extraordinary article. The greater part, however, I understand was written by Mr. J. I. C. Clarke. O'Connor was also correspondent for The Herald, in Wash- ington and Richmond, Va., for several years. He had the facility of making \ery warm friends of all with whom he was brought in contact. O'Connor's Reminiscences. He was the intimate of Charles Sum- ner, James G. Blaine, Horace Greeley, Samuel J. Tilden, A. Oakley Hall, Gen. Scofield, Gen. Mahone, and many other distinguished public men. I recollect his giving me a very interesting account of an interview he once had with the great Archbishop John McHale, of Tuam, then nearing the century mark in age. He met the archbishop at a watering-place in Ireland, called Bray. This great ecclesiastic gave him many thrilling reminiscenses of his wonderful life, and of the many extraordinary characters he had met in a long lifetime. O'Connor was correspondent of the Pierald during one of the frequent rev- olutions in Hayti. He there became the confidant and friend of the Prin- cess Souloque. wrote a very vivid description of that lady, whose com- rlexion was as blnck as nislit. but who was ail accom')lisliPd linguist with var- ied literary tastes of a high order, hav- ing been educated in France. At O'Con- nor's death, which occurred some few years ago. he left in iny possession seme hundred pages of peculiar remin- iscences of men of all classes. I ani engaged in pr-jparing a work of my own experiences somewhat on similar lines, which I hope soon to bring out. Mr. O'c^onnor's reminiscences I intend to be part of -hat publication'. Albany Incidents. O'Connor was my colleague at Albany for five years, while I acted there as correspondent of the Herald. He was the most perfect man that I e\'er knew. Simple in manner, abs';lutely free from small jealousies, full of tender sympathy for his fellowmen, poetic and uieamy in temperament, faithful to friends and exceptionally tolerant of foes. He had. too. in his character, fieely developed in his writings, a vein of intense humor, making his literary work most interesting. On one occasion when Avith me in Albany, an important bill had been de- 1'f ated through the efforts of the lobby. That night there was joy in the bar- rooms, and congratulations around the hotel vestibul.^s. I asked O'Connor to describe the scenes. He did so, wind- ing up with an interview from a New York assemblyman of lofiuacious in- dividuality. This gentleman came from a down-to\An ward in New York, and made this statement to O'Connor: "I have telegraphed aU my male relatives to come ^ji'ut to this country at once, tellirfg them that all they have to do, after spending a short t'me in New York city, is to come up here to Albany, attend the I^egislature, and get $500 or $1,000 frequently for saying 'aye' or 'no,' or saying nothing." Inspired Intervie^vs. On another occasion, at the conclu- sion of a noted Democratic State con- vention at Saratoga, I was telegraphed from the Herald office to talk with all the leaders, and get their opinions of the situation. That I did, among them being Mr. Hubert O. Thompson, then commissioner of public works: Mr. John Kelly, the Tammany leader; Alderman Kirk, and several others. The next day when I took up The Herald, to my surprise, I found that these gentlemen bad also been interviewed in New York city: the double interviews ap- pearing in the .same issue of the paper. Of course I could not understand the situation, and did not until my return tn New York. Then I cjuietly inquired, and found that O'Connor had been sent out from the city department to find those gentlemen and interview them. He immediately went to a rear room of the famous Astor House hotel, and wrote out his interviews with the gen- tlemen mentioned, Avhom I had seen in Saratoga, and whom he (O'Connor) never saw. The marxelous i)art of the work was found in the fact that my interviews and those of O'Connor were almost identical. The prophetic talent of the man was able to determine what these political leaders really would and ought to say under the circumstances. I do not believe any such incident ever happened in a newspaper office before. With "Jeff IJavis. O'Connor related to me his sensation- al experience while in Richmond when Jefferson Davis was brought from Fortress Monroe a prisoner under charge of Major General Burton, for a hearing before the United States Cir- cuit Judge Underwood, on the question of admitting the noted ex-president of the Southern Confederacy to bail. O'Connor said to me: "The court room was crowded to excess when the pris- oner was brought in. At least a hun- dred editors and correspondents of leading papers throughout the country were on hand. Then there were a num- ber of ex-Confederate officers, includ- ing Gen. Bradley T. Johnson, Gen. Imboden, Gen. Jubal Early, Gen. Fitz- hugh Lee, with his blonde beard and moustache. Gen. L. I. Anderson, Col. Mosby, and among civilians were John Mitchell, who edited the Richmond Ex- aminer during the war, Beverly Tucker, R. M. I. Hunter, ex-Gov. Wise, Cornel- ius Vanderbilt, Horace Greeley, Gerrit Smith and others. Chas. O'Connor ap- peared for the prisoner, and fastening his searching glance on the country judge laid down the law in the case and made a cogent plea in behalf of his client for immediate admission to bail. William M. Evarts, for the government, evidently by pre-arrangement, stood up and declared that he had no argu- ment to make in opposition to the plea n'ade by the eloquent counsel for the defense for bail, and acquiesced in the points he had made. The judge, by this time, had nothing left for him to do but to .grant and fix the bail, which he did, and put the sum at $100,000. Forth- with Horace Greeley, Gerrit Smith and Cornelius Vanderbilt advanced to the table, and put their respective signa- tures to the bond, and the prisoner was declared by the court released from custody Greeley and Davis. At