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It does me good to see how those who hate the Tribune much, fear it yet more.
There are a dozen here who will do much better for my eye being on them. ...
Referring to an old reporter, whom he couldn't use, but wanted carried on the roll a while longer, he wrote:
... I wouldn't mind his being a genius if he was not a fool.
Having had his own correspondence crowded out to make room for a long article on the new opera-house, and the feasibility of sustaining the opera in New York, he inquired of
Dana:
What would it cost to burn the opera House?
If the price is reasonable, have it done and send me the bill.
The next day, after saying:
... We calculate to elect Banks [Speaker] in the course of to-morrow night.
No postponement on account of weather, “he added:” I want you to caution your folks not to “hit out” at everything and everybody here.
We must have friends not only in one party, but in all parties, or we can learn nothing . . . Now don't you see I can't get into Democratic caucuses?
I must learn what they do from somebody, and if we pick a quarrel with all opponents personally what chance have we for news?
You remember the Grand Vizier who knocked in the head the Sultan's proposal to exterminate the infidel dogs with this sensible demur, “If we kill all the Rajahs, what shall we do for the capitation tax?”
He added: “Abusing Clayton [of Delaware] so savagely is shying a stone at our own crockery.
I wouldn't do it if it were provoked, but this was unprovoked.
It is a train that don't stop in front of the Tribune office.”
...
Greeley thought it bad policy to exasperate the Southerners by saying they wouldn't let
Pierce make war with
