New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-10

marvellous skill 10 liIt tne puoiic ihhu uPo
that plane where resolution and action wouiu
quickly follow the certainty Of split III the
Union. The Tribune's part in the creation OF
the Republican party was that of giant force.
Throughout the war and until its close The
Tribune had but one duty-to hit steadily and
hard. Il was the organ Of the fighters, the
very trump Of battle. Its financial situation at
this time was stronger than ever, and all its
resources were employed TO report the war and
to encourage and sustain it. The war ended
The Tribune was for peace, and then began the
issue which divided Mr. Greeley from those whom
he had led and labored with during all the years
of controversy and battle. The Tribune had
never spoken any voice but that of its Editor, and
his it continued to speak, often praising, often
blaming, the Administration of General Grant, and
in the end directly opposing it and standing with
Senator Sumner for reconciliation In the cam
paign which placed Mr.. Greeley before the country
as candidate for the Presidency it gave him a
steadfast, ardent support, suffering with him TO
the verge of prostration.
Six years before this memorable campaign Mr..
Greeley had employed Whitelaw Reid on the
editorial staff OF The Tribune. Mr. Reid, by
birth an Ohioan, had become famous as war cor
respondent, and was now Part-owner OF Inc
Cincinnati Gazette" serving it in Washington
He had proved himself vivid and forceful
writer and among the younger generation Of
journalists he held conspicuous place. Mr.
Greeley had once before sought TO secure him
for The Tribune, and IL was soon apparent, when
he entered upon his work here, that he had been
fixed upon by the great Editor as his successor.
His first employment was in the writing OF
editorial paragraphs, but these went directly to
Mr. Greeley, over the head of the managing
editor, and presently, when change was made
in that Office, Mr.. Reid assumed its charge, and
virtually the control Of the paper. Between him
and Mr. Greeley there was perfect confidence, and
during the campaign Mr. Reid performed all the
duties of the Editor-in-charge Nor did these
duties ever return to their original posscssor,
Mr. Greeley, it is true, after the adverse verdict
of the election, announced his return TO his desk
and made some slight contributions TO the paper.
But the death of his wife and the awful strain
of the political struggle had worn him out COM
pletey His visits to the Office were Irregular.
though it was not suspected that his health had
been permanently impaired. His death on Novem-
Der 20, 1872, only three weeks after the election,
came with all the force and sadness of an un-
expected blow.
Among the volumes of sympathetic comment
brought out by this event was one written by
Sam Bowles, in The Springfield Republican,
that contained the words Of prophecy
Horace Greeley He is only beginning TO
live! Every year VIII add to MS power, VIII
round the measure of his fame The mistakes
that married his work are already half forgotten;
the work itself remains, and will remain forever
an indefeasbe possession, an impcrishable monu-
ment!
recognized as representing the best elements in
our National character and ife-the moral earnest
ness the advanced thought. the instinct of prog
gress the openness 10 rev IDEAS fhe pr9pasa tt
has made it the greatest Of American newspapers
We expect presently to see The Tribune better
newspaper than Mr.. Greeley ever made it or could
have made it, AS o. personal, partisan journalist
he does not leave an equal. But after little
we shall look to see the paper thrive all the
better for the removal Of this overshadowing per-
sonality."
On December %, 1872, Mr. Reid announced in
The Tribune the fact of his purchase of a clear
majority of its capital stock, and declared in these
eloquent sentences the policy he should pursue: :
The associates and disciples of Horace Greeley,
sensible of their inability TO fill his place, but
strengthened by his teachings and encouraged by
his example, take up the burden of his life. No
other pledge need oe asked Oh rne SaEe tSsS
of their methods they shall strive TO copy the
illustrious career of their leader. They purpose
given them, the works which he began, and win
ming yet more largely, If it may be- for the great
journal which he has left, untmely' TO his asso-
ciates, the respect and attachment OF the same
classes of enlightened and liberal men and womeE
who have been its friends through SO many years.
They are resolved that this shall be the same
Tribune Which for rs6ts thy dS5
of the poor, for the advancement OF the humble,
for the education Of the ignorant for the succor OF
the homeless; which made itself the laporine
mans guide, the scholars companion, the welcome
visitor at the farm Preside. Sym7athizing with
all liberal and benevolent enterprises pushing for
ward whatever advances the culture and pros
perity of our country tending naturally TO the
party which has been identified most closely with
the progress and glory of the Union. but at war
with abuses wherever they may be found. 1t shall
be- what from this day we formally style IT at
the head of the editorial columns. THE Tribune,
Founded by Horace Greeley"
At the time Of its reorganization The Tribune
was not the holder of improved real estate
One Of Mr. Reids earliest accomplishments was
the construction of The Tribune Building famous
as the pioneer of the great business structures
of New-York. 1t stands within stones throw
OF the old tenement in Ann-st from which the
first Tribune issued, set by types and printed on
slow cylinder presses not many times larger than
sewing machine. Now, in the tenth story OF
its immense building, and while the world
dozes, ten, twelve, sixteen and twenty
four pages, each containing hundred
thousand words, are set up by machines
that work like rafting looms, ana prinueu rum
presses at the rate of $4,000 copies an hour
From the ends of the earth in second Of time It's
contents are flashed upon paper. Truly, the
times have changed.
Thus in the half-century of its life The Tribune
has had but two controlling minds, and only one
II their purpose and aspiration be considered. 1t
is to-day the natural evolution of the paper which
Mr.. Greeley took from the press fifty years ago
Freely its resources are spent in the collection Of
news; it's readers know of the progress OF al
human, affairs. whether wrought by kings Oh
scientists. inventors or makers of books. indie
nendenoe is still its highest distinction the ser
vice of the American Nation its highest duty. Al
progress toward the ideal it welcomes and urges on
all narrow prejudice, all baser passion all deceit
it dcspises and tramples upon. The principles il
ayowed in 1s4l it avows to-day. Policies change
methods grow inappropriate, but the causes behinC
them, founded in truth, in fraternity, in peace