The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-08-28
say, write a no

His forte in literature is political cOntro-
versy, criticism and analysis He first ap-
peared as o writer upon contemporary
events in the magazines and it was only
after considerable pleading that his old
friend. General Bryce, was able 50 secure
from him the promise Of an article upon a
topic which wss at that time interesting
the public. Mr. Reed, while he is bold
man politically, is a singularly modest one
in some matters, especially those which he
thinks are Of d personal naS0Ye.
He dou bted the propriety of a man who
was engaged rs actively as he in legisla-
tion writing for a review anything about
such work. He thought the acts ought TO
speak for themselves. Yet he was pre-
vailed upon 20 write this article, nad he
discovered after 1t 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
cles that he receives as large pay as any
writers for the reviews can command ex-
eepting Gladstone.
Recently Mr. Reed has taken new step.
He consented 10 write for one Of the daily
payers = review from his qdtot Of view OF
the conQress which has adjourned for the
session. A few years ago Mr.. Reed would
have deemed such a proposition as ridicu-
lous: but be. as SO many other men have
done, has changed his mind respecting the
propriety Of a public mans contributing
20 the daily newspapers. He has accepted
the modern development in this regard.
Mr.. Reed was paid probably az large sum
for this article IS was ever given for let
tor Of equal length. It attracted the widest
attention, and could haze been resold to a
score OF more of newspapers, 70 be pub
lished on the game 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-
pent editors throughout the country as
good one. Propositions were made by
wire instantly to other members Of con
gress for similar communications, and
several were accepted. so that there APP
peared in the papers throughout the
United States q number Of well written
and most interesting reviews, presenting
the late congress to the American people
from different points II view.
There used 10 be a good deal Of feeling
when Horace Greeley, who was member
Of congress for short time, wrote letters
10 his paper, The Tribune. The idea was
that there was some improperly in such
correspondence. When Amos j. Cum
mings, who had been a very able editor In
New York, was elected 10 congress, be de
teruined also 70 keep up his habit OF writ
ING. and he found that some of the conyen-
tional congressman looked with amazement
upon this audacity. Yet Mr.. Cummings
kept the work w, was initiated afterwaTd
by one or two others, and undoubtedly his
correspondenee was the beginning Of de-
velopment which evidently means constant
personal correspondence on the part Oh
public men with the daily press
MIR. Reeds earnings since he has taken
10 iitersture as n sort of ayOcation have
been quite large, and he Is IN such demand
now that he may reasonably hope fef q
permanent addition To his income through
The work of his pen. u. j. EDwARDs.