this point in the proceedings, Hor- ace Greeley moved over in the direction of the prisorer, who was now a free man ostensibly, and the latter, rising to his feet, met him half way, and shook hands, Davis bowing his head graciously and saying: "I thank you, Mr. Greeley, for what you have done," Gieeley responded, lookinar kindly through his spectacles: "T did it, Mr. Davis, in the interests of harmony and reconciliation." After shaking hands with his other two bondsmen, the liber- ated chieftain of the Confederacy 10 quickly left the room, and entered a carriage waiting for him in front of the court house. From there to the Spots- wood Hotel, the streets were densely lined by men with uncovered heads, who, by looks and demeanor, showed silent sympathy for their former leader. In the evening Davis and his wife held a reception in the parlors of the Spotswood Hotel, and a great crowd met there. One among the number who went up to shake hands had his two daughters with him, and as he ap- pi cached he cried out: "Mr. Davis, I ^^ as born in Virginia fifty-fiv^ yea''s ago but I have lived twenty-five years in New York city." "I see," replied Mr. Davis, with that felicity of expression v/hich was characteristic of htm. as he glanced at the two blooming daughters beside the man who addressed him, "that a tree of Virginia wherever plant- ed spreads its branches all over." When Davis and Greeley shook hands. Dr. George W. Hosmer and I were sitting at a table a few feet away taking notes oP the proceedings and of the incidents of the occasion for The Heiald. Here was the veteran abolitionist who had written the bitterest things against the Scuth and its people, and the author of the cry, "On to Richmond," shaking hands affectionately %vith the veteran upholder of secession and slavery, and chief of the conspiracy to destroy the Union. It ^^as a sight for the gods to witness and smile at the inconsistencies of mankind." Sad Death. O'Conno-'s hea'th broke down three or four years before his death. He was physically a very strong man, but the exactions of his profession and care- lessness of life brought death very soon. He suffered terribly from rheumatism, but I never yet heard him complain. In one week, he buried two of his children — splendid boys, one six and the other eight. They died of diphtheria. Shortly after, he wrote me a letter of many pages, pathetic, eloquent and beautiful. I keep it still as a memento of niy dear friend, and often look it over with moist eyes. O'Connor died in New York city, on a St. Pat- rick's Day, March 17. He was propped up in bed, feeling somewhat better. A local Irish organization was passing his window at the time, headed by a band of music. The band struck up the air "St. Patrick's Day," O'Con- nor lifted his head, smiled faintly, and fell back. dead. A brother of Mr. H. V. O'Connor, Mr. Edward O'Connor, is also a jour- nalist of to-day and is of marked ability. H? has been connected with the Evening News for a long time, and was formerly a valuable attache of the Evening Telegram, occasionally writ- ing for the Herald. Mr. O'Connor pos- sesses many of the characteristics of his brilliant brother, both in point of literary ability and general geniality. Mossrs. MfCIosUey and Kinsella. The Brooklyn Eagle owed much of its success— in fact nearly all of- its great literary success— to the abilities of two Irishmen, Henry McCloskey and Thom- as Kinsella. The former was probably one of the most powerful editorial writ- ers of the time, and I scarcely know of his equal lo-day. Words fell from his pen with terrific force, and struck home with especial vehemence in po- litical attack. His successor. Mr. Kin- sella, was also a man of great vigor in a literary sense, and followed up with undoubted talent the career of his pred- ecessor. I am glad to say that the Eagle continues in this line of excep- tional editorial ability in the hands of its two magnificently equipped writers. Messrs. St. Clair McKelway and William H. Muldoon. Both Messrs. Kinsella and McCloskey are dead. They have left brilliant records behind them. The North Pole Hero. Death, too, in a dramatic and fearful way. ended the career of another cele- brated Irish journalist, Mr. Jerome J. Collins. He will be remembered as the originator of the weather prophecy ser- vice, first intelligently inaugurated by The Herald, and afterwards adopted all over the world. Mr. Collins went as a special correspondent of The Herald on board the ill-fated "Jeanette" in search of the North Pole. The sad end- ing of that expedition in which several lives, among them the commander of the expedition. Captain Long, were sacrificed is well known. Poor Collina was found lying dead in the snow be- side Captain Long, having died of ex- posure and starvation. Clasped in hisi hand was the emblem of his faith — the Cross. He was a gentleman of mag- nificent manhood, zealous patriotism, sincere Christianity and fine abilities. Recently I stood over his grave in the vicinity of Cork, Ireland, where his body was interred beside that of his respected mother. Myron A. ("o«niey siiiil Olliers. The best musical and theatrical critic 01 his era, as well as one of the best all-around journalists, was Mr. Myron A. Cooney. This gentleman w'as born in Dublin and served twenty years on The Herald with me. He subsequently moved to Albany and was for seven years chief editorial writer on The Argus, succeeding Mi'. McKelway. I have heard Mr. Patrick S. Gilmore, the famous Irish musical leader, say that Mr. Cooney was the best equipped musical critic that he knew. Both these gentlemen ha,ve passed away from earthly labor. Then, too, I can readily call special attention to another superior journal- istic light, who I am glad to say, is one of my colleagues of the American Irish Historical Society, Mr. J. I. C. 11 Clark, whose varied accomplishments as poet, prose writer and dramatist are so well known. He