A story was brought in by Cox which reflected on one of the big railroads operating in Ohio. The story was truthful and well written, but it was very displeasing to the railroad interests. These complained to the editor of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The editor was in a quandary as to what to do. He could not discharge Cox because of the truthfulness and excellence of the story; while he could not offend the railroad people by keeping Cox at such work against their wishes. Finally he hit upon the happy idea of promoting Cox to a different position. According to all reports, this was distinctly a better position, but the extra money did not appeal to Cox. He apparently felt that a moral principle was involved. If his newspaper story was untrue, he was willing to be discharged, but if the story was true he believed that his editor should reprimand the railroad company for complaining. Apparently the editor did not agree with him, and thereupon Cox resigned.
Cox in Washington
In 1894, Paul J. Sorg, of Middletown, was elected to Congress to fill an unexpired term of Congressman George W. Houk. For some time Cox apparently had been desirous of going to Washington to have a larger opportunity than the newspaper work afforded him. Some of his friends say that he was disappointed at what he found in the big city newspaper. One there lacks the freedom of expression which all red-blooded men love. In the city newspaper he came in conflict with interests which, while at Middletown, he did not know even existed. The little country newspaper is a simple community affair, but the big city daily is by nature a great commercial enterprise. Cox was perhaps disappointed in the commercialism of it all. Apparently his desire from the first was to improve conditions and lead his fellow men toward a healthier, happier and more prosperous life. He had hoped to do it first thru school teaching, then thru newspaper work, but now he felt that perhaps his opportunity was to be found in Washington. He thereupon applied to Congressman Sorg for a position as private secretary, and went to Washington for this work. Congressman Sorg talked the matter over with Mr. Baker, and they agreed that it would be a good undertaking both for the Congressman and for young Cox.
Sorg was a self-made man, who had accumulated considerable money in the tobacco business by energy and industry. Mr. Cox doubtless had these same qualities then as he has them today. At any rate, he appealed to Sorg, and off Cox went to Washington. Sorg finished out that term and was re-elected. Again Cox went to Washington with him. Congressman Sorg, however, did not care for political life. His health began to fail, and with it his mind. After two terms, he did not seek re-election. He returned to Ohio in 1897 and Cox went back home with him. Mr. Sorg is now dead, but Mrs. Sorg is still living in Middletown. She is a woman of very large means. They all returned to Ohio together in 1897.
In talking with men familiar with Cox in those days, all say that he was a great worker and had tremendous energy; but he insists he was no more industrious than are the secretaries of most Congressmen. It is his experience that they all have to work. The success attained by many political leaders is due to their secretaries. Mr. Cox himself owes much of his success in recent years to the very efficient secretary which he had during his last two terms as Governor. I refer to Mr. Charles E. Morris.
CHAPTER III
BUSINESS LIFE
Congressman Sorg apparently was much pleased with Mr. Cox’s work in Washington. Cox was doubtless of great benefit to Congressman Sorg, as the Congressman’s health was very poor. It is generally agreed that what the Congressman did accomplish in Washington was due largely to the energy, industry and integrity of his private secretary.
One day the Congressman and young Cox were talking over the future together. The Congressman explained that he wanted to go back to Ohio, and Mr. Cox told of his ambitions to go back to Ohio and have a paper of his own in which he could freely write unhampered by any interests. This talk was during the business depression of 1897, when many newspapers, as well as other business enterprises, were in financial difficulties. Mr. Sorg suggested that if one were to buy a newspaper, this was a good time to do it. Shortly after this Cox learned that the Dayton News was on the market and could be purchased cheaply.