May 14, 1918 - Commodore Bennett dies of pneumonia

Don Martin diary entry for Tuesday, May 14, 1918:

Mr. Bennett died today – at 5 a.m. in Beaulieu. Result of pneumonia attack. I didn’t know until 4 p.m. when on returning to my hotel I met a Stars and Stripes reporter who very bluntly told me the Commodore was dead. It was considerable of a shock although I knew he had been dangerously ill for long time. Is the last of the old “giants of Journalism.” I am glad I saw so much of him. Great speculation now is – what will become of the Herald?

Saw Martin Green, Irving Cobb, Lincoln Eyre [all New York World] and several other men I know. Had dinner with Price at the Chatham Grill. Then walked around until dark – 9:30 - when I came to the hotel. Sent telegram of condolence to Mrs. Bennett.

Weather clear and fairly pleasant.

James Gordon Bennett, Jr., Beaulieu, 1913,

The death of Commodore J. Gordon Bennett, owner of the Herald, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, was big news. Happily, Mr. Bennett, prior to his passing, had gotten Don Martin accredited as war correspondent for The Herald. But the death added a note of uncertainty about the future of the Herald, which at first Bennett's wife would take charge of. Don Martin decided to stay to attend the funeral which took place in Paris.

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