Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-08
miscellaneous.
A REMARKABLE ANECDoTE OF Mr.. WEEP
AND PRESIDENT LINcoI.N's TINE.

Just before hostilities began (of the
war of the rebellion) one OF the duties en-
trusted to him was to secure the infu-
ence eff the New York Herald on the side
of the administration. The sympathies of
that paper were with the south. and its
opposition to Mr.. Lincoln and Mr.. Bennett
encouraged rebellion and strengthened
the rebel cause. Fernando Wood. then
mayor Of New York. entertained kindred
sentiments With its large circulation in
Europe, the Herald was creating dan
2erous public opinion abroad, and it was
felt that Mr.. Weed was the only man who
could bring about change in its policy.
The subject was brought before cabinet
meeting, as our representatives in Eng.
land, France, Belgium and elsewhere had
impressed the government with the neces-
sity of action. 1t was agreed that Mr..
Weed should be asked to visit Nr. Ben
nett. Mr.. Seward stated to the meeting
that Mr.. Weeds relations with Mr.. Ben
nett were such az to insure the failure
of the object contemplated; but Mr..
Weed was summoned to Washington
by telegraph and told that Ibis ex
perience in telling cats" pointed him
out as the man to accomplish this
special task. Lincoln insisted that he
should make the trial, and Weed returned
by the next train to New York with that
object. His acquaintance with Bennett
commenced in 1927, when the latter was
Washington reporter Weed was deep
ly interested in the success of Henry Clay.
whom Bennett repeatedly attacked and
derided, so that the two journalists had
been in direct antagonism. One charge
made by Bennett had so incensed Mr..
Weed that not a word had passed between
them for thirty years, although they lived
much together at the Aston House, in New
York, and were brought otherwise in con-
tact On reaching the city Weed sent
word that he wished TO sea Mr.. Bennett.
and was invited to dinner that afternoon
at Washington Heights. where Bennett
lived The two editors sat long time at
the table. and the question was evident.
ly put before the Herald proprietor in
an entirely new light. In parting Mr..
Weed was cordially invited to visit his
host frequently at his Office and resi-
dence Nothing was then said in regard
TO the future course Of the Herald but that
journal came promptly to the support OF
the government. and remained outspoken
against the rebellion. 1t was charged that
Mr.. Bennett had been inundated, and
that he had been bought up by the admin
istration, but both of these accusations
were wholly unfounded. Mr. Weed APP
pealed solely to MIR. Benefits Judgment.
to his sense of duty as an influential
journalist to the government. and to the
union. A direct and simple appeal, as
Mr.. Weed so we'll knew how to make it.
was successful. and the social relations
thus re-established between these two
journalists continued throughout the re-
mainder of Mr. Benefits life. Mr.Lincoln
frequently expressed to Mr.. Weed his de-
sire to acknowledge in some way his sense
of obligation to Bennett, and some two
years afterward, when the French mission
was open, tho President authorized Mr..
Wakeman. then surveyor of the port. to
offer it to Mr.. Bennett, which offer. how
ever. was declined. - Albany Evening
Journal.