The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-09-07
THE TTMEs-R1CHMoND va, SATURDAY SEPTEMBER Z, 1895

must accept his lot or cut loose from inc
great new~x,auer which his genius mas
built I'D, and begin life anew in MS oid
age.
We cannot join some of our contem-
poraries in their severe denunciation Oh
a gifted leader who has been deserteo
by the tickle goddess OF fortune. AZ ne
had twice his genius and magnetism ne
would still be under the domination Vi
the business office, when In inns huoh-
stering age pulls down many Journalist
from the tripod and turns him into q
floor walker.
At heart Henry Watterson Is still
loyal to his people. ard he doubtless prays
that he may live TO see the day when
his pen will again be free to serve them
as in the olden time.
The Watterson who endeared himself
to the masses was a brilliant youhsstef
when he dashed into the arena oil Jourhdi-
ism. Ikea plumed knight-a Sir Lauh-
celot of the tourney-he held his SHIN
ing lance ready for all who might enter
the lists. and he was at his best wheh
ne met a foeman worthy OF his steel
What a dashlng free lance he was IN
the days that tried mems souls' In ms
zeal for popular liberty he dehed 'he
courts-marfial of the Confederacy and
denounced frflffdl t'N- ieANAD-'
of power. In the chaotic period after
the war he was still the same fearless
champion of Democracy. and later we
find him proposing to concentrate &c.,
90 Democrats in Washington to main-
tain Tilden's right to the Presidential
chair.
That was the old-time Watterson-the
peoples Watterson who dehei the busi-
ness Office as ne had defed Confederate
military despotism and Federal bayonets'
He was a heroic figure in the past and
We love him for it. We cannot forget
his record and his long and superb hSht
against bayonet rule. He never wavered
then, and when he fickers now we feel
that much should be forgiven him. lie
should not be judged by the recent utter
ances OF his pen. Driven into corner
by oppressive conditions and crIel CIR
cumstances, 1t is no wonder that ne
strikes out blindly in the vain attempt
to defend himself. His modification ana
humiliation will be punishment enough
for the errors OF his head. lie should De
Judged leniently. Before his generation
Greeley. Prentice and other great edl-
tors managed their papers and they we're
able TO maintain lofty standard, with
out being called down by the business
Office. IN those days the business Office
had not become the controlling power,
and it stuck TO its own sphere ard aid
not encroach upon the editorial province.
All that however. is a thing OF the
past in some localities, and we see the
famous journalist who made and unmade
statesmen and shaped the policy of States
now receiving his orders from the de-
partment which handles the cash of the
Courier-Journal We had hoped that
this bright light in the journalistic firma-
ment would continue it's career of me-
teoric splendor until its close. IL is hard
TO lose il now behind the fog that hovers
over Abe slough OF despond, and harder
still 10 think that it will soon be lost
to view forever.
That Watterson would. even now. re-
trace his steps and stand with the peo-
pie, If he felt that his strength would
sustain him. We do not doubt But we
fear that it is too late He cannot tear
himself loose from the deadly embrace
Of the business oftice.-Atlanta Consti-
tuition.