EVEN IF THEY COULD BEND THE BOW, THEY HAVE NOT THE ARROWS.
For several reasons, Col. Mann’s proposition impressed me favorably. First, it preserved my identity. Second, it left me free to say just what I pleased. Third, it did not take me away from my home—to which I am tenderly attached. My ancestors helped to clear the primeval forest off these old red hills of Georgia, and I love them, as I could love no other land under the sun.
For these several reasons, I practically decided, then and there, to accept Col. Mann’s proposition. He saw this—being a shrewd old fellow—and did his utmost to get me to his office, in order that the contract might be drawn up and signed before I left New York.
But I was not quite so much of a greenhorn as all that. I refused to close the deal, then, but asked him to send his proposition, in writing, to me in Georgia.
Returning home, I fell sick. Overwork, mental strain, sleeplessness, worry, etc., stretched me out. Unable to return to New York after Col. Mann had mailed me the proposed contract, I decided to place myself in the hands of a friend.
***
Dr. John H. Girdner, a native of Greenville, Tenn., had been one of my most prominent and active supporters in New York during the campaign of 1904. Previously he had been widely known as the political lieutenant and confidential friend of Mr. Bryan. Previous to that, he was well known as the family physician and political follower of Mr. Cleveland.
Having long been a resident of New York, Dr. Girdner seemed to me the ideal man to represent me in the negotiations with Col. Mann.
The Doctor accepted the trust, and finally sent me the contract for signature. Some alterations in it had been made. One of these, and the most important, was the creation of the office of Associate Editor, at a salary of “not exceeding” $4,000 per year. This office was to be personal to me. That is, I could make and unmake Associate Editors at will, provided Col. Mann did not have to pay them more than $4,000 per year.