The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1889-03-16

UtIS each udl lOi tutcc jun nhio, dhu ~ was
here that he gained the experience which
soon after rendered him such rapid and
effective war correspondent.
When the war 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 a
series of army letters to his paper, which
were read with interest throughout the west.
On his return, in 1862, he was offered the
management Of St Louis paper. The pro-
prietors of The Gazette however, rather
than lose his services offered him consider
able interest in their paper. This laid the
foundation Of his fortune. He was expected
to continue writing, and was 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 a 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 was Reds first contribution to liter
allure, a small volume entitled After the
| Subsequently, hp
| became 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 MIR. 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 DE
remained in this position, writing most of
| the political leaders until the resignation of
John Russell Young, the managing editor.
Mr. 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 a 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 nomina
| ton he coveted, it was represented to him
| that 1t 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 anc
the cost of Mr.. Greeley's disastrous defeat har
been counted, it was found that The Tribune
was on the verge Of ruin Then when il
seemed that the paper must either pass ou
| Of existence or into the hands of those whC
were strangers to its pas arrangement, White
| law Reid took hold I'D Anhcted its reorgani
cation.
1t has been said that after Mr. Greeley hat
failed in the presidential contest and went t.
| The Tribune office to find that he no Longer
| had a place there, It broke his heart By
| some Mr. Reds course was looked upon a
an evidence Of ingratitude but the men wh'
carry lettering enterprises through success,
fully are often obliged to appear to dea
harshly, though what is considered harshnes
| may be only necessary firmness. Mr.. Greeley
|
| The Tribune was embarrassed, and the ques
ton was whether it should pass into tn
hands of strangers or Mr.. Greeley's managin,
editor.
| Mr.. Reid combines two faculties which Ar
not generally found together; he is a goo
business man and good writer. He lives ii
one of the palatlal Willard houses on Madison
avenue, just opposite St. Patrick's cathedral
His wife, a daughter of the California mil
lionaire, D. O. Mills, has an ample fortune o
her own, and is leader in society. The.
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
telhgent. Altogether he has more the look o
a successful business man than Of one engage,
in literary pursuits.