USA > Ohio > Cuyahoga County > Cleveland > A history of the city of Cleveland: its settlement, rise and progress, 1796-1896 > Part 42
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In the pages preceding, mention was made of the early ventures in the newspaper line. That record ended in,
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or near, 1840. To attempt to carry it forward, in a com- pleteness of detail, through the half century and more that lies between that date and this, would be as mourn- . ful as reading the inscriptions in a cemetery, and about as fruitful of results. - Like all cities that have passed through experiences worthy of mention, Cleveland has seen her scores and scores of newspaper ventures spring up, as in a night, and die with the same ease and expedi- tion."7 There are few things more easily done than to start a newspaper; there are few things more difficult than to keep it going.
The founding of the " Cleaveland Herald " has already been related, at some length. A long, useful, and honora- ble career was permitted it, between its humble begin- ning, in 1819, and its partition and absorption, in 1885.
The " Herald " became the " Herald and Gazette," in 1837, having united its fortunes with the " Gazette," es- tablished by Colonel Whittlesey, in the preceding year. At a little later date, the ownership passed into the hands of Josiah A. Harris. In 1850, he sold a part interest to A. W. Fairbanks, who assumed charge of the publica- tion department, and added a job printing outfit. In 1853, George A. Benedict became one of the proprietors and editors, and, near the close of the Civil War, Mr. Har- ris retired, Mr. Benedict becoming editor, and the busi-
77 A mention of the titles of some of these earlier ventures may be permitted: "Second Adventist," "Ohio American," "Declaration of In- dependence," "Weekly Times," "Reserve Battery," "Spirit of Freedom," "Temple of Honor," "Spirit of the Lakes," "Family Visitor," "Cleve- land Commercial," "Harpoon," "Golden Rule," "Forest City," "True Democrat," "Annals of Science," "Commercial Gazette," "Germania," "Spiritual Universe," "Daily Review," "Buckeye Democrat," "Wool Growers' Reporter," "Agitator," ""Dodges' Literary Museum," "Van- guard," "Daily Dispatch," "Gleaner," "Brainard's Musical World," "Analyst," "Literary Museum," "Temperance Era," "Ohio Spiritualist," " Printing Gazette," "Prohibition Era," "New Era," "Real Estate Re- corder," "Mechanics' and Blacksmiths' Journal," "Coopers' Journal," " Illustrated Bazaar," . " House and Garden," "Hygenia," "Pulpit." "Cross and Crown," "Columbia," "Our Youth," "Cuyahoga County Blade," "Household Treasure," "Indicator," "Pictorial World," " Household Gem," etc., etc.
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ness being carried on by Fairbanks, Benedict & Co. The " Herald," during these years, had become strong, pow- erful, and prosperous, and an outspoken organ of the Re- publican party. In 1876, Mr. Benedict died, and his in- terest was purchased by his partner.
Toward the end of 1877, the " Herald " passed into the control of Richard C. Parsons and William P. Fogg. The Herald Publishing Company was formed a little time thereafter. The stock was held by various parties. Col. Parsons and Mr. Fogg resigned the management. The old newspaper was destined to pass through various ex- periences, all of which tended to financial loss, and, in 1885, it passed out of existence. It was divided and ab- sorbed by its two rivals,- the " Plain Dealer " taking the plant, and the " Leader " the name, news franchises and subscription lists.78
Next in age, among the daily newspapers that have been, for years, identified with the history of Cleveland, comes the " Plain Dealer." In 1834, the "Advertiser," established as a Whig organ, passed into the control of Canfield & Spencer, who continued its publication, as a Democratic weekly, until 1836, when it was issued as a daily. It was sold, in 1841, to J. W. and A. N. Gray, who changed its name to the " Plain Dealer." It con- tinued as a staunch Democratic organ, while extending its facilities and reputation as a news gatherer. Its editor, J. W. Gray, died in 1862. Four years later, the paper was purchased by William W. Armstrong, of Tiffin, Ohio, a veteran editor and publisher, who had but recently re- tired from office, as Secretary of State. In 1877, he or- ganized the Plain Dealer Publishing Company, of which
78 " More than sixty-five years ago, the 'Cleaveland Herald ' first saw the light. To-day, after a longer life than is granted to most newspapers, it rests from its labors. In closing the record of the 'Herald,' we can justly claim it to have been a clean, and honorable, as well as useful, record. We know that, in passing out of sight, it will leave behind it a good name, and thousands who will mourn its departure, as that of an old, a trusted, and valued friend."-"The 'Herald's' Farewell," by J. H. A. Bone, in the final issue, March 15, 1885.
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he became president and manager, while still retaining his position as editor. The paper was continued, as an evening publication, until 1885, when it was sold to L. E. Holden and others, who also secured the " Herald " plant, as before mentioned, and began the issuing of a morning and Sunday edition. The present officers of the company are: President, L. E. Holden; Vice-President, L. Dean Holden ; Treasurer, R. R. Holden; Secretary and General Manager, Charles E. Kennedy. Because of other large and diversified interests, L. E. Holden did not give the paper much attention, until 1893. Since then, he has been the controlling and directing force of the editorial columns of the " Plain Dealer," and, although unable to fall into routine work, contributes the leading articles upon all subjects of moment. The general manager is Charles E. Kennedy, who served an apprenticeship in both the edi- torial and business departments of Cleveland newspapers. He has held his present position since January 1, 1893. The wonderful growth of the "Plain Dealer," especially during the past three years, warranted a larger and bet- ter newspaper office, and in the spring of 1896, the com- pany bought the large building facing on Superior, Bond and Rockwell streets, and remodeled it into a modern newspaper home for the "Plain Dealer," and its afternoon edition, the " Evening Post." The " Plain Dealer" has of late taken a high stand in the newspaper world, and is well regarded as one of the leading and most influential of the Democratic organs of the West.
The "Cleveland Leader " has for years been closely identified with the interests of the City of Cleveland, and with those of the Republican party, of which it is one of the leading exponents. It has been known under its pres- ent name since 1854, although its actual beginning as a newspaper must be sought a decade earlier. In 1844, the " Ohio American" was established in the City of Ohio, by R. B. Dennis, who conducted it as an organ of the old Liberty party. In 1845, Edwin Cowles became its pub- lisher. The "True Democrat," an anti-slavery Whig
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organ, was established at Olmsted Falls, O., in 1846, and was moved to Cleveland one year later. In 1848, the " True Democrat " and the " Ohio American " were con- solidated, under the name of the first-mentioned. In 1852, Joseph Medill came to Cleveland and established the "Daily Forest City," and in 1853 this paper and the " True Democrat " were consolidated under the name of the "Daily Forest City Democrat." Edwin Cowles, who was then engaged in the printing business, became one of the owners of the newly-named journal, the proprietors being known under the firm name of Medill, Cowles & Co. Mr. Cowles took charge of the business department, the editors being Mr. Medill and John C. Vaughan.
EDWIN COWLES.
mained until his death.
In March, 1854, the long name with which the paper had been burdened gave way, and the "Cleveland Leader" took its place among the jour- nals of Ohio. The entire prop- erty passed, by purchase, into the hands of Mr. Cowles 79 in 1855. In 1860, he took per- sonal charge of the editorial department, where he re- In 1860, the Cleveland Leader
79 Edwin Cowles was born in Austinburg, Ashtabula County, O., on September 19, 1825. He learned the printer's trade, in Cleveland, and, at the age of eighteen, engaged in business for himself, as the junior mem- ber of the firm of Smead & Cowles. His connection with the newspaper business has been above related. He was one of the founders of the Re- publican party, and was boldly outspoken, in defence and support of its principles, all through his life. As an editor, he was utterly without fear, and adhered to that which he believed to be the right, with a tenacity that made him a power, in any cause to which he gave his support. He opposed slavery, and supported the vigorous prosecution of the war, with all the power that lay within him. He was appointed postmaster of Cleveland, in 1861, and held that office for five years. He was a delegate to the Repub- lican National Conventions of 1876 and of 1884, and, in 1877, was appointed honorary commissioner to the Paris Exposition. He died on March 4, 1890, after a life of great industry and exceptional usefulness.
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Printing Company was formed, Mr. Cowles holding the majority of the stock. In 1869, the "Evening News" was added, as an afternoon edition of the "Leader," and at a later date, as before mentioned, the name and good-will of the "Herald" were obtained by pur- chase, and the evening paper became the "News and Herald."
The "Leader," from the first, has been an earnest and aggressive supporter of the Republican party, and was long since recognized as the chief exponent of the party in this section of the country. Its management, at present, is in the hands of the following officers: President and General Manager, E. H. Perdue; Vice-Pres- ident, Alfred H. Cowles; Secretary, Charles W. Chase; Treasurer, W. F. Bulkeley; Editor-in-Chief, James B. Morrow.80
On November 2, 1878, Ed. W. Scripps and John S. Sweeney, of the "News," Detroit, Mich., began the publication of the "Penny Press" in Cleveland. It was a one-cent, seven-column folio, and its outfit consisted largely of an upright Baxter engine, and a four-cylinder Hoe press. Mr. Scripps was the editor, and Mr. Sweeney the business manager. The paper succeeded, was repeat-
80 DEAR SIR :-- You ask me to state the policy, politics and principles of the "Cleveland Leader." The policy of the "Leader" is to get and to print the news, and to treat all men and all classes with exact justice. The "Leader " is a Republican newspaper-stalwart in its politics, but fair enough, I am sure, to expose and condemn a Republican rascal, and to cheerfully commend an honest and competent Democrat, when one is dis- covered to be in office. The "Leader" believes in the people-in their morality, and in their patriotism. It stands for the enforcement of the law, the preservation of order, the rights of all men, the dignity of labor, the protection of property, the Constitution of the United States, and the Stars and Stripes. It seeks to induce people to live rightly, and to think rightly. It believes in the public schools, and insists that no public money shall be appropriated for sectarian purposes. It has fought, and is now fighting, for civil service reform, in National, State, and Municipal govern- ment. It maintains that Cleveland is the best city in Ohio, and that Ohio is the best State in America. But above all, the " Leader " exalts the truth.
Very truly yours,
MR. JAMES H. KENNEDY.
CLEVELAND, O., June 6, 1896.
JAMES B. MORROW.
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edly enlarged, and now has a larger circulation than its projectors ever hoped for. It is now known as the " Cleveland Press." It owns its publication building, has five Potter presses, and is constantly making improve- ments. The editor-in-chief is E. W. Scripps, president of the Scripps-McRae league of newspapers. R. F. Paine, 81 the editor, has been with the paper seventeen years. E. W. Osborn is the business manager.
The "Morning Recorder" is the youngest of the Cleve- land dailies. Its first number appeared on September 9, 1895, and it is published every day, except Sunday. It is decidedly unique, and aims to be as original as possible. It is only four pages, and seldom uses cuts. Politically, it is independent and fearless. The " Recorder " is owned and published by the Record Publishing Company, which was organized by George A. Robertson, who has been connected with Cleveland journalism, almost constantly, for twenty years. The officers of the company are: Presi- dent, M. C. Reefer ; Vice-President, George P. Cowey; Treasurer, George A. Robertson ; Secretary, Louis.F. Post. M. C. Reefer is manager, George A. Robertson 8% editor, and R. B. Gelatt managing editor.
81 DEAR SIR :- It is the policy of the "Cleveland Press" to give all the news; to permit the people to conduct their own politics; and to maintain those principles which it deems right, regardless of sect, political affiliation, or social position, of those who may be interested in those principles.
Yours respectfully, R. F. PAINE, Editor.
CLEVELAND, O., June 9th, 1896.
82 DEAR MR. KENNEDY :- The intention is to make the " Recorder," first of all, a newspaper. It contains all the news, stated in such form that it may be quickly read by the busiest man. It is the belief of its founders, that in this hustling age, the publisher who saves the time of his readers, by carefully editing the news, is doing them a service. The " Recorder" is a protest against the mammoth sheets of the time, that have grown up through the enormous reduction in the cost of composition, print paper, and printing, through the introduction of modern machinery. It is unique, and original, in almost every respect, and the hearty way in which it has been received by the reading public is a sure indication that it is on the right track. In politics, it is strictly independent, and will in the future, as in the past, support only such men and measures as it believes are for
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The first issue of what is now the "Cleveland Daily World" made its appearance on August 29, 1889. The "Sunday World," formerly the " Sunday Journal," had been in existence some years prior to that time. The year 1889 was somewhat fruitful in the starting of daily newspaper enterprises in Cleveland. The first that shone out was the " Evening Star," on the West Side. It was the daily offshoot of a weekly paper, by the same name, that had been issued by Doty & Hall, on Saturdays. Rob- ison & Cockett, the proprietors of the "Sunday World," started an afternoon "World" in the last days of August, and George A. Robertson, of the "Sunday Sun and Voice," started the "Evening Sun" about this time. A little later, in the fall, the "Morning Times" was started, by H. E. Woods and associates. From all these efforts, only one paper survived, and that is now called the "Daily and Sunday World." The process of growth and elimination is interesting. Within a few weeks, the " Sun " and " World " united, and the name "Sun" was soon dropped, leaving the present title. The " World " had strong financial backing, and though it naturally met vigorous competition, grew steadily in circulation and in- fluence. Its manager, almost from the start, was B. F. Bower, who came to Cleveland from Detroit. Its editor was George A. Robertson. The president of the com- pany, and one of its chief financial backers, was F. B. Squire. In April, 1895, Messrs. Bower and Robertson sold all of their interest, and Mr. Squire most of his, to
the best interests of the people. It will never take into consideration, for a moment, the question of whether its course is likely to be popular or not.
