Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1922-12-09

acquaintance to know that he had returned
to this country to die.
"pOB" COOK. to those who knew him
- best, was a brusque but companion
able and genial soul.
lie was never popular among men though
because of certain peculiarities of tempera-
ment and action
Accustomed to dominating younger men
as coach and rowing tutor at Yale. the habit
OF command grew with his years.
lie brookcd no opposition to his will or
desires
His word was law around the Press busi-
ness office, and his orders were delivered,
sometimes. in manner that provoked the
bltterest resentment.
An uncontrOIablc temper, under certain
circumstances, marked his conduct. On one
occasion 1t almost cost him his life.
. lie got into an alteration with gigantic
Negro employed in the pressroom late one
night,
With an equally ungovernable temper the
Negro seized hatchet and dealt the busi-
ness manager a blow on the head that al
most Drained him.
The Negro went to prison and Mr.. Cook
carried the visible scar of the assault to his
grave.
1NNUMERABLE stories were told by old
L Press reporters and editors about "Bob'
Cooks vagarics along in the "nineties.''
He could be foupd. usually. on late after
moons in the cafebnr of the Bellevue Hotel.
which occupied the present site of the Manu-
facturers' Club.
One Of his peculiarites during these times
was to assiduously cultivate the acquaint-
ance @ or any young reporter who happened
Finally, in the excess of this temporary
interest. he would notify the neophyte that
from that day his salary was doubled.
Accepting the business managers word as
gospel the chagrn Of the victim can be
imagined when on Friday, which was salary
day, he discovered that the promised raise
was not visible in his envelope.
one innocent, unacquainted with "l'ob's''
tempermental idiosyncrases. bearded the
hon in his den in the rear of the counting
room with polite request for an explana-
ton.
He got it.
He was fired on the spot.
WHEN f. NJ. Boyle, for years the finan.
w cial editor of the Press. died he left
behind splendid library of Byron's works
and biographies.
Judge John NJ Patterson has rare Ii.
brary of Dckensinna.
The late Colonel John p. Nicholson had
the finest Civil War library. in the United
States.
Thomas Donaldson, father of State In.
surance Commissioner Thomas Blaine Don.
aldson. was a collector Of Indian literature
and legends. He had lived for n number of
years in the West.
Now comes Ferdinand II. eraser with n
library of over 20OO volumes, much of which
relates to Stephen Girard, his life and
works.
Mr.. eraser is a graduate of Girard Col
lege. '0G, and his library had its origin in
the books which he received as Girard pre-
miums for excellence in conduct and scbolor-
ship.
lie tells me that his collection of books,
pamphlets and sketches of Stephen Girard,
exclusive Of autographs, letters and other
material Of the great founder of Girard Col
lege, is constantly growing.
fancy that he has spent small fortune
in gratifying his taste in this direction.
Mr.. eraser was a newspaperman in this
city quarter of century ago.
He is a graduate Of the University Of
Pennsy ylvania.
Later he was an instructor at Temple
University in history and economies
lie is particularly distinguished for his
exceptionally lin" collection of Girardiana.
A NEVIN DIETRICH, who was one of
~ Clifford Pinchot's managers, acting as
secretary Of his Campaign Committee. has
had most remarkable experience in prac-
tical politics.
With all that, he is only forty-two years
old.
His career began as editor of daily Public
Opinion in Chambersburg and the Pcnnsyl-
vania Grange News in 1908 also had him
as its editor.
He handled legislation both at Washing
ton and Harrisburg for the State and Ma.
tona Oranges.
In 1910 he assisted in organizing the Ma
tona Republican League, with headquarters
in Washington.
1t was then La Toilette organization,
and DIETRICH started to manage the Pennsyl-
yania campaign for the Westerner.
Al Il:
Roosevelt the following year and joined his
friends in a fight for delegates for II. II.
lie was one Of the secretaries of the last
Republican State Convention in 1912,
That body elected him secretary of the
State Committee. succeeding Harry Baker.
TIE WAS secretary of the Pennsylvania
i i delegation to the National Convention
| at Chicago that year.
When the Washington Party was organ
lied in this State he had charge Of the
| details.
chairman and Mr.. DIETRICH secretary of its
State Committee.
When Clifford Pnchot in 1914 was a can
! ddate for United States Senator against
| Penrose, DIETRICH ran his campaign as State
| chairman of the party.
Governor Brnmbough appointed him Su-
| nerintendent of Public Printing and Bind
ing, but he declined the Office.
In 1917 he was appointed chief examiner
| under Denny O'Nel in the State Insurance
| Department,
DENNY O'NEIL'S unsuccessful cam
| - paign for Governor in 1917 closed Mr..
| Detrich's activities temporarily, for he en-.
listed as a private for the World War.
He entered school for adutants at Fort
| Oglethorpe Ga and gained commission
| as captain.
| Assigned to unit as adjutant. he WINS