New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-08-24
4 EHLrE MlN NONORED.

Civic honors are to be paid 10 morrow to the
remains of a brave American Journalist. In
June | SIS. John 4. NacGabn died H. C0ustan-
t.nopie in the flush OF early manhood, after ac-
duiring a reputation a war correspondent
second only to that of Archibald FORBES. Ills
career a. IA journalist was one OF exceptional
brilIiancv and influence. From his birth IN ONO
in l~lj 10 his death near san Stctano, his life
measured a brief span o, thirty three yeas, yet
ne had found time net only to distinguish him.
self in his profession, but also 10 give direction
In English policy and to sway the destiny of the
Balkan. 1t WIS he who rccounted the tclribl"
atrocities in Bulgaria. Accompanied by Mr.
Schuyler he visited the district where a Chris
tilu revolt had been stamped ont bv Turkish
cruelty His familiarity with the Slayonic
tongues enabled him 20 converse with the in
habtants and to make thorough invest. cation
of the blrbarous outragcs. His work was 80
thoroughly done that the accuracy of his ac-
count was never seriously called IN quest Do.
The awful story as told in the columns Of Tile
London Ddiiy NerS was the signal for Il reaction
in England against Lord Bcacousfcds Turkish
intrigucs. II brought Mr. Gladstone ont OF re-
tircmcnt and created a revulsOn Of public feel
ing Translated into every language in Eu
rope. his powerful letters appealed to the SYM
pathies of the Continent in favor of Christian
races oppressed with the savage cruelty Of the
Turk. 1t was this brave American who sue
cccdcd in rcopening the Eastern Question.
The war of 1877 and the liberation of Bulgaria
were the ultimate results Of a series of letters
that startled ChristendOm.
1t is meet that man who played so port
ant part in the history of Europe should be
honorcd i'm his own country. Bulgaria might
with good reason have claimed his ashes, for he
had rendered a noble service to its down
troddcn people and to its dcspairing patriots.
But it is more fitting that his last resting place
should be on American soil. From the Bos-
phorus to New-York IIarbor his body has been
brought under the American flag and after to-
mOrrow's civic hOnOrs and public reception the
last tributes Of respect to his memory will be
paid in his native State. Owing to his long
residence abroad his career has not made so
great an impression here as its importance de
served, and his noble traits of character, his in
domtablc energy and his remarkable powers of
observation have escaped general recognition.
Perhaps no better illustration can be given of
the unsclfshncss and resolute courage of the
cspondence at the time OF his death. Mac
Gahan won his spurs as war correspondent in
the Franco German war. Toward the close OF
the Commune, when the Versailles troops were
bombaIding Paris, and the garrison, rendered
savage 10y desperation, was making its last
stand, two of MacGahan's friends were impris-
oncd in the city and in imminent danger He
resolved to rescue them single handed. He APP
preached the Communist picScts, surrendered
himself and was taken to headquarters.
Under the Giro instances tins was an act invOlv-
ing imminent peril. But MacGahan in his fear
less way told the brutal and irenzled com
mander what his mission was, and made so
favorable an impression that both be and his
friends were released 1t was his dauntlcss
bravery that carried him through every crisis
III his evcntful life. Nhother on the battlefield.
or surrounded by Turkish spies in tie Bul-
garan villages, or exposed TO the trcachery of
the savage tribes on the OKus