Chapter 9: Dana's influence in the tribune
- Correspondence with Greeley -- continues fight against slavery -- Fremont nominated for president -- continued agitation in behalf of free Kansas -- death of Senator Benton -- leadership of the tribune -- John Brown's raid
That Dana, although only managing editor, was all powerful in the actual control of the Tribune during most of the year, and especially so during the winter of 1855-56, is shown by the fact that Greeley was absent in Europe, the West, and in Washington much of the time. It is still more fully shown, however, by Greeley's letters to Dana, which were published many years afterwards in the Sun. They are full of interest, for the light they throw not only upon current politics, but also upon the troubles of running a great newspaper in those days. They abound in wit, humor, and pathos, and ought to be published in some permanent and accessible form; but as the limits of this narrative will not permit me to give them in full, and as Dana's replies to Greeley have not been found, I must content myself with such quotations as are consistent with my general plan. This correspondence began in December, 1855, and continued till June, 1856. It commented freely upon men as well as measures, upon correspondents as well as upon reporters. It admonished, scolded, and appealed, sometimes successfully, but frequently without success. It was in Greeley's first letter from Washington that he said:
