Waterbury Democrat., 1901-07-17
The Reporters Story
[ AM newspaper man-that is. am

In my 'sassignments'' I meet many men and hear many strange tales, some true, but the majority not. But surely the strangest of all is that am about to relate.
 It is customary for newspaper men to buy almost every afternoon paper in order to famiIiarize themselves with events that have taken place in the time intervening between the previous issue of the morning paper on which they are employed and the following one. Not that this has anything to do with the story-except that it serves to introduce one of the char acters. I always bought my paper from one boy-'Jim'' Taylor by name and thus formed rather liking for him, for he was always courteous and dirty.
 ''Jim.'' had learned from him, was an orphan and lived at the Newsboys' lodging house. He had no care beyond earning enough to feed and clothe himself, and, of course, a sufficient amount left over for ticket for de gallery in the teayter," accompanied by the traditional pint of peanuts.
 In the two or three years I had known "Jim'' he had never been ab- sent from his post of duty at the cor ner. But about two months ago he was missing from his accustomed "place of business" and although l made inquiries, I could get no informa ton concerning him beyond the fact that his companions hadn't heard narthin' of him. So, after pondering as to whether the little fellow had committed criminal act and had been sent to some institution or had been run over by some vehicle and was per haps lying in hospital without rela- tives or friends to care as to the result of his injuries, and further inquiries proving fruit1ess, the name of ''Jim'' passed temporarily from my mind.
 A week ago, upon going to the office to get my assignment" for the day, l found that opposite my name on the book were these instructions: "See Senator H. in regard to the rumor that he had been offered the pres idency of the - national bank"
 Going to the senator's house, my summons at the door was answered by rather bright-looking boy dressed in the conventional blue suit with white metal buttons, of whom I in quired: s'IS Senator H. at howell, I'm blessed if this isn't little Jim How in the world did you get here?"
 At which "Jim'' smiled very broad smile and replied: 'Yes, sir, the sen- ator is at home. How did get here? Oh, the senator will tell you that if he isn't too busy. Your card, please"
 This was said in a tone plainly in- dicating that he was to be treated in a manner becoming his station as door boy, and not with the familiarity he had been accustomed to as news boy.
 My card was handed him, and he re- turned with the announcement that the senator would receive me in his study, and would t'please to walk in."
 The senator proved to be man of small stature, with clean shaven face, and had altogether boyish appear ance- After such formal introduction customary to newspaper men making themselves known to entire strangers, l boldly started in with: Senator, called to see you in reference to the rumor that you were offered the-oh, by the way, excuse me, but how do you happen to have Jim Taylor in your employ? He and are old ae- quaintances."
 l could not resist the temptation to satisfy my curiosity on that score be- fore attending to my official duty.
 "Indeed," replied the senator, ''I am very glad to hear 1t, for my wife and I think a great deal of James, and are happy to do favor for any of his friends. As to how came to employ 'Jim,' as you call him, it is story well worth the telling, in confidence, of course, although the joke was on me.
 You see, about year ago I was called out west to attend to some busi- ness concerning my committed Con- tinuous travelling is not conducive to improving a mans personal appear ance, so you need not marvel that when I arrived in New York on the re- turn from my flying trip to Cincinnati was covered with dust and was look ing rather seedy- Indeed, I was in such hurry to get to my hotel that paid no attention to my personal ap- pearance. aud so my face was dust begrimed when I stood on the hotel steps.
 ~As had only an hour to spare be- fore starting off again-this time for Albany thought it would be a good idea to get some bright news boy to carry a note had written on the train over to Judge Browns of- flee. l had learned that quarter of dollar invested in newsboy vii bring quicker results than double tho amount paid to an incorporated in stitution for the service of slow going messenger
 rWell. Jim Taylor happened to bt sfanding near the hotel steps selling papers, so I called him and instruct ed him as to delivering the message A $ '1fm' had great many papers, said TouId take them into the hotel and leaxe them with the clerk until hs s4ns back, Just as was about t