, 1877-12-09

! meas, Ills sterling sense, his keen mental in
slene, ms sympathy with practical philanthropy,
ahu craftsmanship, his veneratio1 for ercai
character, and lis enjoyment Of the highest in
made him hate all sorts OF sham and pretellsc
M Nn'!e he was HI expert in his special field, hi:
op'n:ons gu very many topics Of practit., utility
| we're highly valuable.
| Ills spirit was in true sense religious. HI
| was in deep sympathy with the seriousucss that
underlies all that is earnest in aspiration and and
llie- lie loved to ronperse on sacred subjects.
| loved to hear and read vital sermons, loved the
society u those who we're IN closest communion
| with spiritual verities. His instincts IN this
with clearer vision the essentials OF the Chris
| tian religion Or placed their utility higher IN
the conduct OF human life. Ono bit Of domestic
history will Illustrate. his fine spiritual sensi-
! bility. Almost ever since his youngest children,
two little girls, could lisp words, thcy were
taught to sing hymts and brief selections of
church music. and 1t becatae a practice after
dinner for thetn to engage in this beautiful
service. Many i time have heard their bird
like voices, in their innocence and aftless2ess,
giving uIterancc to the deepest truths of Reve-
lation; and his responsiveness to their spirit
and delight In it all, was always very affecting
to me. His heart touched the chiiI-beart and
mas refreshed and Strengthened By its trusts.
suppose comparatively few over thought how
powerfully Christian principle Was working in
him.
There was nothing in Mr.. Coolbaugh's nature
that the D,ass oi peonle, who knew him only as
banker and statesman, would have been more
surprised to find than bis keen esthctic tastes
aud scnsbities. This man Of iron will, this
dealer III the hard facts OF finance this counselor
in the policies OF political administration, had
poet's heart. With his clear head for business,
his judicial Inintl lis positiyeness OF character,
there was joined an emotional nature OF extra
ordinary refinement, deficacy OF taste as cx-
Qnlsitc as It WAS correct, sunny humor, astronE
imagination, and relish for the beautiful,
witch was almost passion. His lore Of flowers
Was Intense. He did not cultivate them for
PURPOSES OF osteutatio!l, but BECAUSE he reveled
In their charms. There was generally basket
OF them on his table at the bank. / have known
In his buttonholc the humblest blossom, even
common weed, when nothing prcttier could
he found. In poetry be was neil read, aud
be enjoyed the best. To sympathetic ears
lie would quote, from the heart, verses that
throb with the joy and anguish OF souls
have heard him improvise in way that showed
rare felicity Of speech and rhythmicpower. He
was fond OF natural scenery, ami never seemed
III better spirits or more at home than in the
open country or Oh some some secluded lake
His disposition WAS remarkably affectiouate, and
his domestic tastes tine and strong In his
hone he was gentle, considcrate, loving, and
DEVOTED As husband and father. Flo was I
generous man, and his charities were liberal
Wleu lie tnDi1Nt thc1n deserved.
On his brilliant abilities aud his great capacity
foi affairs need not dwell. Every description
OF his character emphasizes bis remarkable tai
cnts and his business achievements. There are,
however. two events in Ills history that have
been either misunderstood or nlisstated. Of
these wi to give correct version. But, of
course, where bis word or mine is doubted, what
affirm will go for nothing. A good deal
has bcen said in severe terms about
bis s,iceumbing to the pressure during
the pauc OF 1873, aud it has been
asserted that he acknowledged that he
made mistake in closing his bank at that time.
The fact is, he insisted always that his plan of
closing was, under the circumstances, the only
right and proper one. t'My mistaken he said,
aud regretfully confess it. was in allowing the
bank to be opened Tor that one day, when it
should have been kept shut. yielded, agaiust
LnY judgment, to the urgent solicitations OF
others" The other event belongs to the history
Of the Great Fire. It has been flung at him !
with sueer that he opposed to the last the
proposition that the banks On opening should |
pay on demand. Before the Comptroller of Cur
rency, the Hon. II. r. Hurlbut, reached Chicago |
ii response to a summons from Mr., Coolbaugil,
the latter had made up his mind that the banks |
Dught to open simultaneously and pay in full. I!
This Mr. Coolbaug asserted to the Comptroller, |
md he wrote with his own hands the order to this
effect which was presented by Mr. Hurlbut to |
he meeting Of bank officers held Monday, Oct. |
10, 1871, and the same day issued as auth0rita- !
i've, and telegraphed throughout the land. |
The conduct Of the banks was in the highest de-
,rce tranuuillizing and sa{utary.~ Mr.. Cool |
oaugh's position and influence in the affair de- !
serve grateful recognition, and to rob him of |
the honor ot his service here Is grossly unjust.
Thus much my heart dictates me to say IN the !
OF the character Of one whose life |
vas iucxpressble dear to me, and whose friend !
ship l hoped would be protractcd for many
lappy years. H. n. Powers.