The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-11-29
TRAITS OF THE DEAD MAN.
The Secret of His Political Strength-His
Tact in Receiving Visitors.

The Secret of His Political Strength-His
Tact in Receiving Visitors.
Frank A. Burrs Letter.
Mr.. Hendricks was the central figure of
most picturesque quartet of Democratic politi
clans in a State that has given some exceedingly
interesting men to the public life of the Nation
In this light his character and qualities, in con-
trast with those he leaves behind, are worth re-
calling. An intimate friend of the dead states
man, speaking of his personal traits to-day said:
POLITICALLY. the record of Mr. Hendricks is
the property of the country at large, but only
comparatively few could be admitted to an &C
quaintance with his rare social qualities l
don't think you could properly class him among
those who nave sharply defined and sharply
trasted traits of character, because the drift Of
his principles and the tenor of his disposition
were uniformly even that no partic
ular quality assumed prominence, but all
were balanced and happily blended in
to find man in public life who had encountered
many political storms and passed through
them all with such placid physical ease. The
secret of this, as l now recall him in trying
scenes was twofold In the first place he was
gifted by nature with strong mental and bodily
equilibrium, on which, as a foundation. he had
built up fine structure Of self-control. The
second place, while capable of severe mental
strains, he never allowed it to be intensified by
Dan Voorhees, man of much stronger physique
and apparently able to endure more than Mr.
Hendricks and yet the former in a political
campaign, would be vctimized and worn out by
nervous tension. while Mr.. Hendricks would
move serenity along, taking the most perfect care
of himself, and never betraying symptoms of
bodily exhaustion. If there was any trait which
stood out with marked prominence in his social
relations and which will be greatly missed now
by large circle of friends, it was his character
and the benevolence that always went with it.
His wife. far more discerning and practical in her
estimate or human nature than Mr. Hendricks,
used to think he was too indiscriminate in his
kindness but mis- creed was broad and trustful
1T was the mans nature to believe the best
possible thing of everybody and everything. and
disappointment never seemed to sour his faith
| remember a story told me by young LAWYER of
Fort Wayne, and Republican. He got broke
one day and made bold dash at Mr. Hendricks
for help The acquaintance between them was
very slight. and he had hardly an idea that his
letter would be answered but a reply came
promptly by return mail, with an Enclosure, not
quite what he wanted, but Just what happened
to have in my pocket as the Governor wrote
and wishing him success in the kindest terms.
1T was some time, he told me, before the debt
was repaid, and the Governor had so completely
lost sight of the favor that he could only
be convinced of the debt after seeing the
letter he had written, sending the remittance.
If he not able to grant all the help asked
for. he had a habit of comparing the requests
with the resources he had on hand and then
declaring a dividend all around so that each
petitioner could have some relief at least But
for this uniform practice of helping others as
much he honestly could. he would have died
much weather. man. After satisfying his per-
sonal and domestic wants, and these were always
simple, he cared little or nothing for accumulat-