The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-08

him open 80 often to the charge OF treachery. But
the truth Is that few, II any, who sought his favor
cases out or ten, mercenery creatures common to
the experience OF every j0urnallstl, VINO Iurtivey
risked running the moral blockade de- which com n
turn him to account He devined their purposes
with an unfaing instinct, and, owing them moth
ing for their attempts to patronze him, ne would
frequently mock them with prodigious power. IL
was the handiest way for him to retain his inde.
pendence, for 1t is the painful experience OF al
Journalists that the sycOphants to whom they ex-
tend their greatest kndnesses generally reward tne
favor by spreading the idea that they have their
resolution to steer clear OF this class OF men. There
was nothing he disdained so much as the idea OF
any one having influence over him; ana 1t may pc
fairly concluded that leading reason for the
HERALD's frequent change OF course was It's pro-
pretor's ceaseless jealousy OF his personal indie
netts mind, let us not omit at this point to credit
him, for, perhaps, the more phosophlc reason that
he altered the political principles OF the HERALD
through sort OF equity to his readers who though
clnging to the paper as business necessity, were
composed OF all shades Of opinion and had an equal
claim upon his representative courtesy. We all
have noticed how the sudden changes ofthe HERALD
would rejoice the favored faction OF its family and
how restively the rest would wait (whe none re-
tired until 1t came their turn. 1t Is quite likely
that the mind which OWNED the form or journalism
most philosophically suited to the Intelligence OF
republic may have built steady theory upon the
But, setting all theories aside, and walking only
within the domain of facts, let us admit that Mr..
developed state the slave OF mercenary influences
and prey to personalities and passion OF which
be not the au thor but only too mighty
disciple, did really after his Titanic struggle place
1t on higher elevation than its most sangune adj
mirers ever dreamed of. II he struck with rough
hand when the problem was aglow, he counselled
comfy and moderation when it had found its
proper shape The HERALD, during the last few
years OF his life, was conspicuous for the absence
of all personalities of an unworthy character, and
thus its founder establishes the presumption that
he had labored for this contamination from the
start. Unfortunately, the press Is still cursed by
some who have no leading star no instinct OF inn
provement to direct them, but who blind to the
progress of the age and OF the lifting morals
of the profession they degrade, prefer to squirm
and grOvel in congenal mire.
The interest OF our subject has led us to greater
length than we intended. 1t but remains to speak
OF the personal qualities of Mr. Bennett, as eXem-
pifed in his personal dealings with men and in the
personal traits exhibited among his family and
friends. His integrity in business dealings was
above all impntation his generosity to subordinates
became proverb in his profession, and the man.
ner In which he defended his employees from susp-
piciOn or aspersOn not only gained their affection,
but gave to the modern press its most valuable les
son. This, like all the higher impulses of the heart
was true stroke OF genius. From the root Of that
principle the ediflce OF the HERALD sends his high
est shaft.