But he was not so readily deceived in men or misled in measures as he seemed and as most people thought him.
His convictions were emotional, his philosophy was experimental; but there was a certain method in their application to public affairs.

He gave bountifully of his affection and his confidence to the few who enjoyed his familiar friendship--accessible and sympathetic though not indiscriminating to those who appealed to his impressionable sensibilities and sought his help.

He had been a good party man and was by nature and temperament a partisan.
To him place was not a badge of servitude; it was a decoration--preferment, promotion, popular recognition.

He had always yearned for office as the legitimate destination of public life and the honorable award of party service.

During the greater part of his career the conditions of journalism had been rather squalid and servile.