The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-05-02
RECoLLEcT1oNs OF GREELEY.
The Unhappy End of the Great Journalists
Life-His Confinement in an Asylum.


Joe Howard, in Philadelphia Press,
Don't send me away, Alvy,' "Please don't
Alvy," ''Please let me stay won't you, Alvya"
These are not the baby prattle Of a child, but
the piteous wall of one of the great intellects of
the age; the best journalistic fighter known to
the world He founded the New York Tribune
He wrestled with giants He was presidential
candidate of great party, opposed to a greater
of which he was one of the originators. Health
and strength, nerve and muscle failed him. and
he died in a mad house. Horace Greeley was a
large man, with big head, packed with
strengths of unusual force, and weaknesses of
unusual dimensions. He combined the cunning
and craft of the fox with the courage of lion
and the co wardice of sheep. On occasions he
planted himself upon immutable truth, whose
foundations were like pillars of granite, and
again allowed himself to float along the waters
of eXpediency, with shadows and bubbles for his
companions.
Two pictures presented themselves to me this
morning, which brought the old time Horace
Greeley before my eye, and unrolled panorama
of the past, with all its regretful memories, like
a flash. One was Isaac England, publisher of
the Sun newspaper, friend whom have known
and tied to for quarter of century, sterling,
sturdy man of practical ability, good typo an
intelligent editor, a far-seeing publisher. The
other was coffin, in which reposed the dead
body of Alvin j. johnson, formerly publisher
in this city, best known however, TO large
circle as Horace Greeleys friend"
England was brought up with Horace Greeley.
He was a bright, ambitious, tow headed youth,
and struggled with a long and portentous name,
Isaac Wilberforce England. Precisely what he
originally did do not know, but think he was
a boy in the composing room, whence he was
graduated as reporter. In time he became city
editor of the Tribune and paid more attention
to his business than to his appearance, much so
that the other boys made fun of him: but while
they were making fun he WIS making money,
and, parenthetically l may remark some of
them have been very glad of it in later years.
England soon became one Of the recognized
forces of the Tribune, and until
he left its service, to share the fortunes
of Mr.. Dana first in Chicago and subsequently
here, he was wheel horse whose Judgment,
tact and sagacity, and honest endeavor were re
garded by his associates as significant part of
the Tribune plant, When England returned to
this city, and the Sun was put by his tremen-
dous endeavor and the sagacity of Amos Cum
mings the two being Mr.. Dana's chief assistants
upon its feet, Horace Greeley on one occasion
visited the Office, and England took great pride
and pleasure in showing his former employer
the entire establishment, from the press room,
two stories under ground, to the composing
room in the mansard roof. Referring to this
visit of Greeley's to-day Mr.. England said:
Had known then what l know now, how
eheerfully would have seen that the old gen
tleman'was given chair in the Sun Office, with
am income equal to any he ever enjoyed, for the