The discovery with its measure of
self-recognition brought a thrill that compensated for all the dark
hours. He now felt assured of success.
His life in the University was one of varied and unceasing
activity. In his studies history, literature, psychology claimed
his special interest. He was an enthusiast in athletics, and found
his field in running and boxing. The contest was as the wine of
life to him. He was active in the literary and debating societies,
and prominent in the Student's Christian Association, attending and
taking part in the work of the local branch of the Church of
Christ. His first newspaper work was done as an amateur on the
college press. Then came assignments from the local dailies and
correspondence for the Detroit papers.
He possessed the "news sense" to an unusual degree, delighting to
take "beats" from under the very feet of his brother reporters.
In 1897 while he was still in Ann Arbor, just before Dr. James B.
Angell, President of the University, left on his mission to Turkey,
a telegram came from a Detroit evening paper directing him to see
Dr. Angell and ask why he had changed his date of sailing.
Dr. Angell was not in the habit of telling reporters what he did
not wish them to know, and when asked the question replied:
"Haven't a word to say.
