Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1884-05-09

great success III Intervening Mr.. tOulu
is yet to be discovered Mr. Gould, how
ever, is accessible to reporters. Even
the pulsations of the stock ticker lose at
attraction for Mr. Gould in the presnce Of
the fraternity. He Immediately responds
to their call and evidently considers it
good pOlicJ to undergo the ordeal without
unnecessary delay To all inquirers he
responds in monosyllables Occasion
ally he will express himself in fve-word
scnteuces-he has never been known to
spread himself in over seven. He is eI-
tremely cordial in his manner and uses
better grammar in his pithy sentences
than is the case with most men. 81, don't
know 81 haven't heard it," and 81
can't say are the stereotyped replies
given.
When the reporter is sent to interview
''Billy" Florence, the popular actor, he
starts on his mission with no misgivings
in fact there is rivalry among the repor-
toral fraternity MS to which shall capture
the prize Billy's laundering Come in"
is the response that awaits all comers at
the Fifth Avenue Hotel. Mr.. Florence
always declares there is not bit of news,
and bidding the interviewer be seated,
draws up his own chair and proceeds to
spin out enough to ill a newspaper Oc-
caslonally he refers to q Mark Twain
scrap-book, and reads some clipping mp
on the topic under discussion. When
the reporter looks Mt his watch he finds
the hours have sped on like minutes un-
der the interesting conversation of the
great actor. Mr.. Florences S hearty greet
ing Of newspaper mems generally account
ed for by the fact that he at one time was
also quill driver.
Gen. Grant, since his residence in New
York, has found himself daily the recipi-
ent Of attentions from newspaper men.
The ex-President has come to be regarded
as sort of encyclopedia or all matters of
public interest. When a reporter wants
to "write up" the subjects of the silver
dollar, national bankruptcy, the Star
Route trials, the resources of Mexico or
some important measure in Congress,
Gen, Graut's opinions are sought and com
muuicated with freedom and detail that
reflect credit upon the old soldier. Gen.
Grant, when in good health, has never
been known to turn deaf ear to the in
terviever Seated at his desk. he putfs
vigorously at his cigar and rolls out his
sentences with surprising rapidity and
intelligence. The interviewer feels at
ease i'll the presence Of the distinguished
ex- President aud leaves him with the
conviction that If not "a bigger man than
old Grant" the successor Washington is
1T any late as accessible as the humblest
muu III the laud.
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher probably re-
ceives more visits from newspaper men
other man i'll the United States. Mr.
Beecher is usually found at his home be-
fore 9 u'clock i'll the morning, and as soon
as he enters his study he generally finds
an interviewer awaiting him. If the sub
lect pleascs him he talks, If not he is ST.
| lent. His custom is to run on on side
track, crack some little joke, and enter
| tain the interviewer with some anecdote,
| in order to divert attention from the OBJ
ject III view. Mrs. Beecher happens to
be always present during the visits OF
newspaper men, and Mr. Beecher never
fails to use her as Il lever while indulging
III his playful remarks. Finally, when
| Mr.. Beeeher ID concerned, the interviewer
may succeed IN extracting some consola-
ton from him, but his favorlte method IL
an invitation to call some other day when
he is i'll good humor.
Russell Sage receives the interviewer
with open arms. At his desk, attiret
in 81 % coat and ten-csnt necktie, the
millionaire converses confdentially, in
telhgently and pleasantly. His good ma
ture makes him exceedingly popular will
newspaper men. Sometimes he is but
ton-holed on Broadway as he emerge
from his office, and he then invites the IN
terviewer to accompany him up the street
expressing as they proceed, his views OF
| nf stn . or of IA
iect.
"Uncle" Rufus Hatch's ONCE is vsite,
by as many reporters daily as that of an,
man in New York. He has quaint strik
ing way of expressing himself, and what
ever lie says attracts attention
When not dictsting to his young lad
stenOgraphers and type-writers, or other
wise particularly engaged, Uncle Rufu
: talks freely He occasionally enjoys
nap in his private Office, where the youn,
lady type writer's lull him to sleep unde
the influence OF their monotonous music
At such times he will not be disturbed
J even by his favorite reporters. When h
/ awakens, however, it requires but littl
effort to draw him out on stocks, grain
! petroleum, politics, church music, res
! estate or the lost arts. He always offer
. the reporter tifty-cent Havana on leave
e ing.
! Mr.. A. S. Hatch's one OF the most il
terviewed men in New York since he be
: came president of the Stock Exchange
Mr.. Hatch's work in the missionary fiel
/, renders him peculiarly popular with tn
= craft. He never hesitates to express hi
> views to the press. His opinion OF repor
= = crs is OF a very high order, and he d,
, clares that he has but once been mlsquo
II ed.