The Grant County herald. (Big Stone City, Grant County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1883, 1879-11-15
HORACE GREELEY.
Some Recollections of the Liberal Campaign
of 1872.
New York Cor. Indianapolis Journal.l

AS "reminiscences of the great creator
of public opinion seem to be popular,
| may as well tell how he received the
Committee of the Press who came to
see him after his nomination for Presi-
dent at Cincinnati. The old gentle
man labored under the impression from
the first that he was going to be elect
ed. As early as the previous Decem-
Der caucus Of Liberals in Washington
mostly Congressman = had made
overtures to the New York Tribune
to serve as their organ. The Tribune
had never been any mans tool or any
party's humble servant; but Fenton
and others advocated conference with
Mr.. Greeley, to see if they could not
get at least q serviceable mouthpiece
Greeley received the committee well,
and expressed sympathy with their
movement; but even thus early he said,
cautiously: "Some friends will pre-
sent my name for President at the con
vention of Liberals; what would be the
attitude OF you gentlemen toward me in
that case?"
The answer was: "Some of us have
differed widely from you on some ques-
tions of Importance, and cannot advo-
cate your nomination; but, if you are
nominated, we will support you"
With that frank understanding they
went forward.
In the convention, as you know, Gree
ley was nominated against the first wish
of majority of the delegates and by a
sort of accident. Five ballots had been
q hol a nf
Francis Adams had led Greeley; and
the lead had constantly increased till
on the fifth ballot, it stood: Adams
3O9; Greeley, 258; Adams, 251 plural
lty. This was the supreme moment ot
Horace Whites life, and he missed his
] opportunity. Up to the end of the
fifth ballot he had held the Illinois del
egation of fortyt two firm, equally divi-
ded between Trumbull and Davis. But
now, when the moment had come at
| which he could nominate Adams, the
first choice of almost all his Liberal ed
itorial associates, he committed the
fatal blunder of Withdrawing for con
sultation. 1t took ten minutes. The
convention was in a hot tumnlt. Votes
changed rapidly during this sixth
ballot. Minnesota changed it's nine
votes for Greeley, and this marked the
set of the tide. | ran into the barn
like ante-room where Horace White
was on a chair haranguing his delega-
tion, and said to him, Mr.. White,
Greeley is nominated!' He was very
much startled, for he was about to swing
his forty-two for Adams. "'Tis not so
It's not sol" he cried, and started on a
run to lead his delegation to the seats
where the white flag Of Illinois
waved, and to cast their votes for Ad-
ANS. Too late! The distinguished
| Massachusetts, heir Of q great name had
been drawn out Of that crowd I" by tho
| convention itself, which had nominated
the great editor instead.
Greeley never quite forgave "tha
boys'-as he called Horace White,
Murat Halstead and Sam Bowles-for
opposing his nomination and almost
beating it. When they came on here
afterward, and called on him in the lit
tie room in the old building where he
had his Office, and proceeded, in friend
| " if not humble words, to eat their
crow, he burst upon them in his high,
SOlCt, uInOSu DclOIc lucy
were seated yes! yes! yes! You
like me, do you? Going to support
me, are you? Why is it that you
young fellows are jealous of me?"
It took their breath away. Bowles
protested that they were not jealous =
never thought Of such thing
He did not notice the disclaimer, but
continued: You young fellows should
mt be jealous of an old man."
Then White begged Mr.. Greeley to
dismiss the absurd idea from his mind.
"You shouldn't be jealous Of me-" he
persisted. L am not in your way; |
am old, and my chief journalistic work
is done. There is no reason in it,
In vain they protested. He held
| them to the point. At last Halstead
dexterously switched him off upon the
question Of the prudent methods OF
work to accomplish what they all de-
sired; and they succeeded in getting an
interview which made them harmoni
Gus, and developed in their leader 8
degree of tact and good sense, and an
acquaintance with public men and local
politicians which were amazing.
Greeley knew the American people
liked him, had faith in his sincerity
and purity, and admired his great
ability; and he therefrom deduced the
conclusion that they would elect hin
President. Some of his most-trusted
counselors tried to undeceive him, but
failed to make more than momentary
impression; and the electric shock or
election-night struck the confding old
man dumb.