Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-04-27
AN ECCENTRIC EplruA.
Henry wattsrson and His Worship
Of s. J. 7.
A Fine Writer. an Expert Poker
Player, n Successful Lady KILL
er, and an InspiratiOnal Pr
auist.
spoolal CorregpOndence Penny Paper.

Special Correspondence Penny Paper.
LOUISVILLE, April 2l.--If there is
one thing more than another that
makes Louisville famous away from
home, it is her distinguished citizen.
Henri Watterson, the gifted editor OF
the Courier j Journal. The C.-J. is
the paper of the south, and no man
has SO much influence with the South.
ern people as Henry Watterson. his
pen power is remarkably versatile,
and from his well-stored brain he
evolves pathetic, pungent, humorous,
argumentative, OF bitter at a moments
notice. Even in the East, where the
prejudice is strong against this section
and its citizens, the talented editor of
the New York Sun. Charles A. Dana,
is considered not more than the equal
of this wiry Kentuckisn His brill
ancy, not only as writer, but as an
orator, has placed him 10 tbs front
ranks Of the councils Of the Demo
cratic party Of the country. Wstterson
has more idiosyncracies than any man
Of his ability in the country. He
became more generally known through
out the country both as q journalist
and political enthusiast during the
political troubles Of 1876. BE wrote
the most violent editorials calling for
100, 900 Kentucky Democrats to follow
him to Washington and seat Tilden at
the point of the bayonet if necessary.
Watterson and Wade Hampton are
very much alike for their fre-eating
propensities, and both are typical
Southr1ns.
Watterson's leading peeuliarities
would make him attractive, even if he
vas not possessed of so much abilityas
a politician and journalist. He is said
to be the best poker player in the
South. and therefore in the United
States. Il is said his face always wears
the same expression whether he holds
a flush or even has not pair. He is
also q very talented pianist, and keeps
one at his palatial residence and an
other in his editorial sanctum. He is
also . fine whistler. When it comes to
entertaining crowd with anecdotes
he stands pre-eminent. Even Senator
Vest has to take back seat. A more
graceful dancer and q more popular
ladies man is not to be found on the
footstool. To take it all in all, this
man is very Admirable
Chrichton."
lfyou wish to know an editors true
character just call on him when he
has full staff in his editorial rooms,
and tell him you would like position
to learn the newspaper business. If
he has bad disposition he will show
it BY dismissiDg you on the double
quick.
In the second story Of the Courier.
journal building, Immediately off the
stairway, is a large room handsomely
carpeted and elegantly furnished. This
is the library. Passing through that
you enter a large, we'll ventilated
apartment, magnifcently furnished,
and covered with a gorgeous Brussels
carpet. The furniture is of mahogany.
The windows are hung with lace cur
tains and green blinds. Large paint
ings of distinguished statesmen are
hung about the walls. On the wall
facing the door as you go in is a large
water color painting of the sage Of
Gramercy park. It is said by mem
bers Of the CD, staff that their noble
chief bows on Bonded knee every time
he enters his sanctum to show his
profound respect for the great defeated
and defrauded. The other paintings
arc Of Henry Clay, Daniel Webster,
Stopewall Jackson, General Lee, JEFF
ferson Davis, George Knapp, Of the
St. Louis Republican. together with
several members Of the journalistic
profession. Immediately under the
painting of Governor Tilden stands a
Steinway piano.
Knocking at the door Of the Wat.
terson sanctum was met by an aged
colored man, attired in broadcloth,
sEallow-tailed coat and white gloves
who is the editors valet. When
entered. Watterson was sitting
at the piano playing Dixie" with one
hand and Yankee Doodle" with the
other, with his head elevated and bis
eyes feasting on the painting Of Tilden.
As | approached be held up the
Doodle" hand Warningly, and then
finished the tour de force. Then he
wheeled around on the piano stool and
faced me. 1t was the first time / had
seen him, and | surveyed him SC
closely that / must have appeared
quite stupid He is a little below
medium height and rather heavy set
light complexion, heavy mustache
and chin whiskers. His handsome
face has lost much Of its attractive
ness by the loss OF an eye. In manner
he is very graceful, and even captivat.
ing. and his sweet mellow voice would
almost charm the. birds of the trees
In his conversation he is as much Ike
Governor Crittenden, one Of the he
roes Of the James assassination. a
two black-eyed peas. Colonel Wat
terson," l began, after introducipI
myself, 81 desire to learn journalism
and want position on your paper, j
there is a vacancy. / am hard up an,
want work badly"
We'll, my dear boy" said Coloue
Watterson, after asking me to b
seated, you are in pretty near th
same fix | was once. / will Just tel
you about it. At the close Of the wa
[ went to Cincinnati right out of tn
army, ragged rebel without a cent
The next day after my arrival | callel
on Colonel Starbuek, the proprietor q
the Times, and applied for a positio
on the paper He told me a pape
never had vacancy, but there wa
always room for a person who coul
make himself useful-a thing | hay
! often told applicants since and whic
you may take to yourself. | being
; stranger felt discouraged. Next ds
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