The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-10-20
ANECDOTES or EDITOR DANA.
His Dsmocr q Iastes-A Shabby Work
ing Den rrntnent Of IN. publIc.

Ills Democr q yustes-A Shabby Work.
ing Den rrHtment ofthe Public.
New York Herald: The shabblness of
the Sun office and of Mr.. Danas private
room has been frequently commented
upon. 1t has been reported of him that,
as he looked upon the costly modern
structures of his contemporaries, he
once remarked, with an almost tri-
umphal smile, that with all their display
none could issue paper which came
daily from the meanest building of
them ALL
The approach to the editorial rooms
was up two flights OF dark, narrow and
often dirty wooden stairs. These Mr..
Dana climbed daily for many years.
His own office was dlminutive A few
ancient and worn out book shelves, an
old and battered desk and several d.
lapidated chairs were It's chief furnish
ings. The floor was interpreted, In
one corner stood a small, square wooden
table, which doubtless years ago, when
new, cost a couple OF dollars. This ia
BILE was favorite working place OF the
man who made the Sun
In this room he received all his visit
ors Many OF the most distinguished
men of the country have sat in common
cane seated chairs there Many more,
unknown to fame or wealth or even
standing, have seen him there. He was
probably the most accessible rich man
of affairs in New York. His door was
always open to any one not drunk or a
rufiian.
And here is the place for an incident
~ 81
room was always open to any conner A
railing with n swinging door easily
opened was all that separated editors
and reporters from any who had ambi-
ton enough to mount the forbddIng
stairs. The innumerable cranks and
bores who frequent newspaper offices,
making life wretched for busy men, had
as free access as those who came on
legitimate business.
This condition was very irksome to
new city editor who took charge some
years ago. He ordered partitions built
shutting off the city room, and sta
toned boy at the door to inquire of all
Corners their business. The partition
was put In place and the last nails we're
being driven when Mr.. Dana came sing
ing into the room.
what" he exclaimed, stopping short.
"Why, that will shut, out the people"
THAT is Just what intended It for"
began the city editor. you SEQ"
mo, no, mol" said Mr.. Dana emphat-
ically. That will never do. won't
have the people shut out, Take 1t
away"
New York Times: Mr.. Dana had
way peculiarly his own Of treating out
side interference with the policy Of his
newspaper. Persons who presumed on
their long acquaintance with the dis
tinguished editor to prefer advice TO
him regarding the proper journalistic
treatment of public questions or OF spe-
cial topics were usually taught n lesson
by Mr.. Dana that left lasting impress
sion on their minds. His manner In
dealing with such persons was usually
suave. and almost defercntIal. He APP
piled his personal Castigatlons on such
occasions with Il gentle tongue and a
touch Of velvet
one afternoon one Of Now York's mcr-
chant princes called upon Mr.. Dana at
the sun office aud ankrlly demanded
that the financial reporter for that pa
per be dismissed at once, 'rakc q
chair, my dear Mr.. 49,. You know that
! would gladly do anything In my power
to obligo you" said Mr.. Dana In his
most cordial tone. Tell me what the
trouble ls."
your financial reporter asked me
yesterday about u certain transaction
TINT was Interested In and told him
that there was nothing In IT. This
morning he printed the story and made
me out liar"
wasn't the story truc2" mildly In
simulated MIR. Dana
"Woll, en- yes, | suppose go; but did
not want anything said about IT,
'Ah. um" said Mir Dana. mcdiln.
lively. "That Ia bad viii see what
can be done II won't do to have II man
ON u newspaper who insHtH ON telling
the truth, win ~" Then the editor dl,
rcctcd searching glance full Of nno-
cent inquiry upon the face of his caller
Tho latter saw the point, iigetpd III
tie, Btnmmcrcd something about re-
portcfa being too lmpcrtlnont and badc
Mr. Dana hurried good day.
on another occasion prominent the.
atrlcNl manager called upon Mi damn
with n grievance against the dramatic
critic In short he demanded that the
gnld critic De- removed from his position.
nnd undertook to lmprOh upon Mr.
Dana the persons uniltupgs. Mr. Lnf.
fan was ll that time the dramatic critic
uf the Sun, After MI Dana had lla.
toned politely To the theatrical man.