was one of The Herald's editors for many years. Among- our other living friends of equal capacity are Mr. Robert Grifhn Morris, formerly of The Times, Herald and Telegram; Mr. Thomas F. Wil- liams now of The Sun; Mr. Owen J, Marrin, Mr. Harry Macdona and Mr. John Mullaly. The last men- tioned, after leaving The Herald, started a weekly publication called the "Metropolitan Record." He was The Herald's correspondent on board the "Niagara," which laid the first Atlantic cable. Mr. Mullaly is a highly re- spected citizen of New York to-day. and has had the good fortune of achieving great success in the business world out- side of the drudgery of newspaper ex- istence. Brillixiiit ]tleii. Liviiiu' nii*l Ueiid. It would take many pages to narrate leading incidents in tjfte lives of such brilliant men as John Clancy of the Leader, William Stuart and Fitz-James O'Brien, Congressman-elect T. J. Creamer has also been a decidedly able member of the New York press. He at one time published a spicy weekly called "The Citizen." I propose to deal later on with many of these personali- ties in ancther way. Then, too, v.'e had the peerless and brilliant Charlen G. Halpine (Miles O'Reilly), soldier, poet, politician in its higher sense, and wonderfully effective prose writer. He at one time published a weekly called "The Citizen." * I would further recall the very dis- tinguished Irish editors of early days, John Mitchell, Thomas D'Arcy McGee. General Dennis F. Burke and Michael Doheny. It is needless to call atten- tion specifically to the great abilities of Mitchell and McGee. General Burke, be- fore he became one of the editors of the New York Tablet, was a gallant soldier, fighting his way from a private in the ranks of Meagher's Irish Brigade to the post of commander. He took part in every prominent battle in the war, was frequently wounded and had a most distinguished career. Then, too, on the Herald we had Mr. James J. O'Kelly, now a member of parliament in London, and an honored comrade of Charles Stewart Parnell. Mr. O'Kelly's literary career has been remarkable. Before coming to this counti-y he served in the French army, was for several years editor and cor- respondent for the Herald, was taken prisoner while in Cuba and there nearly lost his life. Looking back still further I might mention Mr. John Kempston, who re- ported the celebrated Forest divorce case for tlie Herald, and who was killed while crossing to the Fulton Ferry, being run over accidentally by a wagon while entering the ferry boat; Mr. John Dunn who. in company with James C. Fitz- patrick, went with the Burnside ex- LefG. pedition to North Carolina as Herald correspondent and who died on a Mississippi steamboat on his way home, having contracted typhoid fever while in the discharge of his duty. Mr. Fitz- patrick was also a man of great ability, served most efficiently as corre- spondent in the Civil War, and later on acted as financial editor, Albany cor- respondent for the Herald, and manag- ing editor of the Telegram. Mr. Fitz- patrick is still living in Brooklyn. Casually, I might mention John Devoy, Dominick May, Michael J. Kelly, P. H, Keady, Charles Killeen, Chas. H, Farrell, .John Reville. Dan O'Connell, the two Doyles, Sam Mc- Keever, "Dan" Kirwan, the two Mc- Kennas, Gerald McKenny and the two Stephens'. Sam McKeever was bril- liant, original, spectacular and imagin- ative. His theatrical criticisms glit- tered with or'ginality an 1 force. Gerald McKenny was the son of an Irish bar- rister of distinction, born in Dublin and educated there and at the Univer- sity of Bonn! in Germany. He was a linguist, musician, stenographer, wit and general good fellow. His work on the Herald was marked with especial brilliancy. Those who knew him cher- ish the memory of his geniality with tenderness. He acted as correspondent in the Franco-Prussian war and on the Darien expedition, and also during the trouble which threatened a war be- tween Spain and this country growing out of the Virginus imbroglio. He died several years ago. Then there was Edward J. O'Reilley, connected Avith the Times, Evening Ex- press and Sunday Mercury, and fre- fjuently also a writer for the Herald. His son inherited his father's qualities. Both are dead. The older was a perfect encyclopedia of general information and a man of thorough honesty and extra- ordinary originative powers. For years he published in the Mercury a series of \ery interesting articles on the immense Trinity church property as owned by Anneke Jan's heirs. He also furnished to the Sunday Mercury for years, week after week, a series of bitter articles against the then comptroller, Andrew H. Green, which showed a wealth of information relative to financial affairs in the city of New York and the curious inside workings of political parties, Mr. John ,1. Cummins joined the Herald in 18fi0, and remained on that paper for over twenty years. He re- ported many important cases, and was a shoi-thand writer of particular talent. Among the sensational New York tragedies which he wrote up fully, in a dramatic, emotional style, character- istic of him, was the assassination of Virgini,a Stewart by McDonald in Broadway, Mr. Cummins for several years after ceasing active connection with the Herald, was one of the official stenographers of the Court of Common Pleas. He was noted for an extreme patriotism for his native country and a valiant defendei' of her prerogatives. He died some years ago. 12 Irisli American Press. Among the living-, worlting, brainy and effective Irisii journalists of the present day. I might, too. particularly mention Messrs. Austin and Patrick Ford proprietors of the Irish World and Freeman's Journal. These gentle- men have always been patriotic and, while Irishmen of the most intense con- victions, never failed to be Americans. They built up a fine property, and the Irish World to-day as I understand it. has neaiiv half a million