Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 24, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 June 1895 — An Early War Correspondent. [ARTICLE]

An Early War Correspondent.

In 1856 Dr. W. H. Russell was a barrister, engaged on the staff of the London Times, as a leader writer, a convenient connection with journalism much less common in this country than in England, where most of such work is done out of the office and makes a convenient second string for young professional men who have not yet become established in the more profitable practice of the law. One evening in February he was called to the office of the editor, Mr. Delane, and told that a very agreeable excursion had been arranged, “to go to Malta with the guards.” At this time there was no serious thought of war, and Mr. Russell had not the faintest notion that he should ever be a war correspondent Then came the expedition to Turkey, which even then no one thought would result iu serious war. His troubles began here, the general In charge of the expedition not being able to see why a newspaper man should be on board. And after he had landed and pitched his tent in a quiet place it was summarily pulled down. The idea of giving a correspondent official recognition was regarded as absurd, and in spite of orders from the Government at home Dr. Russell had great difficulty in gaining a gi-udgiiig allowance of transportation and rations, without which he could not have remained in the field. Yet in spite of those trials he thinks the correspondents were freer in those days than now, when they are under military censorship, with tickets and badges. Later in the campaign some friends at homo seDt him a handsome portable cottage—which served, however, to rouse the ira of the oflicers in charge, who did not relish having a journalist so housed.