Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1881-05-12
GEORGE G.
Death Of a Notable Journalist Of
the Day.

Death Of a Notable Journalist Of
the Day.
Louisville Post.l
George Q. Harding died at Indian
apolis, yesterday. He was, perhaps
more notable than noted, but among
the writer's of the press he had a sub
stantial and de.extended reputa-
ton. He was thoroughly a good editor
and a brilliant writer. His individu-
atty was strong. His personal pres
ence was always felt, and his spirit
upon a newspaper flashed luminous.
From the moment he placed himself
at work-for he was a sturdy toiler
with all his irregular genius-the
readers of his newspaper became
aware of a new power. In person he
was saturnine looking, as if he had
been done in crayon. His eyes black,
his browS shaggy, his complexion
olive. He was exceedingly quiet, but
his mind was a storehouse Of definite
information upon certain topics and
fragments of knowledge from all
sources. With his friends, to whom
he unfolded himself at times, he was
full of mirth, bubbling over with I'M
premeditated happy talk, and apt au-
ecdotes came from him at every turn.
His experience in newspaper existence
had led him q dance over many states,
but his strongest reputation was made
in indianapolis, where he also accu-
mulated something like a reward for
his labOrs. Like the mans apparent
nature, his life was dark. Domestic
unhappiness beset him, and doubtless
intensified his cynicism and sharpened
the barbs of his wit.
When the writer of this made his
first short dash at journalism, he
found the great Harding in the band
of Colonel Clusky's assistants on the
Louisville Ledger. Harding was the
only trained journalist in the lot, so
that the ease with which the man
worked, the amount he accomplished
and the im%perturbable manner in
which be pursued the tenor Of his
way, impressed the novice greatly.
journalism means hard and constant
work. This was the first lesson taught
by the great man, who was brilliant
without attempting parade, and who
vas a dashing writer without self
praise or the least note Of vain glory.
Journalism, moreover, cultivates the
faculty of reading men. Harding had
the quickest penetration conceivable
in questions that came up. He could
decide at once on the merits of indi-
vidual grievances, and acted on a
sense Of justice, with regard to news
exigencies and private rights, fully
conscious of his own nerve to meet
any Of the consequences. An analysis
Of the character Of George Harding
would be useful to the young journal
lists whose ideas are yet crude.
The editor is not necessarily a
college-bred man. Harding had a
receptive mind, but one that rejected
all nor -essential things. His self
culture embraced everything required
for the field he occupied. He had a
grace of style and a pungency Of wit
not taught in the schools. There are
fragments of inspiration of his which
would be worthy of preservation.
What bitter words Of scorn he cast
forth into the world, to pass away or
the printed sheet of a days existence
but which remain in the minds Of mer
and communities. He expressed wrath
and contempt in no scant way or by
any trick of style, but in wrath anC
contempt he was terrible. He was q
hater Of shams, and the grim humol
with which he used to correct the fol
bles of his kind found form in mastery
style. To those within the circle o
journalism George Harding is nc
ordinary memory or even a passing
Renaissance.
In journalism, as in other fields o
boasted human effort, there is room
for the play of cultured or uncOutl
genius, and ones individuality is MOI
lost, though the man who is most felt
and makes the reputation of othe
men, in other professions may not b.
heralded as Others are.