of circulation. In addition to other living journalists, I might call attention to the Hennessey family, father and sons. The «orrnei- was for many years city editor of the Times, and the sons have graduated in all the fields of newspaper life m New York. Mr. John A. Hennessey is, a leading member of the New York Press Club, and to his indefatigable ef- forts much of the success of that in- stitution belong. I have the pleasure of being one of his brethren m that or- ganization and know whereof I speak. This Mr. Hennessey was formerly a member of assembly and distinguished himself considerably in Albany. An- other brother has just been elected State senator and no doubt will be heard of in the political field in good time, whil? a third has become very successful in the financial world. Dr M J. Walr,h is publisher and pro- prietor of the Sunday Democrat and Catholic Herald. The management ot his two papers gives evidence of de- cided ability. Mr Char-l-s A. O'Rourke, formerly local agent of the New York Associated Press — a man of splendid ability and fine literary tastes. Mr. O'Rourke is row ensraged in syndicate and advertis- ing work on an extended scale and has also connections with Tiluropean ne^vs Mr. Patrick Meehan • is still at the helm of the Irish .American and well known and resnected on both sides of the Atlantic. Mr. Wm. L,. Cole, a re- spected veteran of this paper, is also still living. r»»leln-itie» of tlie Honr. Mr. P. J. Hanway, another active living journalist, was born in Dublin, and for many years was a highly re- spected and talented member of the staff of Brooklvn Standard Union. He is now proprietor of an insurance journal in New York, of particular in- tluence and character in its line— "The A'iailant." Mr. John W. McDonald graduated in the profession Avhile a boy on the News under the leadership of Mr. Benjamin ■^^ood. Mr. McDonald has since been connected with the World and other newspapers, exhibiting exceotional abil- ity as a political writer. He is thor- oughly versed in the politics of city and nation and has a large personal ac(|uaintance among public men. He is still connected with the World. General Howard Carroll has had a very distinguished career. Born in Albany, in 1854, of Irish parentage, he was splendidly educated in Germany at Gottingen and Hanover. His fa her was a celebrated engineer and jeceiv ed decorations and complinients f^om all parts of the world as a bridge builder, notably from the king of Prussia. He was killed at the battle of Antietam while a federal officer, then only thirty-five vears old. For several vears before "the civil war he had acted ks chief engineer for the New York Central Railroad. He was a soldier of bravery and great distinction as well as a citizen of high repute and scholarly attainments. His son. How- ard, shortly after leaving colleg-e became attached to the literary staff of the New York Times, and m 18'4-&, was Albany correspondent for that paper. Subsequently he was trans- ferred to Washington for the same journal and later on filled several other important positions in this line. He finally became editor-in-chief ot tne Times. He was a particular personal friend of President Arthur and Senator Roscoe Conkling. The former was his guardian while a boy. and when he (Arthur) became president offered him the post of minister to Belgium. Mr. Carroll declined the kindly proffer, feeling that he could not afford the luxury of a diplomatic appointment with "a limited income. Later on, in ISS'' Mr Carroll ran for congressman- at-Targe in New York State against General Henry W. Slccum. receiving some 84,000 votes ahead of his Repub- lican ticket. But he was defeated as this was the famous year of the "Half- Breed-Stalwart" fight which prac- tically disrupted the Republican party throughout the country, resulting in the election of Grover Cleveland to the governorship by the tremendous majority of nearly 200.000. General Carroll married a beautiful and accomplished lady— daughter of ex-Congressman John H. Starin. He has thi-ee interesting children. He has written several interesting novels, among them, "Twelve Americans" and "A Mississippi Incident." He has also written two successful plays entitled "Yeast" and "An American Coun- tess" Mile. Rhea made a great hit in the latter character. In talking re- ■ cently with Mr. Carroll he referred to this success facetiously by remarking, "The reason why the play took was because the public did not understand a word of the dialogue owing to the foreign accent of Mile. Rhea." General Carroll has branched out most successfully into business and is a wealthv man. He is nOw president of the Sicilian Asphalt Company and also larsrely engaged with his father- in-law in the transportation business. He was chief of artillery, with the rank of brigadier-general, on the staffs of Governors Morton and Black. He- has never entirely given up his con- nection -with literary and newspaper 18 puf.suii.s, anil has ahvavs been a bi-il- lumt (Ji-nament in auy of the walk.s n{ these lines of duty. He resides in New York city. From .Toiiriiali.Miii to Politics. Journalism has been a stepping stone to political and influential life as evi- denced in the most creditable careers of Mr. Alfred M. Downes and Mr Michael F. Blake. The former was connected with the Times and other promment ne^vspapers of the country and he made a bi-illiant reputation in the melropolis as \vell as at Washing- ton. His abilities and loyalty to friends atti acted the attention of Mr Van Wyck when that gentleman was elected mayor of Greater New York This resulted in the selection of Mr Downes as private secretary, a posi- tion which he to-day fills with marked ability. Mr. Michael F. Blake was a prom- inent journalist in California at the commencement of his professional duties. On coming- to New York he joined the Herald staff, where he re- mained for several years. His record