It will constantly depend upon the truth and justice of its position for final vindication, and it cares little whether immediate victory crowns its efforts or not. The publishers of the " Recorder" believe that its estab- lishment marks a new era in American journalism. The day of the hon- est newspaper, which gives all the news honestly, and which is not con- trolled by party, clique or faction, certainly ought to dawn about now. The " Recorder " wants to be a part of that dawn.
CLEVELAND, O., July, 1896.
GEORGE A. ROBERTSON, Editor.
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Robert P. Porter, who is now its editor and proprietor. The managing editor is John J. Spurgeon. 83
83 The following statement, as to policy and principles, is authorized by the "World " management: "The 'Cleveland World' is Republican in politics, never refusing to criticise the shortcomings of those elevated to office by the Republican party, if criticism is necessary, yet its unswerving loyalty to Republican principles has been one of the sources of strength to the organization, in its city, its county and its State. Its advocacy of the eight-hour day, its practical carrying out of the eight-hour day, within its office, and its encouragement of all that is best and right, for the ad- vancement of the laboring men of its constituency, and of the whole coun- try, have made it the accepted friend of labor and its advocates."
CHAPTER XIX.
CLEVELAND'S CENTENNIAL YEAR.
The dawn of July 22, 1896, saw the completion of Cleveland's first century of existence, reckoned from that earlier July day which witnessed the landing of Moses Cleaveland, and his little company of surveyors, upon the green banks of the Cuyahoga River. In the pages which have gone before, we have learned of the wonderful things that these one hundred years of faithful and fruit- ful labor have accomplished.
It was, of course, a matter of general agreement that this Centennial anniversary should be fittingly cele- brated. The first public suggestion of concerted action came, quite properly, from that organization which has accomplished so much in the collection and preservation of local history -the Early Settlers' Association of Cuy- ahoga County.
At the annual meeting of that body, on July 22, 1893, John C. Covert offered the following resolution : 84 "That the president appoint a committee of nine persons, he to be the chairman, to confer with the City Council, Cham- ber of Commerce, and other local bodies, to provide for a proper celebration of the Centennial anniversary of the landing of Moses Cleaveland, at the mouth of the Cuya- hoga River, on July 22, 1796."
This resolution was unanimously adopted. In obedi- ence to its directions, the president appointed the follow- ing gentlemen members of such committee : John C. Covert, A. J. Williams, Bolivar Butts, James Barnett, George F. Marshall, Wilson S. Dodge, Solon Burgess, H. M. Addison. Richard C. Parsons, president of the Asso-
84 "Annals of the Early Settlers' Association," Vol. III., No. 2, pp. 45 and 106.
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ciation, became, by the terms of the resolution, chairman of the committee.
The important question thus raised was discussed favorably by the general public. The officers and mem- bers of the Chamber of Commerce showed an especial in- terest in the matter. At a meeting of the Chamber, held on November 21, 1893, the following resolutions were adopted :
WHEREAS, The year 1896 will mark the one-hundredth anniversary of the founding of the City of Cleveland; and,
WHEREAS, So important an event deserves commemoration in the degree to which Cleveland has made advancement during that period in popula- tion, wealth, commerce, education and arts; therefore,
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the Chamber of Commerce, whose duty it shall be to begin at once timely and suitable prep- arations for an appropriate celebration of the city's Centennial, to the end that various important public improvements now in progress, or in con- templation, may, by unity and harmony of action, be brought to a culmi- nation in that year, and the occasion be thus distinguished by tangible evidences of the city's growth and glory.
The following gentlemen were appointed members of that committee: Wilson M. Day, chairman; W. J. Akers, H. A. Garfield, S. F. Haserot, Webb C. Hayes, Geo. W. Kinney, O. M. Stafford.
