The Washington critic., 1889-03-18
rwo INTERVIEWS.
A Snowman who Recalls a Story of
tho Grand Duke Alexis.

the Grand Duke Alexis.
Manager Avery ofufhe museum, says the
Cincinnati Tines-S1dr, is an ex-Chicago
newspaper man, whose experience in jour
nalism in the city Of strong-minded and
active wind is productive of number of
good stories.
lie pulled these from the pocket OF his
memory last evening in illustrating the
fact that some members OF the profession
have enough get-up, energy, originality
and pluck to make them leaders in what
ever calling they may have adopted. These
stories came from the lips Of the partlci-
pants themselves and were told at "Bob
Parks" when the slush ice of formality,
sunshine of Mumm's f. d.
At the time the great Chicago editor,
Wilbur f. Storey, was in his primo and the
Times was one OF the Thunderers OF Amer
lea. He had enough enterprise to use the
north pole as part Of q telegraphic plant
II he could have got wire toit, and he
was on the constant lookout for good
reportorial talent. Finally, something un-
usually bright and readable In Canadian
newspaper caught his eye, and tho upshot
was he ''reached for Billy Colbrooke, the
writer, and the young man made'his ap-
pearancc as member Of the Tines stan.
Billy's first assignment was to interview
the Russian Grand Duke Alexis, who was
touring the country, and with his party
was stopping at the Transit House, which
was in the comparative suburbs. Billy was
wearing his Canadian costume, volu-
minous, baggy and wonderfully reconstructed
costume, that looked like bifurcated
bolster with high cap attachment, and his
appearance was extraordinarily distingue"
when he reached the hotel. Alex, old boy,
was upstairs and the way was jealously
guarded against everybody who hadn't at
least four joints to his name.
The crowd Of callers was very large, and
the little Canadian, muflled from head to
foot, became pressed In the current and
away he floated upstairs without snag Of
Goldfish to stay his course. He was carried
directly into the reception-room, and, in
stead Of being blinded by the dazzling ap-
pearance of royalty, and dislocating his
spine In contortion act by way of physi-
cal acknowledgment, Billy stepped quietly
to one side, pulled his pad and pencil and
went TO work. In less than one brief Chi
cago moment a young man by the name Of
Colbrooke was In the Siberian grasp of o
couple OF male chambermaids Of his high
ness, and when his feet were next In nor
NAL position, he was at the bottom OF the
stairs, having descendea eighty-two steps
in one and one-third jump, which ended in
lead-colored thud.
just then he was accosted by an excited
young individual thusly:
"Who are your
~ represent the Times"
"The deuce you do"
"Who are you9"
'I'm Gallagher Of the Tribune. Have
you been up theres"
"Yes.'
"You didn't get infn
"Yes did; all you have to do is present
your carl. You try 1t; they'll let you In"
Gallagher started upstairs, card In hand,
and Colbrooke started for the Office. Mr..
Gallagher presented his card to the cadaver
in liver-colored livery, and the next instant
he was in Russian-Gr1co grasp, and right
here, according to research, occurred the
origin Of "Let Ter go, Gallagher"
Mr. Gallagher's fight was as utterly de-
void Of formality and dignity as that Of his
predecessor, and his delightfully."- free and
easy manner in mid air would have been
charming under any other circumstances.
He, too, came down without any premedi-
tation or malice, and borrowing the Official
and authorized bung starter of the hostel
rio, he started after Colbrooke. But Billy
reached the Office in safety. Next day tho
Times had a column and a-half interview
with the duke. The duke was described as
''cordially greeting the writer with o hearty
hand grasp and sunny smile that was ex-
'otic In temperament and prolific Of the
most delicate hued petals of friendship.
The duke considers Chicago only second to
st. Petersburg In thematter Of atmosphere,
while Illinois reminded him with circus
poster accuracy Of the genial atmosphere
iof his own beloved Siberia"
! That account made hit and Colbrooke's
position was assured. And It. was an all
red scoop. This incident indicates in way
the future Of these enterprising men. Mr..
Gallagher is now one OF the most valuable
members Of the stan Of the New York
World and agreat newspaper man. Col
brooke retired from journalism and Is .
irailroad magpate on Western trunk line
and every whit as enterprising as the even
ing ne scooped everything by successfully
interviewing the Duke Alexis.