IS also a brilliant one, both as political and g-eneral writer, and he has the esteem and respect of a larg-e circle of . friends. He is now clerk of the New- York board of aldermen. Mr. William N. Penny, clerk of the New York Court of General Sessions, also drifted from journalism to politics Mr. Penny is a gentleman of par- ticular literary talent, and has been infiuenlially connected with the Times and News. Mr. Hugh Hastings comes from a family of exceptional distinction in a literary, newspaper and political sense He is now the New York State His- torian, residing at Albany, a position m which he has been eminently suc- cessful. He was formerly prominent as a political and general writer of force and great intelligence on the New York Times, World and other leading- news- papers of the country. He acted as a very efficient special correspondent at Albany for sev?ral years for the Times and World. A colleague of the American Histor- ical Society, Mr. T. St. John Gaffney, a son of Limerick, city of the "Vio- lated Treaty," has exhibited a literary style in his various newspaper articles, 1-nowledge of international affairs and a virility of literary ability that has commended itself to millions of readers. He has made himself quite efficient in this line in defense of his nation and of its rights, and on the side of the Boers in the terrific war waged against that valiant people. Mr. John E. Milholland, for many years one of the most talented editors of the New York Tribune, and an es- pecial friend and confidant of Mr. Whitelaw Reid, is the son of an Irishman: although born in this r,,un- II y he received most of his educa- tM.n in Ireland. Mr. Milholland (con- liary. I am sorry to say, to the almost invariable i-ule) has become wealthy in j'Lisiness and is now temjiorarilv resid- ing m London, England. He "is head oi the "Batchellor Pneumatic Tube ( ompany," which has been so suc- te;--sful in the rapid transmis.sion of mails, mainly o-wing to the splendid bu.sine.ss abilities and strength of .■haracter of Mr. Milholland. He has always, too, been a writer and iournal- ist of great force. Fisiiik W. >Ia<-k. .-, Si,l...,,li,l .l»,i,„- alist aiul :i ( |<,s«. liioiMi ol >l > l>'i"ieinis. It will be noticed that 1 have con- fined my observations in this i>ami)h- let altogether to journalists of Irish birth or of Irish descent. Some day I intend to go outside of this limit, and give similar testimony to the labors and lives of very many able, distin- guished colleagues of other nationali- ties, living and dead, who have, too, fought valiantly beside me in the fierce literary battles of concluding years of the last century. One colleague of this class, however IS eminently entitled to a place among the men of whom I now write, as he was always their and my friend, as well as a most talented co-worker This is Mr. Prank W. Mack, now hold- ing the responsible position of super- intendent of the eastern division of the Associated Press, with headquarters in New York city. One of his most im- portant professional duties was per- formed while acting as special corre- spondent for the Associated Press with the recent Spa.nish-American peace commission. An excellent sketch of Mr. Mack was at the time published m the " Fourth Estate," from which I extract the following: •■ Mr. Mack was born in Pennsylvania, but has resided in New York State since he was six years old. He came to New York city in 1S79 and became a reporter upon the Herald, when T. B. Connery was Its managing editor. He left the Her- ald in 1880 to become a reporter, and later the telegraph editor of the old Evening Express. In 1882 he removed to Auburn, N. Y.. where he edited the Evening Auburnian. Returning to New York in 1884, he entered the ser- vice of the Associated Press in its lo- cal bureau. In 18S5 he was with Gen. Grant, going with him to Mount MacGregor and remaining- with him until he died. The valuable services he rendered in this connection and the grajihic manner in which he covered the scenes attendant upon the last ill- ness and death of General Grant are matters with which every daily news- paper editor in the country is thor- oughly familiar. After Grant's death, Mr. Mack returned to New York, be- coming the day manager of the local bureau of the Associated Press. He remained in that position until 1887, when he entered the main service of the Associated Press, going to Albany 14 iis its represcntatix e duiiiiy the ses- sion of 1887-88. In June, 1888, he re- turned to the New York office and was given charge of the western ser- vice as night editor. Later, he became day editor of the same service, con- tinuing in that position until the fight with the United Press was precipitated, when lie was appointed New York agent. In this position he rendered valuable service to the association in bringing papers into the fold and in the general woi-k where address, di- plomacy and tact, which he possesses to a full degree, count for so much. In October, '96, he bcame superintendent of the eastern division of the Associ- ated Press. The discipline, the system, the esprit de corps of this division un- der his direction ai-e thoroughly in keeping with the character and the ability of the superintendent." Mr. Mack has also become fainous as a lecturer. The Star Lyceum Bu- reau, in presenting Mr. Mack's claims to the public fr-om such a standpoint. says: " We offer the entertainment committees a type of speaker entirely new to the lecture platform. Mr. Mack's talks on interesting and import- ant events are graphic narrations of his own experiences in the profession in which he has been successful." A recent critic says: " It is not often that a, newspaper man takes an audience into his confidence and tells of the in- side workings of newsgetting — a fact which makes Mr. Mack's talks the more interesting." Here are some of Mr. Mack's talks: " The Green-room of Journalism: " " Seeing Things, Day and Niglt: " "The Hidden Side:" " Pencil Clips: " " How News is Gath- ered;" "Unwritten History;" "Per- sonalities of Notable People." Jjt.