Warren sheaf. [volume] (Warren, Marshall County, Minn.) 1880-current, 1893-04-20
SAVED AN "EXCLUSIVE.'
How a Reporter Beat the Selfish
Politicians.

Among the men and women who
make newspapers the word "exclu-
sive" has a special significance, quite
apart from any of it's ordinary mean
ings.
A newspaper has an exclusive
when it publishes piece of news which
its compe titors do not contain, and it
is proud of its achievement land just
ly) in proportion as the information SO
printed is of Importance to the public
at large.
Thus it is that the furnishing of a
good Exclusive" to the journal en-
ploying him is the highest Joy which a
newspaper writer can know, while it
is also (and necessarily true that there
is no more profound chagrin possible
for the same person than to discover
that rival publication contains an
interesting narrative which he might
fairly have been expected to get-but
didn't.
A few years ago I acted for a leading
metropolitan newspaper as its CORE
spondent in a small but lively city
l had for competitors three bright
young men, each of whom cared for
the interests of rival journal. Rival
ry was keen between us; yet it was
good natured, and each held the others
in high personal esteem.
It was nearing the close of October,
and an exciting state political campaign
was at it's height. Circumstances COM
bined to render the action of one of the
party organizations in the little city
already alluded to of special impor-
lance throughout the state.
It was known that this action would
take the form of a letter, to be adj
dressed, nominally, to a certain promi-
nent leader of ''our friends, the enemy"
residing in the same city.
I say it was nominally addressed to
him, because it was really intended, as
every body knew, for public perusal.
The evening came when the docu-
ment was to be prepared. The gentle
men com prising the political commit
tee held a somewhat lengthy session,
of course with closed doors. The four
newspaper correspondents waited pa
tiently until the meeting was over,
when they applied for a copy of the
much desired letter.
The chairman Of the committee was
politeness itself, so far as his manner
was concerned, but this is what he
said:
"We have decided in this matter to
reward the good work done by our
party paper by giving its correspondent
copy of the letter.
GAS for the rest of you, while we
have every regard for you as individ-
uals, your papers are opposed to our
side of this contest, and you must
make up your minds to-ahem-
without"
The fortunate correspondent took
his manuscript, and, with rather pro-
voking grin, walked out of the build
ing, leaving his three rivals (of whom
l was one) standing disconsolate in a
corridor.
We we'll knew that no excuses would
avail to make our peace with our sew
eral employers, for it is one of the Pc
culiar things about newspaper work
that no explanation of a failure is ever
considered valid. To be ''beaten" is
to be discredited for the time being
There seemed to be no hope; the
three representatives separated sadly
and went their several ways.
On my way home it was necessary
for me to pass the post Office just as
1 approached it a quick, firm step
sounded close behind me.
I turned and saw man with little
packet in his hand. A gas lamp re-
vealed his features as those of the
chairman of the political committee
He was still smiling and courteous.
''Aha" said he, as he held up an Off
cial-looking envelope. II suppose you'd
be glad enough to have what's inside
this, but it can't be done, my young
friend. Here goes,' and as he spoke
he dropped it into the Ietter-box of the
post office.
He had mailed the ''official copy" of
the letter to the politician to whom, as
already stated, the document was nom
inally addressed.
The precious missive was now in
Uncle Sans" custody. Next morning
it would be delivered; then it would be
at my disposal-but it would be too
late. Before that time could read it
in the columns of the party organ
1t seemed hopeless case, yet !
could not bear to give up. A glance at
my watch showed that it was nearly
eleven o'clock. What was to he done
must be done quickly.
Not many minutes elapsed before a
stout and willing horse was rafting
me out of the business section of the
city into quite another quarter of the
town. Two good miles and more lay
between me and my destination.
Through the public square, along the
main thoroughfare for space, whisk-
ing about a corner into the broad av-
enue running at right angles. and so,
speeding on, a region of handsome
houses was reached, each with it's sur.
rouDdings of well-kept lawns, orna-
mental trees, shrubbery, etc.
With smart twist the vehicle swings
into smooth and winding driveway,
and in q moment more halts before a
large, square, handsome residence. 1t
is the home OF the politician to whom
the wished:for document now lying in
the post Office is addressed.
AL is dark - the house has a de-
serted air, and my heart futters lit
tie at the thought that if the gentle
man is absent my plan will fail at the
outset.
Apull at the bell knob. No response.
A pause. Another pull; this time a
vigorous one. A noise as of stir
within comes family to the eager ear,
followed by the harsh raising of an up
per window.
A masculine head appears and q
gruff voice demands to know what is
wanted. Yet the voice is sweet one
to me, for it is that of the politician
the man whom must see.
Very few words are needed to ex.
plain that my business is urgent, and a
few minutes later the gentleman, after
hasty toilet, swings wide the house
door and ushers he into his comfort.
able library with: well. what is up?''