Page 61 - Historical Dictionary of Political Communication in the United States

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THE FREEDOM
FORUM
read (and still popular) book of sayings and witticisms, Poor Richard's Almanac,
which went through numerous editions. However, he more properly should be
known for his achievements in the field of politics.
His skill as an organizer and communicator were put to use early in Phila-
delphia, where he helped to found such institutions as a library, a fire depart-
ment, an insurance company, and a hospital. He was elected to the Pennsylvania
Assembly, thus beginning 40 years of political life. In 1753, along with William
Hunter, he was appointed deputy postmaster general of the colonies and within
a short time had turned a losing proposition into one that showed a profit. By
that year his wit, wisdom, and political insights had brought him honorary de-
grees from Yale and a Copley medal from the Royal Society. The Pennsylvania
legislature sent him to London in 1757 for the first of three extensive periods
abroad when he represented his state or the new nation (1757-1762 and 1764-
1775 in England and 1776-1785 in France). During the latter period he played
a key role in negotiating, under a charge from Congress, a pact of "amity and
commerce.'' In doing so, he immeasurably aided the American war effort by
raising money, securing ships for the American navy, and recruiting forces to
serve in America. This success was accomplished by persistent courting of the
right French officials. After the 1781 surrender at Yorktown, he began drafting
a peace treaty—signed in 1783—that was close in terms and language to the
final document. He returned to this country in 1785 to universal accolades for
his service. He became president of the Supreme Executive Council of Penn-
sylvania and president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition
of Slavery. His final service was as delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
Though in failing health, he provided a persistent, often humorous, compromis-
ing force that helped the authors of the convention stick to their difficult task.

SOURCE: Leonard Lebaree, ed., The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1964.
Wallace B. Eberhard

THE FREEDOM FORUM is a nonpartisan, international foundation with a
focus on free press, free speech, and free spirit. Previously known as the Gannett
Foundation, it is supported by an endowment established by Frank E. Gannett,
founder of what is now known as Gannett Co., Inc. The initial investment of
$100,000 in Gannett stock has increased to an endowment of more than $900
million. Allen H. Neuharth became chief executive officer (CEO) of Gannett in
1973 and led the company through more than a decade of rapid growth. During
that time, the foundation and Gannett were closely tied. Neuharth became chair-
man of the Gannett Foundation in 1986. He retired from Gannett in 1989, and
the foundation was renamed the Freedom Forum in July 1991. Through a series
of negotiations, the Gannett Co., Inc. purchased back Gannett stock owned by
the foundation, and the Freedom Forum diversified its assets. The foundation
does not solicit or accept financial contributions. It funds only its own programs
and related partnerships and sponsors conferences, educational activities, pub-