Theeditorofthepaperatthattimewasaverygiftedyoungwriter，anoldschoolmateandfriendofmine，who，actingunderinstructionsfromthemanagersofthepaper，tookaverybitterlineagainsttheadministrationanditssupporters。
Aboutthetimeofthemeetingoftheconventionthisoldfriendcametome，expressedhisregretatthelinehewasobligedtotake，saidthatbothheandhiswifeweresickofthewholethingandanxioustogetoutofit，andadded:``Theonlywayout，thatIcansee，issomeappointmentthatwillatoncerelievemeofalltheseduties，andinfacttakemeoutofthecountry。CannotyouaidmebyapplicationtothesenatororthePresidentinobtainingaconsulate？’’Iansweredhimlaughingly，``Mydear————，IwillgladlydoallIcanforyou，notonlyforfriendship’ssake，butbecauseIthinkyouadmirablyfittedfortheplaceyouname;butdon’tyouthinkthat，forafewdaysatleast，whileyouareapplyingforsuchaposition，youmightaswellstopyouroutrageousattacksagainsttheverymenfromwhomyouhopetoreceivetheappointment？’’
Havingsaidthis，halfinjestandhalfinearnest，I
thoughtnomoreonthesubject，saveastothebestwayofaidingmyfriendtosecurethereliefhedesired。
SorosethechargethatIwas``bribingpersonstosupporttheadministrationbyofferingthemconsulates。’’