Year: 1873




Mr.. John Russell Yeung was born In Philadelphia
in 1s41 He was educated at the High School in
that city, an institution which trained number
OF well-Known journalists. From his earliest boy
hood Mr.. Young showed strong inclination for
the journalistic profession, and he entered upon
his newspaper career almost before he was IN his
''teens" by becoming copyholder to the proof
reader in the Office OF the Philadelphia Press His
aptness and intelligence soon secured him promo
tiOn, and he rose rapidly in his profession, so
rapidly indeed that in 1861, when he was only
tGenty years old, he was the principal war cor
respondent OF his paper. His descriptions OF
marches, battles and retreats brought him imme
diate reputation and Colonel Forney recognized
his vigor and ability by making him the managing
editor Of the Press after very short service in the
field and in Washington as the managing editor OF
the Chronicle. This position he held till near the
close Of the war, but was absent six months
with General Banks on the Red River cam
paign. He resigned in 1865 to accept
responsible place in the banking house
Of Jay Cooke Co., In this city. While work.
ing In the dull routine or business life his journal
istic instinct did not desert him and he contributed
many articles to the daily and weekly press. One
OF these which appeared in the Tribune, attracted
the attention Of Mr.. Greeley, who sought out the
young writer and offered him place on the paper.
Mr. Young accepted the offer, and, after writing
leading articles for year, he was chosen, in June,
1885, managing editor Of that journal, place at
that time OF vast responsibility and power as it
was Mr.. Greeleys habit to allow his executive onl-
Ger great discretion in the management OF the
paper The young journalist showed unusual ad.
ministrative ability, and succeeded in making the
paper what no partisan journal ever was before--a
newspaper as well as party organ. He was an
apt newsgatherer as well as a strong writer, and
his keen scent after the news OF the day made his
career as manager OF metropolitan
journal exceedingly marked and bril-
liant After holding the position four
years he resigned, and the next year he estab-
lished journal Of his own-the New York Stand
ard-which he edited till last year. Mr.. Young
also founded the Philadelphia Evening Star, the
most successful penny paper in the country, and
directed 1t for some years after coming to this city.
The Standard was not success partly because it
was started with insufficient capital, but more
peciay because it was begun as party organ.
1t is creditable to Mr. Young, however, that he
never drew any money for his personal wants from
the revenues OF the paper, supplying his own
needs by contributions to other journals particu-
larly the HERALD. During the last three years he
has contributed almost continuously to this paper.
Last year he became member OF the HERALD
stan, and was sent abroad as one OF our corre-
spondents on the Continent OF Europe. Mr.. Young
visited Europe in the Winter Of 1912, and was in
Paris during the sway of the Commune, witness
ing many Of the notable events or that remark
able episode. The letter to his journal (the
StanddrdD describing what he saw was
never before surpassed as newspaper writ
ing. The character Of his writing Is now
more mature than at any previous period
of his lile and his letters are characterized
by many strong and striking qualities. He brings
to his work wide and profound reading, Carlyle
Macaulay and Thackeray being his favorites Even
his admirers think they find traces Of these writer's
in his style; but it is plain that journalist, who
patiently studies three authors so thoroughly dis
similar in the matter OF thought and manner OF
expression, has too much individuality ever to be-
come mere imitator, either consciously or uncsn-
scioualy. Mr. Young's style Is his own, and it is q
style peculiarly well adapted to progressive journal
ism and the needs and tastes OF American readers.
At one time Mr.. Young evinced some persona!
interest in politics, and he was delegate to the |
Republican State Convention In 1865 and again in |
1870. His visit to Europe In 1871 was account OF
an appointment from President Grant, who desired |
him to go abroad to assist in placing the new five |
per cent loan and to undertake q secret mission |
Tor the State Department. lie Is also one OF the /
honorary commissioners to the Exposition at /
Vienna