bune_ was under way, knew that he needed the 'pecuniary aid' which
had been promised. When, about that period, we suggested to him (after
consulting some of the board) that the printing of the common council,
might be obtained, he refused to have anything to do with it.

"In relation to the state printing, Mr. Greeley knows that there never
was a day when, if he had chosen to come to Albany, he might not have
taken whatever interest he pleased in the _Journal_ and its state
printing. But he wisely regarded his position in New York, and the
future of the _Tribune_, as far more desirable.

"For the 'creation of the new office for the _Times_,' Mr. Greeley
knows perfectly well that Governor Seward was in no manner
responsible.

"That Mr. Greeley should make the adjustment of the libel suit of
Messrs. Redfield and Pringle against the _Tribune_ a ground of
accusation against Governor Seward is a matter of astonishment.
Governor Seward undertook the settlement of that suit as the friend of
Mr. Greeley, at a time when a systematic effort was being made to
destroy both the _Tribune_ and _Journal_ by prosecutions for libel. We
were literally plastered over with writs, declarations, etc. There
were at least two judges of the Supreme Court in the State, on whom
plaintiffs were at liberty to count for verdicts. Governor Seward
tendered his professional services to Mr. Greeley, and in the case
referred to, as in others, foiled the adversary. For such service this
seems a strange requital. Less fortunate than the _Tribune_, it cost
the _Journal_ over $8000 to reach a point in legal proceedings that
enabled a defendant in a libel suit to give the truth in evidence.

"It was by no fault or neglect or wish of Governor Seward that Mr.
Greeley served but 'ninety days in Congress.' Nor will we say what
others have said, that his congressional _debut_ was a failure. There
were no other reasons, and this seems a fitting occasion to state
them. Mr. Greeley's 'isms' were in his way at conventions. The sharp
points and rough edges of the _Tribune_ rendered him unacceptable to
those who nominate candidates. This was more so formerly than at
present, for most of the rampant reforms to which the _Tribune_ was
devoted have subsided. We had no sympathy with, and little respect
for, a constituency that preferred 'Jim' Brooks to Horace Greeley.

"Nearly forty years of experience leaves us in some doubt whether,
with political friends, an open, fr