The only ready asset in sight, it is related, was several cases of a patent medicine known as "Mrs.Joe Persons' Remedy," which had been taken by the "News and Observer" in payment for advertising space.

Mr.Daniels had a few dollars, and his business manager had a railroad pass.

With these resources the latter went out on the road and sold the patent medicine for enough to make up the deficit.
Until Mr.Daniels was appointed Secretary of the Navy he seems to have been regarded by many citizens of Raleigh, as a good, earnest, hard-working man, possessed of considerable personal magnetism and a good political nose--a man who could scent how the pack was running, take a short-cut, and presently appear to be leading.

In other words an opportunist.

Though he has not much education, and though as a writer he is far from polished, it is said that he has written powerful editorials.