-Gov. Woodruff thus compliments Mr. Mack: "If I had your voice, your presence and your style. I would want to be talking all the while." Rev. AVm. J. Hutchins, pastor of the Presbyterian church, Brooklyn, also writes of him: " Could I get our people to remember a sermon of mine as well as they re- member your lectures. I would die per- fectly happy." It was beside the deathbed of Gen- eral Grant that Mr. Mack first became known as a writer and poet of pathos and force. The narrative of this ex- perience is thus told by one of the pamphlets recently issued about his personality: "When General Grant, in the sum- mer of 1885, was slovv'ly dying on Mount MacGregor, Mr. Mack, as correspond- ent of the Associated Press, wrote the daily press reports printed throughout America and abroad. His work was wholly impersonal, no signature ever appearing beneath his dispatches. Fi- nally the Philadelphia Evening Bulle- tin, in an editorial, made these in- (luiries and observations: " 'Who is the poet of the Associated Pi-ess? Like all true poets, he is mod- est, and while he sings of everybody that has anything to do with the Grant obse!ate(1 Press I.iKlit. Mr. George Edward Graham is one of the best known journalists in New York State. Lately he has acquired national reputation as a correspondent during the Spanish-American war, be- ing at the side of Admiral Schley dur- mg the battle of Santiago, July 3, 1898, when Cervera's fleet was destroyed. ?Jj: Graham \\as born in Albany in 1865. He adopted journalism as a pro- fession when but 17 years old and made rapid strides in his field of labor. The 10 late John H. Fan-ell and ex-LTnited States Senatoi- Edward Murphy noticed his latent ability and by their efforts he was given a chance to develop it. At 19 he was city editor of the Albany Union; at 21 managing editor of the Troy Press. Next Frank W. Maclv and Melville E. Stone. recognizing his friendship-making- ciualities with public men, iTiade him one of the foremost correspondents for the Associated Press. His trenchant pen, faculty for gather- ing news with celerity, courage in fac- ing difficult and dangerous situations and thorough knowledge of and re- markable acquaintance with leading- officials, liava made liim one of the inost useful newspapei- men of New York State whore journalists are judged by a high standard. Mr. Gra- ham is now" the manager of the Al- bany, N. Y., bureau of tl-ie Associated Press, and Celtic blood runs warmly through his veins. Flo^vers of Memory. Many of the gentlemen I liave men- tioned have passed away, as I say, into eternity. They died comparatively young'. The exactions of their profes- sions, tlie terrible strain of metropoli- tan newsjiaper life and, in many cases, its serious temptations, wore out brave constitutions. It is sad to think that they were cut off in the \ery prime of tl-eir abilities and of tlieir manliood. They have left behind them such em- inently characteristic records as I have very cui'tly and feebly described. As I said in the opening, i^ would take volumes to describe all of the interest- ing incidents of their lives. Sensational novels have been written, fictitious and imaginative, but if all the main inci- dents of the careers of these gentle- men were placed in print, then it could truly be sai 1, "Truth is stranger than fiction." True they have passed away. IjQt us hope that those who knew them best will meet again beyond the eternal boundary iine. We might say with that emotional and picturesque poetess of our day. Miss Ella Wheeler Wilcox, whom I love so often to quote: "And so the grave has lost its victory It is but crossing with bated breath, And white set face a little strip of sea To find the loved ones waitijig on the shore. More beautiful, more jirecious than before." Special Cliaracteristies. Some features of the lives of my colleagues I would like to call especial attention to in this preliminary article. They were always loyal to employ- ers, always intenselj^ zealous in the discharge of duties, always gen- tlemanly in their intercourse with those with whom they were called to dis- ccurse on busiryess of their i>rofession. I will not say that nationality or faith had ever developed a bias against them among the ignorant or partisan class with which every country is cursed, but I will say that they and 1 have encountered (very rarely indeed) such a class in the American community. I know that the elder Bennett was par- ticularly fond of his Irish employes. I have further reason to know that his son, the present proprietor of the Her- ald, has no nari-ow vision that I rec- ognize with regard to the nationality or religion of those who serve him, and v/ho have periled their li\-es many times in the interests of his father and him- self. It may be that there are a few belonging to our profession in the Greater New York — individual workers — who are imbued with these ignoi'ant, selfish, unaccotmtable prejudices which has worked itself into sc'me influence where such influence is detrimental to race and creed. I recently had an example of this style of individual in- famy, in the development of my Bureaus of Correspondence in Europe. The party whom I approached in rela- tion to the matter talked about mj' standin.g with a certain editor. That editor intimated a "non persona grata" existence with regard to a certain leading newspai>er. The state- ment was ab'=olutely false. My rela- tions with the owner of the paper were entirely friendly. This employe simply misrepresented the situation because — as I conclude — of bigoted antagonism and the further fact that some of his corrupt s^'hemes had been vig"orouslj' thwarted through the instrumentality of my bureaus. I mention this incident merely as a warning to these gentlemen of Irish extraction and sentiment -who may be thwarted in similar ways by the mean jealousies of narrow-minded colleagues. I am free to acknowledge that no such sentiments with which I am familiar ever animated the conduct of such giant journalists as James Gor- don Bennett, Joseph Pulitzer, William R. Hearst, Whitelaw Reid and nearly all others of the great newspaper pro- prietors of the LTnited States wuh u horn I have been brought into con- tact. I'lilmly P^'orfie.'