The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1892-09-09

His forte in literature is political contro-
versy, criticism and analysis. He first ap-
peared as writer upon contemporary
events in the magazines, and it was only
after considerable pleading that his old
friend, General Bryce, was able to secure
from him the promise of an ARTICLE upon
topic which was ut that time interesting
the public Mr.. Reed, while he is a bold
man politically, is II singularly modest one
in some matters, especially those which he
thinks are of Il personal nature.
He doubted the propriety Of man who
was engaged us actively as he in legisla-
tion writing for review anything about
such work. He thought the acts ought to
speak for themselves. Yet he was pre-
vailed upon to write this article, and he
discovered after it was printed that instead
of being regarded as at all presumptuous
the reading public rather welcomed such
contributions. Since then Mr. Reed has
been a constant contributor to the maya
zines, and it is reported in publishing cir
Giles that he receives rs large pay as any
writers for the reviews can command ex.
cepting Gladstone.
Recently Mr. Reed has taken new step.
He consented to write for one of the daily
papers review from his point of view of
the congress which has adjourped for the
session. A few years ago Mr. Reed would
have deemed such proposition as ridicu-
lous; but he, as SO many other men have
done, has changed his mind respecting the
propriety Of public mans contributing
to the daily newspapers. He has accepted.
the modern development in this regard.
Mr.. Reed was paid probably as large a. sum
for this article as was ever given for let
ter of equal length. It attracted the widest
attention, and could have been resold to a
nf f< r.,
lished on the same day as it appeared in
the paper which originally bought it.
1t is rather interesting to know that the
idea was accepted by some of the promi-
nent editors throughout. the country as a
good one Propositions were made by
wire instantly to other membera of con-
gress for similar communicates, and
several were accepted, SO that there ap-
peared in the papers throughout the
United States number of we'll written
and most interesting reviews, presenting
the late congress to the American people
from different points ofview.
There used to be good deal of feeling
when Horace Greeley, who was q member
of congress for short time. wrote letters
to his paper The Tribune. The idea was
that there was some improperly in such
correspondence. When Amos ]. Cum
innings, who had been q very able editor in
New York, was elected to congress, he de-
termined also to keep up his habit OF writ
ing, and he found that some of the conven-
tional congressman looked with amazement
upon this audacity. Yet Mr.. Cummings
kept the work up, was initiated afterward
by one or two others, and undoubtedly his
correspondence was the beginning of q de-
vclopment which evidently means constant
personal correspondence on the part Of
public men with the daily press
to literature as sort OF avocaton have
been quite large, and he Is in such demand
now that he may reasonably hope for u
permanent addition to his income throu Oh
the wori, OF his pen Z. j. EDWARDS.