Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1889-03-29

tiers each day for these journals, and it was
here that he gained the experience which
soon after rendered him such g rapid and
effective war correspondent
When the broke out Reid was city
editor of The Cincinnati Gazette. He left his
position and proceeded to front where, over
the signature Agate he contributed q
series OF army letters to his paper. which
were read with interest throughout the west
On his return, in 1852, he was offered the
management Of a st. Louis paper. The pro-
prietors OF The Gazette, however, rather
than lose his services, offered him a consider
able interest in their paper. This laid the
foundation Of his fortune. He was expected
to continue writing, and appointed
Washington correspondent. In this capacity
he came in contact with all of the eminent
men of the day, and with characteristic
shrewdness succeeded in making several in
valuable friends. Foremost among them
were Secretary Chase and Horace Greeley.
From the first Mr.. Greeley was impressed
with the executive ability of the young jour
naist and offered him position on his paper.
This Mr.. Reid refused, but he subsequently
consented to take charge of the Washington
branch of The Tribune. In this manner he
became associated with the journal he was
destined in future years to control Shortly
after the close of the war he accompanied
Mr. Chase on the tour which the latter took
along the coast at the request of President
johnson, to make observations upon the con-
dition and interests of the white and black
races in the southern states. a result of this
journey Reid's first contribution to liter
allure, a small volume entitled After the
War; a Southern Tour" Subsequently he
became a cotton planter, but met with so
many misfortunes, that he gave up the idea .
of cotton growing after two years expe-
rience About twenty years ago Mr.. Reid
finally resolved to accede to the solicitations
of his friend Mr.. Greeley and connect him
self with the staff of The Tribune. He was
given the post of first editorial writer. He
remained in this position, writing most Of
the political leaders until the resignation of
John Russell Young, the managing editor.
MIR. Reid was then installed in the position
and Immediately proceeded to run the paper
upon strict business principles. Whatever
may have been its shortcomings under his
control, it has certainly been held in esteem
for the groups of literary men and profess
sional authors who have aided in its compost
ton Ripley, Taylor, Smalley, Winter, Col.
Hay, Noah Brooks, and host of others have
have at different times been regular or occa-
sional contributors to its columns.
When Mr. Greeley gave way to presidential
aspirations and finally secured the nominal
ton he coveted, it was represented to him
that it would be necessary to his political
success to sever all connection with The
Tribune This brought Mr.. Reid to the front
as manager. When the battle was over and
the cost of Mr. Greeley's disastrous defeat had
been counted, it was found that The Tribune
was on the verge of ruin. Then when it
seemed that tba either
of existence or into the hands of those who
Were strangers to its past management, White
law Reid took hold and effected its reorgani-
zation.
1t has been said that after Mr.. Greeley had
failed in the presidential contest and went to
The Tribune office to find that he no longer
had place there it broke his heart By
some Mr. Reds course was looked upon as
an evidence of ingratitude, but the men who
carry tottering enterprises through success
fully are often obliged to appear to deal
harshly, though what is considered harshness
may be only necessary firmneSs. Mr. Greeleys
usefulness TO his paper seemed to have passed;
The Tribune was embarrassed, and the ques-
ton was whether it should pass into the
hands Of strangers or Mr. Greeley's managing
editor.
Mr. Reid combines two faculties which are
not generally found together he is good
business man and good writer He lives in
one of the palatial Willard houses ON Madison
avenue, just opposite St Patrick cathedral
His wife, "a daughter Of the California mil
lionaire, d. O. Mills, has an ample fortune of
her own, and is leader in society. They
have no children. In personal appearance
Mr.. Reid is tall and spare. His face is some
what lacking in power, but is refined and in
telligent. Altogether he has more the look Of
a successful business mau than OF one engaged
in literary pursuits