New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-11-19

INTO their history as they might have been ex-
! pected TO make. That is a sufficiently grave re
hectlon upon their sagacity and no Doubt neonle
SAID when TIE facts came out: What will they
90 next? If they could do that they might do
anything and what will become of the paper in
such hands, And they probationary good
Judges predicted-that the authority and pres
tige of THE Times" especially abroad would
never recover from the blow
In poin; Of fact. its authority and prestige
never suffered appreciably. Why? Because there
was berind this melancholy incident a
! long history Of wise and prudent conduct of
good sense. of moderation, OF almost unbroken
success. The mistake Mr.. Walter made in the
Parnel letters threw into relief the high quail
ties Of his previous management and of his char
acter. Europe saw that this one great error was
the exception. 1t did not shake mems faith in
the general prudence OF the editing. Could there
be more striking testimony to the ability and
intelligence with which il had been conducted?
Nor do think need Try to adjust the pro-
portions in witch credit for this general ability
and intelligence is due on the one hand to Mr..
Walter and on the other TO those associated
with him in editing and managing the paper. 1t
is the case Of the general commanding in chief
who is well served by subordinate generals
and his staff The public bestOws its applause
mainly upon the general, and justly. Admit all
that is claimed for the staff and the subordinate
generals. 1t was the general in chief who chose
them all. and TO know how to choose good men
is one of the arts Of generalship, whether in the
field or the newspaper office. Mr.. Delanc was
a man of genius If the word genius may be
used In connection with journalism. He was the
ablest editor in pe-incomparably the ablest
Mr. Walter. the father OF him whom are all
regretting chose him and appointed him. and
the late Mr.. Walter maintained him in his place,
and maintained him in spite of some collisions.
and OF the masterful temper which Mr.. Delane
showed alike to his superior and to his sub
ordinates Both OF them knew well that great
newspaper office must be great dictatorship, or.
If you like. despotism There must be one rule.
In the ordinary editorial routine Of the office
it was Mr. Delanes will He supposed to
express the will of Mr.. Walter. II the two
minds differed, and Mr. Deane could not con-
vince Mr.. Walter. 1t was Mr. Walters will which
prevailed. There is in a well-organized journal
q great journal more room for caucuses and
town meetings than there is on the deck Of
ship. Nor does the existence OF what. In some
offices is calleu a council initiate against the
efficiency of this principle. council Is. at the
best. advisory 1t can no more control the con-
ductor OF the paper than the Cabinet Council at
Washington can control the President The
President can turn them all out, and weak IN
deed must be the Chief Executive which suffers
itself to be controlled by advisers whom he may
any moment remit to private life.
Mr. Delane was however. editor and Mr..
Walter had too clear perception Of circum-
stances TO interfere unnecessarily. Mr.. Delane
was one dictator and Mr.. Walter another Mr..
Delane's control was daily and hourly. Mr. Wal
ter was more or less In the background but ms
intervention when It called for, was de-
csive He the real Jupiter. II is enough 10
say that without Mr. Delane or without MT.
Walter the paper would have become something
unlike what it grew to be under their two hands
The public did not hear very much about either.
Neither was a rlan who cared TO advertise HIM
self or to use his great position for any other
than the most strictly legitimate purposes Inc
governing men Of the kingdom knew Do'h ana
knew that both belonged TO the governing class
G. W. ;.