New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-07
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE.
Mr. EVARTS TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.
SPEECH He MADE AT YALE-THE DUTY or MEs
IN PUBLIC LIVE.


IN PUBLIC LIFE.
To the Editor Of The Tribune
SIR: Nearly 20 years ago the Hon. VIM. NJ.
Evarts delivered Grafton before tie LnonIan Society
of Yale College its Centennial anniversary tie chose
for his theme "Publc Life in own country and in
time" This Grafton should be by pub
lie OF this day, and studied by every young
Is preparing himself for tie duties of public life After
discussing the responsibility resting upon public Of
property in forming the popular sentiments and directing
the puOlie will. the orator went on 10 say:
No base cOmpiances seryie gcnufections double
paeng no deXtor0ns compromises are required IN that
shaping, leading and controlling the public opinion u
the country Freedom OF thought decisive energy
ton nexiblty OF purpose incorruptibe Integrity un.
suspected sincerity OF mind and southese quail
tiles which alone can elevate the public man 10 the lead
public OPINION and sustain him there these qualities
may be wanting they may be counterfeited and the
aspirant unretarded IN his ascent 10 public station
but firm hold of public opinion long MAIN
tanned by deficient in these first elements OF public
character
After eoquently showing how in the last crises Of
noble career, most bitterly for the ambition OF the pos
Of splendid gifts sadly for the hopes OF
Common wealth. defect OF character has wrought
the ruin of the whole, he proceeds 60 say:
While others read in territorial extension and material
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT the 1attCrDg story OK our manifest
destiny" tear from these causes the downfall d
constituted state LET us find The sources OF our homes
or fears in the character the principles the opinions OF
the body OF the people, aud there give our strenuous
devotion 10 confirm every element OF strength; there
throw whole energy 10 succOr every weakness Let
understand that neither the selfish passions Ot vanity
or ambition, the thirst for glory the lust ~ power,
sentimental patriotism. nor philanthT0pc enthu-
sasnl, sufficient basis OF tue genuine pnfcspiritei,
labOriOus public life but the superior and
vaster energy of motive In which the foundation aud
upbdildng OF nation have had their safe and ade
quae support. must stimulate and cOuseerae aud ss
tain the public spirit and tine public tolls by which tho
fabric Ol our greatness shall be upheld and amphied
These the doctrines adopted by Mr.. Eyarts when
he was young man; they the principles by which
he has been governed all his lie. They have not been
popular with the patriots Of primary They
distasteful to the ring politicians OF high or low
degree they could not any present profit In having
him for leader. consequently he has been left unmo.
Tested by them TO pursue his splendid professional ca
lie not the man they wanted; they could ngt
him to suit their purposes But the universal appro
baton which has been expressed for President Hayes
for placing him the high position OF chief Of his Cab
the satisfaction of the people when man OF
such transcendcnt abilities unselhsh patriotism. and
spoil 80 character il selected to take leading part In
public affairs Az OLD MERCHANT.
Ncic- York, March p, 1877.