The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-01-15
Recent Publications.

Portland: Loring, Short q Harmony Nothing
is more agreeable and nothing more instruc-
tive in social intercourse than the store of
memories and anecdotes which man of large
experience and clear observation can afford to
his listeners. And when such "reminiscences
are recorded in lasting form of print, and the
elegant and genial manner of their author may
be enjoyed by much larger number than any
conversationalist's voice could reach, the pub
lie owes debt of sincere gratitude for the
pleasure given it. Mr.. Congdon, it is well
known, holds an important place upon the ed
itorial staff of the New York Tribune, and the
chapters which make up the present volume
were contributed in the form of letters to his
journal.
Perhaps no newspaper has ever enjoyed a
more entire and personal sense of comradeship
with its subscribers, or has possessed a more
distinct individuality than the Tribune. The
presence and authority of the editorial We
penetrated to the very advertisements. This
was due, no doubt, to the character and jour
nalistic theories of Mr.. Greeley who, setting
aside sometimes the dignities and even the
amenities of his Office, was always full of fer
vor and impulse, original, fearless, and never
failing to impress the seal of his remarkable
personality upon his paper. One need not be
fully prepared to say that this daily hand
shake of editor and subscriber is the highest
type of journalism, or even the most effective
in promoting public affairs-but its hold upon
the popular mind is immeasurable. The Trib-
une, in Mr.. Greeley's time, found its way into
remote regions, whore its columns were read
with respect and implicit faith, its judgments
were not questioned, its conclusions not con-
tradicted. Tariff or no tariff, foreign affairs,
stock quotations might be as Greek to some of
the Tribune's baokwoods readers, but all could
understand the genuine and universal human
ity Of Horace Greeley. lie Tribune, c'est
moi" he might have said (but probably did
not, for he was little given to flimsy foreign
phrases.)
But it is of Mr.. Congdon and his reminis-
cences that we are to speak, not of Mr.. Gree
ley; and yet, SO indissolubly is the memory of
Mr. Greeley connected with the Tribune, and
so prominent aud interesting figure is he in
the history of journalism, that it is tempta-
tion to discourse of him-a temptation to
which Mr.. Congdon himself has yielded, great
ly to the benefit and pleasure of his readers.
His sketch is indeed colored by his loyalty to
his late chief, but gives graphic portrait of
the great editor, and one Of the pleasantest Of
its assurances is that Mr.. Greeley's death is
not to be charged to his Presidential disap-
pointment.
To turn from this subject (which Mr.. Cong
don would be more than willing should occu-
py the first lines of review of his book) the
reader is instantly struck with the admirable
quality and equipment of Mr.. Congdon's jour-
nalistic talent. Exceedingly charitable and
kindly in his view of men and affairs, he
possesses fine and ready wit, sometimes TAX
ing the shape of delicate and racy humor;
again welding the blade of a rapid and keen
edged satire, never unjustly drawn. His per-
ceptions are very clear, and he proves every
where the practice and tact of the trained
newspaper man. He has no false pride and is
equally removed from false humility; candor,
brilliancy and sound sense are the character
istics of his work. His style is thoroughly
journalistic; and is clear and to the point
without lacking the literary refnements and
graces. His "reminiscences of his early days
are very bright; and the social and theatrical
anecdotes which he records are entertaining;
but the portions of his work which are most
notable for their value and interest are those
which relate to public men and affairs. He
was for some years upon the editorial force OF
the Boston Atlas, and had opportunity to OBJ
serve the tendencies of Massachusetts political
thought; and it is amusing and instructive to
see beginnings OF the ouris..s rolitioal con-
dition from which the respectable Common.
wealth is now measurably arousing. Nothing
souia unn-.- eptiy aat off the chilled culture.
the frozen torpor, the disposition to deadly de-
lay of the Massachusetts political theorist than
Mr.. Congdon's severe portrait of Mr. George
S. Hillard. And his tribute to Mr.. Seward,
his discriminating praise of Mr.. Sumner prove
him to possess the just balance of admiration
and judgment which is the true critical tenn.
per.
No period of the political and moral progress
Of the nations history gave such great oppor-
tunity, existed to such high purpose, marked
SO sharply the dividing line of good and evi
set the nations face in the way of righteous
ness as did the era of Abolition. Blessed in
this world and the world to come are those
in the land. Perhaps we, who take without
trouble the inheritance of our fathers faitf
and deeds in the cause of freedom, can only in
part appreciate the stern choice that wa:
offered to them. 1t is privilege, and greatly
eliminates the understanding of public affairs
to listen to the narrative of the dark days be-
fore the dawn of liberty from the honored
lips of one of the men who were strong tt
dispel the shadow. 1t may not be ou
of place to record here the gratitude
with which the writer of this review recalls ar
evening in which Mr.. Whittier related somt
of his experiences during the early days of thu
abolition movement.
Mr.. Congdon traces very intelligibly the di
vision Of politics which gave rise to the Repub
| lican party; of which, it is needless to say, HI
is an ardent and efficient m ember. But he fail
to give quite enough credit to the Know-Noth
ing party, which though unsuccessful-ant
perhaps it was not in accordance with th
spirit of our Constitution and national tenden
cies that the party should succeed-neverthe
less had strong flavor of truth in its theories
Its exclusive Americanism was the antithesi
of Tammany; it was political purist tina
would have rendered impossible certain grea
election frauds. At any rate the Know-Noth
ing party is dead, and its power for usefulnes
can only be recalled as sugges tions which tn
past may we'll afford to the counsels of tn
present. Impracticable in its workings as
party, judged and set aside By The course of tn
country, the Know-Nothing theory may serv
some day to modify little our extreme politi
cal cordiality.
Mr.. Congdon's literary "reminiscences ar
very charming to read He had the good fol
tune to sit at the editorial desk next Mr.. Bay
ard Taylor land records many instances of tn
literary power, versatility and delightful socis
| qualities of that lamented and beloved man
He pays many pleasant tribute to othe
friends and associates and the reader rejoice
| and sympathizes with the authors pleasure il
looking back over long years of busy, varie
and successful journalistic life, and wishes hir
many more years as useful and as fortunate
No volume of personal and public recollee
tions can be more charming, more thorough
ly readable or more valuable than this, tn
keen and kindly observations covering pc
riod of fifty years during which the progres
of the world and its consequent journalism ha
advanced at a rapid and surprising pace-th
"reminiscences of man of singularly brilliant
reliable and winning nature, and trained il