*. The peculiar experiences, politimi, legislative and congressional writers en- ilure under circumstances somewhat similar to what I have stated — notably through the enmities of powerful finan- cial intriguants — should, too, be subject for serious consideration. I have had my full share of such experiences. They commenced with the entry of Samuel J. Tilden into his fierce battle with the Tweed ring, and subsequently with the notorious canal ring. If some egotism displays itself in personal al- lusions of this character while dealing- with subjects of journalistic rivalry and intrigue, I must be pardoned for the i-easons that will appear later on. Our nationality has come in for consiclera- 16 ble oritiiis:m in iii-- expMsure of political robberies anrl corrupt poliiical leader- ship. Thai is fair in one sense but en- tirely unfair in another. The case in point— the Tweed ring-— was composed of four great leaders, but one of them an Irishman, Hall, Sweeney, Tweed and Connolly. Sweeney was fully exoner- ated, however. The canal ring, co;n- posed of Democrats and llepublicans. did not include a single Irishman in its leadership. There are other rings of na- tional di.sgrace with which the Irish are not particularly identified, as actual leaders, and I mention them simply to explode this ridiculous proposition. They were the "Credit Mobilier Rings," the "Whiskey Ring," the "Star Route Ring," and many others. While at Albany, I have had singular opportunities during my nearly twenty- five years of newspaper correspondence there during legislative sessions, to learn much of the "inside operations" where our nationality was particularly charged with offenses of this charactei'. There is no foundation whatever for such charges. Tlie "\e«- JcmriiJilisiii"' — So C'J'. • •.tl. While on these subjects— our nation- ality being responsible for much of lit- erary criticism, newspaper attack and newspaper exposure, I might say a few words on the journalistic policies of the day. Very recently Mr. Alfred Harms- worth, the noted London editor, gave us some excellent advice as to how we should conduct our newspapers. I agree thoroughly with most of what this gen- tleman says. He has forgotten to ^ay several things, however, which seem to me to be vital and important. It is true we want truth and exposure of wrong. The newspaper should be al- ways right. To be always right requires the right kind of men to guide it. The very "bright young man" is useful in his way, but where it comes to the grav- ity of long experience— particularly with public men and their methods — the "bright young man" is not so useful. It took me years of personal intercourse with public men (in New York, Albany and Washington and otlier parts of the country) before I could begin to e.-!ti- mate their characters, to understand their extrao;d:nary settled methods and their "lightning changes" in the face of public attention and public criticism. Will it be considered radical when I state that a great mass of the commun- ity, where public men and public poli- cies are concerned, are "asses" and generally "fed with straw?" I recently noticed an' article in one of the New York dailies, several columns in length, giving a most flattering ac- count of the surroundings, career and personal character of a gubernatorial candidate. To read that article you would imagine the gentleman men- tioned was trying- to conceal very elab- orate ang-elic wings under a gorgeous overcoat. A three column article a few days subsequently in another journal gave a lengthy history of the same gentleman's legislative operations, which would entitle him, if these alle- gations were true, to a cell for life at Sing Sing. 1 am afraid that article v as entirely too severe. Now which of these articles are the public to rely upon? That is a difficult question to ask. Either of the papers must have been wrong. What are the readers to do in order to be properly informed? Mr. Harmsworth might answer some of these queries. The ideal newspaper may yet arrive when they will all be answered correctly. The great issues before us in public and private life will have to be settled right if this republic is to last. "Man bo'.ve-l down with labor: ^^oman young, yet old; Heart depressed in the toiler's breast, And crushed by the power of gold. Keep on with your weary battle, .Against triumphant might; A 'I iiuestion is ever settled I'ntil it is settled right." I'ersoujil KxiU'rieiiees Jiinl Ample Ajiologies. My own personal experiences may not be subjects for obtrusion in an article of this description. There are some luatters of importance, however, that I find absolutely necessary to present in view of my identity with the grand cause for which the Irish American Historical Society was inaugurated, and also as part of the brief narrative sur- rounding the lives of the gentlemen I have thus far named. I assert positively without fear of contradiction, that the Irish have had more solid influejvro on the press of New York city, as v.