The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-08-19
George Jones Dead.


POLAND STRINGS, Me-. August 12.-George
Jones, the editor and founder of the New
York Times, died at O'Clock this morning,
in the Soth year ofhis age.
Mr. Jones was born in Poultney, Vt, and
his parents were ofthst sturdy Welsh stock
that has contributed 50 many prominent and
successful men to the older communities of
America At the age Of 40, Mr.. Jones, who
had accumulated fortune, and Henry J.
Raymond founded the New York Tfme5.
Apropos of the death of George Jones,
reference has been made to the Times expo
sure of the Tweed ring frauds, which is, all
things considered, the most interesting and
important episode in lis career while under
the active management of Mr.. Jones. The
events Immediately preceding the exposure
are worth recalling. While James 0'Brien
was sheriff Of New York county he got 8
place in the controllers Office for a protege
of his named Copeland. This man had charge
Of the city and county ledgers. He saw
enormous sums OF money passing through
the department, and suspecting that some
thing was wrong he made transcript of the
figures and showed them too Brien. 0'Brien
had no love for Tweed at this time and he
took the figures, with all his evidence, to
New York daily newspaper for publication.
The paper examined the matter and return
ed IT, Then O'Brien brought his figures and
his other evidences of fraud to Mr. Jones
The Times decided TO publish the figures
and make full exposure Of the rings steal
ings. When this determination was COM
municated TO o'Brien he took away the pa
pers, but brought them back in a few weeks,
and told Mr.. Jones to go ahead with the
publication. o'Brien never made any con-
ditiOu zs 10 the publication, nor did he ask
for any compensation for furnishing the
proofs of the Tweed frauds. By some means
unknown to Mr. Jones. Tweed learned that
tie proofs of his guilt were in the hands of
the IEmes. He sent a man to Mr.. Jones and
offered to buy the paper at any valuation
that might be pu. on it. This cffer was
msde IL cash. to be paid at once. Mr.. Jones
replied that he did not propose to sell his
paper at any price. Then Tweed's emissAry
informed him that he could accept or do
worse.
This conversation occurred in Mr.. Jones
Office in the Times building. Shortly there
after lawyer who was a tenant in the same
building sent for Mr.. Jones to come to his
Office, as he wished TO see him on an import
ant matter. Thinking that the business per
II a., h. Lr,-f e.,
the lawyers Office, and being ushered into
a private room, was confronted by Richard
B. Connolly, the Controller, and Tweed's
partner in crime. Il don't want 10 see this
man" said Mr.. Jones, and he turned TO go
/ out of the place. "For Gods sakeln exclaim-
ed Connolly, "let me say one word TO you"
At this appeal Mr.. Jones stopped. Connol-
" then made him proposition to f0rego the
publication of the documents he had in his
possession and offered him an enormous
sum Of money to do this.
The amount of this offer was 100000! F!
As Connolly waited for the answer, Mr..
Jones said Il don't think the devil will
ever make higher bid for me than that" I"
Connolly then began 10 plead, and drew a
graphic picture Of what one could do with
S5.OOO,Ooo. He concluded by saying; Why
with that sum you can go to Europe and
live like prince" "Yes," said Mr.. Jones
'but should know that was rascal.
cannot consider your offer or any offer not
to publish the facts in my possession" A
few days thereafter the proofs of the frauds
came ont in the Tines, and were flashed to
the four quarters OF the globe.