Little Falls transcript., 1880-07-02

FINANCIAL RECORD.
At the close of his useful and honorable
Congressional services MI. English was con-
fronted with the fact that new departure
in his business life was inevitable. He had
abandoned active politics and declined Of
ticial position. He had grown rusty in the
law, but his native energy forbade that he
should remain quiet. At this juncture he
concluded to embark in the business of
banking, and, in connection with j. F. d.
Lanier, o. New York, and George w. Riggs,
of Washington city, he established, in the
spring of 1863, the First National bank of
Indianapolis. The bank was among the
first organized in the United States under
the national system and the very first to geL
out its circulation. Mr.. English's connection
with this bank brought him into great prom
inence as financier, and in this position, as
In other places of great responsibility, he
displayed consummate ability. During the
period Of his connection with the First Ma
tional bank the question of national finances
excited the profoundest solicitation and en-
gagged the attention of the best, thinkers in
the country. During the entire period Of
that discussion Mr.. English's views were we'll
understood. No mans opinions were less
equivocal. Hts knowledge of business finan-
ces and of the needs of the country was
comprehensive. He was opposed to in fla
ton, and as certainly opposed to extrem Q
and hasty legislation looking to forced re.
sumption. With regard to
gold and silver as the
standards of value, and to the absolute nec-
essity of ultimate resumption, no man in
the country was more pronounced In his de-
clarations. The heresy of an irredeemable
paper currency found in Mr.. English an un-
compromising opponent-as result his
financial record is1without blemish. Mr..
English presided over this bank over four
teen years, to the entire satisfaction Of the
stockholders, and then, in 1877, in the fall
meridian of financial success, he resigned
the presidency and retired from active busi-
ness, as he had years before retired from &C.
tive politics as an offceholder when in the
full tide Of political success. Faithful to
every trust, he retained the good opinion of
associates then, as he had Of his constitu-
ents when be retired from Congress.
The foregoing incidents of an exception
ally active and successful life bring its his
tory down to 1877, when Mr.. English,
crowned with success IN every undertaking,
with an honorable political and business req
ord and at the very meridian Of his powers
sought the retirement of private life to enjoy
in quiet serenity the we'll earned trophies of
former years. But in this retirement Mr..
English was not unmindful of his country
nor negleotful Of the interests of the Demo.
cratic party. = !
PRIVATE LIFE.
Mr.. English is man of action rather than
Of words. His efforts as debater are more
remarkable for practical common sense than
for brllliancy of oratory, or the flowers OF
rhetoric. His mind, strictly practical io all
its scope and bearings. is eminently utilita-
rtan. Energy of character, frmness of pnr;
pose. and IN answering integrity, are h,1
chief characteristics. In personal inter
course he is inclined to be retiring and re.
served, which might be attributed to hsught-
iness or pride by stranger, but to an &C.
quaintanoe and friend he is open, candid and
affable. In the private and social relations
Of life, he stands "without blemish and
above reproach." Asa business man he has
most valuable qualities. Without being too
cautious, he is prudent and conservative.
He Is above the average height, with an
erect, well made figure. His head Il OF good
size, with regular features. The foreheadis
high and broad. he is dignifed and GEN
tleusnly in his mauners and has pleasing
address with all persons. His whole con.
tour Of face and person would ct. once at
tract favorable mention in any gathering.
Intellect, uprightness Of character, self.
reliance and zeal are suggested by his ap-
pearance and made known in his deeds. A
man who has gained unqualified success IL
every position of his life, It il to be said of
him that this IL the result Of an ability which
has been equally beyond question.