New-York tribune., 1911-02-13
HORACE GREELEY'S KINDNESS
Memories Of a Friend Who Once Aided
in Saving His Life.

To the Editor OF The Tribune.
Sir: II it is not too late, may I add
word or two to what has already been so
we'll said and written in appreciation Of
the life OF the founder OF The Tribune?
Horace Greeley, How well ] remember
him, both as a public spirited man and as
private citizen, AS I think of him now,
after generation has passed, / desire 10
say first. that he always impressed me as
being d pre-eminently generous or kindly
spirited man. The first time I attended
public meeting at which he presided was
at Irving Hall. in 1864. He then acted as
sponsor for Edward Psyson Weston. who
lectured on pedestrianism and gave an ex-
hibition in walking. Just at that time Mr..
Weston had attempted TO walk a long dis
ltarce within a specified time but failed In
the attempt
In his address, while introducing the pc
destrian to the audience. Mr.. Greeley said:
Mr. Weston. in his last walk. failed 10 ac-
complish what he set out to do. and why?
Because he tried to do more than any man
could hone to do But" Mr. Greeley added.
"he will do better in the coming days"
How good OF him to say that. How gen.
erous ard how prophetic. why. it was
cause or worthy object, when properly pre-
sented to him. ever suffered injury or de-
feat because Horace Greeley refused 10 be,
either I'm the press or on the nlatform, in
heartfelt sympathy with Il. Consequently,
/ have for years characterized him as the
generous spirited Horace. And is not this
characterization OF the man abundantly
justified when we remember his efforts to
secure the release of Jefferson Davis and
then go on his bail bond? Note too, his
conduct, both as editor and as statesman,
In the Reconstruction period after the war.
Truly. his was a generous soul.
think Of him also a godly man. He
vas devout. He loved DR.. Chaplin. his pas
tor and was a regular attendant at his
church. r. n man is known by the conf
pany he keeps, Horace Greeley was a good
man. He certainly loved the fellowship of
God-fearing people. Hence. lie associated
with people where soul rest and spiritual
stimulus were TO be obtained. He was a
frequent visitor at the home of Friends
they were friends in a real Sense-in
Lamertne Place. now known as West 10Th
street That home still stands. being 10
Gated diagonally. toward the west. opposite
the house in the rear. where am writing
to-day
What 7 am about to say | have written
up" for you before. and in greater detail.
I simply advert to 1t now as II comes in
Just here. I never can forget the sweet,
pleasant. genial fush OF cclor which illumi.
mated his face as. on a day In July. 1853. he
suddenly. being entirely unannounced, ap-
pcared al the door Of the room where I
am now writing This room is still. as
then, our dining room. and we we're then
ar tea. His was almost like the visit of
an angel so unexpected. so sudden. so rare.
Now, must explain: Those July days OF
1858 we're the days OF the Draft Riots In
this city. and they were awful, devilish
DAYS To the rioters Uncle Horace" was
the chief OF sinners-an Abolitionist-ard
they determined 10 do him harm. So they
assaulted the Lamertlne Place house.
thinking TO catch Mr.. Greeley there and. n
possible. lynch him. as they did many
man or a darker hue. But they counted
without their host, for Mr. Greeley had
fed He escaped by the back yard scaled
fences until he dropped into our yard and
found refuge here
Lo, he stands at our door as We sit az
the table for II is teatime II seemed like,
an appartion. He smiled. apolocized for
the rude entry nc had made and asked my
fathers protection. We all laughed for a
moment. and then remembered that this
was serious business serious for Mr. Gree
ley. naturally. but also serious for us. for
this episode caused cur house 10 be marked
for ransackng. But We were spared that
calamity. As for Mr.. Greeley. / remember
that he was not greatly frightened. tie
was a bit nervous. but withal courageous
and courteous. thanking my father pro
fusey for his protection Presently father
escorted him to the basement door. and
our visitor passed out, saved.
Let me add "A word about Horace Greeley
and the campaign in which he was a Pres-
dental candidate That he made great
mistake i'm allowing himself 20 be- nom-
mated for President we all now believe BE
that as II may. one thing was true. he was
a splendid subject, because OF his appear