While he talked to me, I sat there trying to make up my mind as to which he resembled most, an idealized portrayal of Santa Claus, or of John Bull, or of John Barlycorn. I finally decided that he would do for a composite photograph of all three.
This funny looking old chap I had never heard of before. His Town Topics I had never seen—didn’t know of its existence.
He introduced the purpose of his visit by saying that he had heard of Mr. Hearst’s proposition to me. If I had committed myself to Mr. Hearst, he had no more to say; otherwise he had a proposition to submit. Told that I was free, he outlined his project.
He would finance a great national magazine, if I would edit the same.
Casually and lightly, he mentioned $100,000 as the amount he would risk on the venture.
With that amount he had made Smart Set “go,” and he did not doubt that a like amount would make another magazine “go.”
Everything must be in my name—corporation, magazine, signboard, tail-piece and all. Not being particularly ashamed of my name, I had no objection to this.
Inasmuch as I belonged to a political party which had just demonstrated to its own satisfaction that it was the most unpopular political conglomeration on the face of the earth, I imagined that such a fine looking old personage as Col. Mann—calling himself a Democrat—was afraid he would deface his own reputation by associating with a political outcast, like me, and that, therefore, while willing to pocket all the money the magazine might earn, he didn’t want his name to appear.
Considerate old buck, he wouldn’t hurt my feelings by using the plebeian word “salary.” The word “compensation” was likewise too vulgar to be applied to my monthly and yearly stipend. With a rich roll in his deep bass voice, he mentioned the “honorarium” which I was to receive for my work. My “honorarium” was to be $500 per month. Besides, my traveling expenses to and from New York were to be paid.
He emphasized the fact that, under his proposition, I would not have to live in New York. A monthly visit was contemplated, but never made compulsory, save upon the summons of the Board of Directors.