, 1885-03-15
HOW GRANT WAS INTERVIEWED.


A Clever Reporter Who Got the Hest Of
the Generals Reserve.
New York Man and Expres-l
When Con. Ulysses S. Grant touched
terra hrma. having completed his famous
trip around tho world, he made n solemn
pledge 10 his most intimate friends that un-
der no circumstance would he DO inter
vowel by any newspaper representative.
This arrangement was entered into for tho
purpose OF obviating the possibility Of inter
fering with tho sale Of tho book written by
Minister to china John Russell Young, then
weil-nigh completed.
Gen. Grant reached tho Fifth Avenue
hotel in duo season, and, as was expected,
was besieged by newspaper men. He do
clined TO say anything whatever about his
trip beyond stating that he had enjoyed IL,
and 80 on. For two days tho sioge was kept
VI, but the general hold the fort Finally
one Of the leading morning papers singled
out a man from the city stan md detailed
him to get a story out OF the general at any
cost and under any circumstance.
Proceeding to the Fifth Avenue hotel, the
reporter held a council Of war with tho vet.
eran clerk Carr. There is no earthly use.
said he, sin sending up your card. He has
already positively declined to see some Of
tho bsst known newspaper correspondents In
the country. II / wsrs In your place, do
you know what / would dot I'd send up my
card and face the music. Take the role Of d
Wal street blood. He'll never discover you. "
The card was sent up, and word came back
that Gen. Grant would see the gentleman.
As the story goes, the scribe weakened at
the knees, but finally braced up and moanted
10 tle suite OF rooms occupied by the voyagsr
POUND tho world. The old soldier was in full
dress; Mrs. Grant and a number OF ladies
wero present. The recoption-room was
redolent with the perfumes OF the choice
exotics that had been sent TO the hero Of
Vicksburg. Tho reporter bade him well
come. was introduced 20 tho ladies, and hold
a long chat with Gen. Grant, who unex-
pectedly gave a succinct and interesting ac-
count OF his voyage. Tho following morn
ing the daily anne out with a clean beat
of a column and threo-quarters 1t was used
all over tho country, and the storm that
burst over Gen. Grants head can DO more
easily imagined than described. Letters and
kilograms were thrown at him by tho hun
dred, and he was charged by his friends with
having violated the sanctity OF his promise.
He tried hard TO explain, but it was no use,
so finally he came out with a statement to
the effect that he was not aware OF having
been interviewed by any newspaper man.
About six months aftcrward, tho Ninth
regiment was reviewed by Gen. Grant in the
Madison Square garden. Before the review
began Gen. Shaler, knowing nothing OF
COURSE. Of the circumstances, introduced the
writer Of tho article to the general. He re-
peated the name over and over, and then,
fixing his piercing orbs on the reporter. rec
ognized him US the one who had caused him
80 much trouble He told the whole story
10 Gen. Shaler.
ut has been a wonder 10 me ever since"
said he, "how this young man here could
have mnde so much out Of so short a CONVEX
sation, and without taking any notes TO keep
so close to the truth. You may depend upon
It. however, that l ave kept my eyes and
ears open since. and he will DO a mighty
smart reporter who will catch ms mapping
agnin.p