This committee submitted an elaborate report to the Chamber, which was adopted with enthusiasm. The same committee, substantially, was reappointed in 1894, and made a further report, which was likewise adopted. Its closing recommendation was that a commission be formed, consisting of the governor of the State, the secre- tary of State, the auditor of State, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House, ex officio ; the may- or, the director of law, the director of public works, the president of the City Council, and the director of schools, ex officio, and fifteen citizens at large.
Cleveland was thus committed, through her early set- tlers and representative business men, to a fitting celebra- tion of the one-hundredth anniversary of her birth.
A conference was held on May 11, 1895, by Robert E. McKisson, mayor of Cleveland; Samuel G. McClure, sec-
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retary of the Board of Control; Wilson M. Day, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and Ryerson Ritchie, sec- retary of the Chamber, in which the way was prepared for the work of the future. At a second meeting of the above-named gentlemen and representatives of the Early Settlers' Association's Committee, held on May 17th, the full Centennial Commission was selected, as follows:
State : William McKinley, Governor; Samuel M. Tay- lor, secretary of state; Edward W. Poe, auditor of state; Andrew L. Harris, president of the Senate; Alexander Boxwell, speaker of the house.
Municipality : Robert E. McKisson, Mayor; Minor G. Norton, director of law; Darwin E. Wright, director of public works; Dan F. Reynolds, Jr., president of the City Council; H. Q. Sargent, director of schools.
At Large : Wm. J. Akers, Chas. W. Chase, Martin A. Foran, John F. Pankhurst, Henry M. Brooks, H. M. Ad- dison, L. E. Holden, A. J. Williams, Moritz Joseph, Richard C. Parsons, Bolivar Butts, Wilson M. Day, Augustus Zehring, Geo. F. Marshall, Geo. W. Kinney.
The first officers were : Honorary President, William Mckinley.
President, Robert E. McKisson.
First \'icc-President, Wilson M. Day.
Second Vice-President, A. J. Williams.
Secretary, Samuel G. McClure.
Treasurer, Charles W. Chase.
At a meeting of the executive committee of the com- mission, it was decided to recommend Wilson M. Day, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and a most active and intelligent advocate of all measures proposed for the city's good, for the important position of director-general. At a meeting of the Commission, on July 11th, Mr. Day was, therefore, unanimously elected. L. E. Holden was chosen his successor, in the office of first vice-president. It was also decided, at this meeting, that the celebration should open on July 22nd, and close on September 10, 1896.
Thus equipped, the Cleveland Centennial Commission
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opened headquarters in the City Hall, and entered upon the accomplishment of the important labor committed to its hands. It was the general opinion that an exposition could best set forth the greatness of Cleveland, as a center of business activities, and, at the same time, commemorate her Centennial birthday. A careful study of the whole question was entered upon. Committees visited various other cities, where such expositions had been held; many conferences were had with business men of Cleveland and elsewhere. All the arguments for and against were care- fully considered. A suggestion was finally made for the purchase of exposition grounds and the erection of the needed buildings. This was taken into consideration, at a series of meetings of business men, but from a lack of the needed funds, and doubts about the raising of the same, the shortness of the time remain- ing, and other valid considera- tions, the project of an exposi- tion was abandoned in the first month of the Centennial year.
Meanwhile, the preparations for a due celebration of the event, along other lines, had been pushed forward. A fund MAYOR R. E. M'KISSON. of some sixty thousand dollars 85 was raised. The commissioners and their director-gen- eral desired to make the celebration one of the greatest and most successful ever seen in the West. In addition to arranging all the needed details for a series of events
85 It is proper to state here that a preliminary fund of $8,113 was raised by popular subscription, followed by a general fund of $63,740.25. The chief work in connection therewith was performed by a finance committee, consisting of C. C. Burnett, chairman; F. F. Hickox and F. L. Alcott, vice-chairmen; Myron T. Herrick, treasurer; Henry Humphreys, secre- tary; William Edwards, George T. McIntosh, Henry S. Blossom, C. F. Brush, and John Meckes. All expenses of the celebration were eventually paid, leaving a balance in the treasury.
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of a general character, a great task was undertaken in se- curing and providing for various conventions, and other gatherings, that were to be a part of this summer of pa- triotic celebration. A department, under the control of the women of Cleveland, was added, and to it was as- signed the work of seeing that the part taken by women in the building up of Cleveland, should be fittingly rec- ognized and commemorated.
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