The Washington times., 1902-01-21
Carnegie to Watterson.

As anticipated, Col. Henry Waiter
sons appeal to Andrew Carnegie in
behalf of the newspaper man has
struck fire. Mr.. Carnegie's reply is
sympathetic and eloquent. His an
swer to the plea for an INDECENT jour
nalists' home, however, demonstrates
his far-sightedness, his power to get
at the root of proposition, his in
sight into human nature, for the iron
master Says:
/ ask my friends whether, instead OF trying to
establish general homes in various places for
the unfortunate Journalists in old age, much
greater good might not be done and the lives
of such rendered much happier were a fund
created and administered by a committee OF
the Wisest journalists in active service, each
worthy object needing relief receiving such pc
cuniary assistance in his domicile to
this committee seemed advisable. Ii such a
fund created, and such an almoner OBJ
tanned as we have in the st. Andrews Society
OF New York, my thought is that it might be
lar better than q general home, which requires
the uniortunates TO leave their old iaunts and
homes, to break OF their associations and sever
connection with the companions of their youth
and friends OF literary tastes, for my friends
viii. / am sure, agree with me that no class is
rroIa deeply attached TO the companions OF old,
more dependent upon hoveriiHg around the scenes
age Is of all men most sensitive 10 environment.
Mr.. Carnegie discovered the weak
point in Colonel Watterson's argu-
ment. His acumen pierced the vul-
nerable spot-the newspaper work
er's aversion TO restraint even in the
day when he shall become the super
animated war horse.
1T doubtless occurred to the benev-
olent ironmaster that it would be the
height of absurdity to suggest such
a thing as sending Colonel Watterson
to an asylum of any description,
whether ii be an indieents' home or
a retreat for the weary under any
other name. And anyone possessed
of the genuine newspaper instinct
has a distinct aversion for sequestra-
ton, whether he is 10 be supplied
with company or not. He has so long
mixed in the great fight that he must
know how the never-ending battle
goes. The odor of printers ink is
perfume to his nostrils and the at
mosphere of the habitat of the fourth
estate is the only one that contains
enough ozone to permit the free ac-
ton of his lungs. Compulsory en-
vironment, the antithesis of bohemi-
anism, of which Mr.. Carnegie writes
so feelingly, could never be tolerated
by the bona fide newspaper man, the
man who gives the limit of his en-
ergy. his wit, his inyentiveness TO the
world day by day.
1T is gratifying 10 note that Mr.
Carnegie infers that he is willing to
cooperate with other men of great
wealth to reward the helpless work
-ers Of the press in the day of their
serc and yellow leaf. There is plen-
ty Of good sense in the alternative
ne has ofTered-the establishment of
a fund which Will allow the veteran
penman to remain in the community
he loves, to associate with those he
loves, to watch the progress of that
particular domain to which he has
contributed his best effort.
There are few prominent men who
do not oyye = great debt to some one
or several newspaper workers. On
the ladder of the press many men
have climbed to greatness. The pro-
posal that the aged newspaper man
be enabled 20 pass toward the setting
SUI in peace and free from the har-
rowing threats of pauperism is not