-cll as on the press of other great cities like London, Liverpool, St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco and many more large centres of population, than any other national representatives on the face of the earth. Joliii Kelly vs. J. G. Bennett. My experiences brought me into one of the most laborious battles of the last century between Mr. John Kelly, the predecessor of Richard Croker, and Mr. James Gordon Bennett, Jr. For some two years .this contest was waged with the bitterest virulence on both sides. Article after article was prepared by me in denunciation and exposure of Kelly's methods. Ultimately, our side triumphed and Kelly was expelled from the comptrollership. That night I went home to the Con- tinental Hotel. New York, where I stopped at the time, the fight being ended, and for several days was seized with a most deathly sickness. Brain fever ^\as threatened: the strain of the fight and the anxiety attendant thereon had done their Avork. Convalescent and feeble, I had to leave my sick room and go to Albany and again en- 17 tor into tho cxriting' ccinti'iiversios tlieii a.iAitatiiii;- tho legisluUve and political field. The I'Isitt-Conlilin«- Senatorial StiMiitsle. Another terrific pclitieal struggle wiiich empliasizes tlie strains and trouble? of newspaper life, centered around the famous senatorial contro- versy at Albany, when Mr. T. C. Piatt and Mr. Roscoe Conkling resigned from the United States Senate. That fight brought about the assassination of President Garfield, the disruption of the Republican party between the " Stalwarts " and " Half Breeds," and paved the way some months after- ward for the election of Grover Cleve- land to the governorship by nearly 200,000 majority. I was in the midst of tliis con- flict from its initiation to the end. I stopped at the Delavan House, where also stopped Senators Conkling and Piatt and Vice-President Arthur, up to the time of tlie latter's elevation to the Preridency. The struggle is matter of liistory. Tts inception, its incidents, tragic, comic and gross are also matters with whicli the country is familiar. Two of the leading figures of that time, Messrs. Conkling and Ar- thur, have gone to their last resting place. Senator Piatt lives and reigns as the biggest Republican of the country next to that versatile gentle- n'.an whom we occasionally hear of, Mark Hanna. When I look back on those days, T can congratulate myself: although knowing much of the inside history of this sti-uggle, that I never descended, as otliers did in a literary way, to the unholy sewers of unholy attack against Mr. Piatt. The con- spiracy and the conspirators were of the meanest kind. Although I may differ, and have differed as an inde- pendent Avriter. with Mr. Piatt in very many of his plans and policies, I still to this day congratulate him on the victory he achieved at that time, and his march to power and influence in his party, growing out, mainly, I think, of the mean, false and contemptible subterfuges that were then resorted to to destroy him as a political leadei-. In concluding these partial reminis- cences, I must further apologize for the very serious aspect and egotism presented in many instances. They could not be presented other- wise. The compensation and remuner- ations of a newspaper life are exces- sively limited and barren. Many of the gentlemen T have named have .gone. as I said to their graves. 1 will not say unwept, but " unhonored and unsung." Several met with tragic fates. Espeeial Features in 3let rojiol i (an •Toiirnali.siii. The Irish race and its dn-ect descend- ants, then, have influenced beyond the direct knowledge of millions of to-day many of the more momentous In- cidenls in Amci-ican histoi'y. Let mc here suiimiarize very briefly some of thi- more important, as far as my own immediate experience goes: — It was a New York .iournallst of Irish descent (through a chain of peculiar circumstances) who was mainly instru- mental in securing the election of Grover Cleveland to the White House in 1884 — that distinguished gentleman's first successful race for the Presidency. It was a New York journalist of Irish descent that first opened the literary battle against the "Canal Ring," for which .Samuel .1. Tilden was lauded to the skies throughout the United States and nominated to the Presidency over the ruins of that notorious combine and also over the downfall of the "Tweed Ring." It was a New York journalist of Irish descent who inaugurated at Al- bany exposure of the situation under which a famous judge of the Supreme Court was exhibited, over twenty j'ears a,go, as the tool of cor- rupt financial rings, leading to great judicial reforms. It was a New York journalist of Irish descent who fought side by side, night and day, with Samuel J. Tilden, more vigorously than anybody else, in a lit- erary sense, in forcing the New York street railroad lobby to the wall and passing the rapid transit law. It was a New York journalist of Irish descent who explained to the public the "inside" workings of the well- knoA\"n State jnison contract ring, thereby destroying- its nefarious powers. It was a New York journalist of Irish descent who supported Theodore Roose- \e]t in all his independent reformatory work when the present Vice-President of the United States came to Albany as an assemlDlyman and when nearly everybody else was silent in a legisla- tive sense. It was a New York journalist of Irish descent who, for very many years, fought the solidly entrenched cohorts of manipulated news and financial con- tiol in Nev,- York and Albany, and still lontinues that battle. Fearing- any misapprehension or mis- representation I am compelled to say that these lines of professional duty have been my own individual work. No man more than I. therefore, can appreciate the ingratitude, jealousy and virulent intrigue in certain quar- ters that have followed the honest, in- dependent discharge of such onerous duties. It was ,a. New York journalist of Irish descent, ton, who started the indejiendent "Intei-naMonal. National and State News Bureaus" at New York, T^^ashington and Albany to let everybody who wanted to know precise news situa- tions at those centres. Is Til is Prophetic? To the high officials, dastardly un- grateful and meanlj' vain in grasping the brains and work of this character without credit and without recogni- 18 ti