methods through the formation of the Union Relief Association.

Springfield also had its poorer quarters in Ferry Street and thereabout, but there was much of selfrespect in the life there. As yet there was little evidence of the groupings of residents of many nationalities already in evidence in great cities, and which we were to have.

Between these poles in social conditions were the mass of our people, neither rich nor poor. Facts about incomes in 1872 told much. Clergymen were not then among the poorly favored in monetary matters. The young pastor of the old First Congregational Church, Reverend Edward A. Reed, was receiving $4000, and was on a par with Reverend Dr. Eustis of the Memorial Church. The benignant Doctor Samuel G. Buckingham of the South Church, who came nearest being pastor of the entire community, was paid only $3000, along with Reverend Dr. Alexander Burgess, rector of Christ Church, and Reverend A. K. Potter of the State Street Baptist Church. The brilliant Reverend Richard G. Greene of the North Church was having $3500, but Reverend George E. Merrill of the First Baptist Church, afterward president of what is now Colgate College, received $2500, as did Reverend L. H. Cone of Olivet Church.

Beloved Bishop O'Reilly directed the affairs of St. Michael's Cathedral and of the Springfield diocese, and there was a Roman Catholic Church in Indian Orchard, and another for French Canadians of that faith in the city proper. Greatly does that modest

record contrast with the growth of Roman Catholic churches and institutions under the strong developing hand of Bishop Beaven, whose memory is honored in Springfield.

The salaries of preachers compared favorably with those received by public officials. The Governor of the Commonwealth was paid but $5000, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court $5500, and the justices $5000. Superior Court justices received $4200 and the Chief Justice $4500. The Judge of Probate was paid but $1500. Judge James H. Morton of the Police Court received $2000, and the district attorney for Hampden and Berkshire counties $1500. The high sheriff of the county got $1250 as sheriff and $1500 as jailor. At that time, by the way, the President of the United States received a salary of only $25,000.

The social life of the city gathered about the churches. Perhaps the Church of the Unity came nearest to leadership in social activities, though such a claim might be disputed in behalf of the South Church, and may be by social people of the First Church or of Christ Church. At least no one will dispute that the Unitarian people were incomparable in private theatricals. For young men with free evenings there was much to be done in a social way, but it all lay beyond the grasp of workers on a morning newspaper. Their part was to tell the public about the gaieties. Young men of that simple time reported balls and parties, and not until after years was it deemed prudent or desirable to enlist a clever woman to make record of the gowns

displayed at charity balls as the wearers flitted through the dressing rooms in the City Hall. Now women are social editors.

Modern social reporters, we may be sure, obtain all such decorative information in advance of balls and weddings through the willing coöperation of the persons chiefly concerned. All of which illustrates the fact that the old-time shrinking from publicity in social matters no longer hampers the progress of hardworking newspaper people. The public have been trained to other standards. Time and the now defunct Homestead led the way in Springfield to the daily social columns and the employment of young women to fill them. Nothing is more democratic than the social reporting of to-day, and that is as it should be.

It was my good fortune to receive helpful kindness from men of influence in the city. This was no doubt largely owing to the intervention of the senior Bowles. In any event the friendliness was invaluable to one eager to master the environment. When Samuel J. Tilden was asked to advise a young man, he revealed a leaf from his own experience. On coming to New York, young Tilden had realized that it would be possible for him to know few people well, and so had determined to know the best man in all important lines of activity. Young men may find advantage in Mr. Tilden's pointer.

From Judge James D. Colt, Reverend Dr. Henry M. Field, Reverend John W. Harding and others, my family learned more of the Chief's faith in my future newspaper standing than was suspected at this end of the line. Here one simply faced hard work

beyond the ability properly to get around it all. But one opportunity Fate snatched from me. There had existed for many years a men's literary clubThe Club, it was called, antedating the important organization now claiming that name. In that original circle gathered the mature leaders of the city, whether in professional or business life. Upon Mr. Bowles's death in 1878, on motion of Daniel L. Harris, and with due concurrence, I was elected to The Club, its youngest member. Unfortunately that action proved fatal. Never again did the members hold a meeting. Death wrought such havoc among them as to obliterate all thought of attempting to continue the old organization.

XII

A LEADER IN MEDICINE AND Surgery

I HAD felt that something or much should be written of one of the bravest souls Springfield ever had, Doctor David P. Smith, great in his calling, and remarkable in personality. But one could not write interminably; surely the impress he had made must remain even after more than forty years. Then came illumination. A doctor nearing middle life was asked what he had heard about Doctor Smith. "You mean the red-headed doctor who stuttered," was the amazing response. What a roaring laugh would have come from our friend could he have listened to that summary of so great a medical reputation. At fifty years, in the winter of 1880, Doctor Smith died, but he had attained remarkable leadership in his profession, with a fame not bounded by Springfield or western New England. From far and near his help had been sought.

But what was left of all that in this time, when background seems lacking as not before, was the error as to his hair, and the fact of a difficulty of speech which must have vexed Doctor Smith's sensitive nature, though of that he gave no smallest sign. He was undaunted. The brilliant and penetrating mind, the flaming thought, might be ham