The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-03-17
RecOllectiOns of His Career as a
NeWspaper Man.


Moses p. Handy, in New York Mail and
Express.
Col John Hays appointment as embas--
sador to England is spoken of as fixed
fact That ii is Judcious appointment Is
generally conceded; yet observe that most
of the approving words uttered by the
newspapers are based upon Colonel HAY
social qualifications and literary accom-
plishments, and leave out of view the dip
lomatic tastes. training. experience and the
journalistic ability, which are the most val
liable part OF his equipment TOR the place
which he is to ILL.,
Twenty-four years ago | had the honor
of serving on the same editorial Staff with
JOHN Hay. Ii was the editorial stan OF the
New York Tribune il stood Immediately
after Whitelaw Reds succession TO Horace
Greeley as the editor-in-chief of that great
newspaper. We juniors was the young
est editorial writer-were very proud OF
that staff, and of Hay more than of any
body else. Yet he was only one of a gal
axy of stars revolving around Reid. John
X. CT. Hassard was the managing editor,
writer's. His fame survives with the pro-
fesson. if not with the public Isaac n.
Bromley was the political 5atlrist ana the
best of his kind, although Charles L. Cong
don, then advanced in years. and only an
occasional contributor. was a prime favor
lite with old Tribune readers. Charles 1T.
Hunt wrote the financial editorials. Will
liam Winter, then as now. was the dramatic
critic, and George Ripley. assisted by
Eleanor Hutchinson, did the book review
ing. 'Bayard Taylor. the poet and traveller.
afterward minister TO Germany, wrote more
or less editorial. but had not yet tired OF
roaming. William +. @. Shanks was the
city editor. with the brilliant Arthur Bow
his assistant. w. Z. Wyckon was
the editorial writer on scientific topics.
Noah Brooks was the night editor and L.
n. Ford. now London correspondent of the
Tribune the day editor. George w. Small
ley. the London correspondent of those
days. wearing the fresh laurels won by
his war correspondence. Il. L.. White, r.
V Smalley and III. j. Ramsdell were the
Washington correspondents. Mrs. Rebecca
Harding Davis wrote editorials on social
topics, and made them one of the popular
features of the paper.
eclispng brightness. Mr.. Reid leaned on
him heavily. and they We're close friends
HIS u for co 39nrassf and
wide reading were supplemented by four
years at the White House in close associa-
ton with President Lincoln at the most
critical period in Our country's history.
Then he went abroad and represented the
United States successfully at several of the
great European capitals, al time when
France and Germany were undergoing
crises and when the great powers were
making over the map of Europe. Thus the
best channels of knowledge of men and az
fairs of both continents have been opened
to him, and the result was wonderfully
well-informed and well-pOised man at the
age at which most Americans have MOI
had more than time to master their own
surroundings and take the measure of their
own capacity. much less to reap the har-
vest of their personal ambitions.
John Hays retirement from journalism
was a loss to the craft and to the public
that is tardily compensated by his return
to diplomatic life. 1t primarily due to
/ his marriage and the necessity growing out
of the death of his father-in-law for his
assuming personally the management of
large property. Meanwhile he kept in touch
with old pursuits by occasional literary
work and in particular by the labor of
writing i'm collaboration with Colonel Nico
lay the monumental Life of Lincoln,
WHICH was published few years ars, ago and I'd
which all future historians and biographers
must find their source of supply. He has
a beautiful home in Washington. is fire.
quent resident of Cleveland and is at home
in all the great capitals of the world.
With Hay emba ssador and Harry White
as secretary of legation the American en-
bassy in London cannot fail TO be once
more an object of pride to all Americans.