An Enterprising Publisher.

Manawatu Herald, 21 November 1899, Page 2

An Enterprising Publisher.

In announcing the death of Mr Robert Bonner, the rich proprietor of the New York Ledger, the Independent says that he was known the world over as the owner of the finest trotting horses in America, but when one of these became his property it was withdrawn from the public racetracks* On horses he spent more than £ 120,---000, but he gave much more than this 'o religious and benevolent institutions He was known as one of the most liberal newspapers publishers in America. He paid Henry Ward Beecher £6000 for his novel " Norwood," and £400 a year to write from half to three-quarters of a column a week for the Ledger. He secured Mr Beecher by sending a cheque for £400 in the first letter he wrote to the great preacher proposing a weekly letter. Mr Beecher's reply to this was : — " I am almost dumb after receiving your proposition, and must clear my head before I say a word." He accepted the offer, however. Mr Bonner paid Tennyson £1000 for a poem. He spent £250,000 in advertising his oaper. He thought nothing of taking a page at a time in-the leading dailies. The Ledger advertisements were mlike those of any other publication. One day he made the New York Herald publish a sixteen page paper. It was printing eight pages, and Mr Bonner asked what space he could have for a " big add." " All the space you want," the publisher said. " All right I'll take the whole paper," said VI r Bonner, aud an extra eight pages had to be added to hold the news.