The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1885-05-01
How Grant Was interviewed.

When Gen. Ulysses S. Grant touched
terra-trma, having completed his IA
nous trip around the world. he made
solemn pledge 10 his most intimate
friends that under no circumstances
would he be interviewed by any news
paper represen alive. This arrange
ment was entered into for the purpose
OF obviating the possibility of interfer-
ing with the sale OF the book written
by Minister to China John Russell
Young, then wcll-nigh completed.
Gen. Grant reached the Fifth Avenue
hotel in due season, and, as was ex-
pected, was besieged by newspaper
men. He declined to say anything
whatever about his trip beyond stating
that he enjoyed it, and SO on. For
two days the siege was kept up, but
the general held the fort. Finally
one Of the leading morning papers
singled out man from the city staff
and detailed him to get story. out OF
the general at any cost and under any
circumstances.
Proceeding to the Fifth Avenue hotel
the reporter held a council of war with
the veteran clerk Carr. There Is no
earthly use," said he, Sin sendings up
your card. He has already positively
refused to see some of the best-known
newspaper correspondents in the coun-
try. II were in your place, do you
know what would dop I'd send up
my card and face the music. Take the
role Of Wall street dude. 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 fin
ally braced up and mounted to the
suite of rooms occupied by the voyager
around the world. The old soldier
was In full dress; Mrs. Grant and .
number of ladies were present The
reception-room was redolent with the
perfumes of the choice exotics that had
been sent to the hero of Vicksburg.
The reporter babe him welcome, was
introduced to the ladies, and held q
long chat with Gen. Grant, who unex-
pectedly gave a succinct and interesting
account of his voyage. The following
morning the daily came out with q
clean "beat" of column and three
quarters. 1t was used all over the
country, and the storm that burst over
Gen. Grants head can be more easily
imagined than described. Letters and
kilograms were thrown at him by the
hundred. and he was charged by his
friends with having violated the sane
tity of his promise. He tried to ex-
plain, but it was no use, so finally he
came out with statement to the effect
that he was not aware of having been
interviewed by any newspaper man.
About six months afterward, the 9th
regiment was reviewed by Gen. Grant
in the Madison Square garden. Be-
fore the review began Gen. Shaler,
knowing nothing. Of course, of the
circumstances, introduced the writer of
the article to the general. He repeated
the name over and over, and then, fix
ing his piercing orbs on the reporter.
recognized him as the one who had
caused him so much trouble. He told
the whole story to Gen. Shaler.
"It has been a wonder to me ever
SINCE" said he, show this young man
here could have made so much out Of
so short q conversation, and without
taking any notes to keep so close to
the truth. You may depend upon it,
however, that l have kept my eyes
and ears open since. and he viii be a
mighty smart reporter who will catch
me mapping again. "-Ne,o York Mail
and E5pfeSS.