New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-19
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL
HENRY A. p. CARTER.
A TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE HAWAIIAN
MINISTER.

TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF THE HAWAIIAN
MINISTER.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune'
Sir: The life history OF Henry A. p. Carter il
written at length would prove one oil the inos' IN
tcresting and inspiring as we'll useful books ~ Dc
read by young men. lie was self-made man. DIV y
in Honolulu, OF American parents, he was sou. "
school in Boston for three years, but asde rum ",
had very little early education. HIS la'ncr > uo"
left him an Inheritance OF debts. ana whiic w. y
child lie had already known Familiarity many Oh mo
darkest Of Iifes problems With that heroic spirit
shown even during the bitter suffering OF ms last
Illness he applied himself to business. and won the
confidence OF his employers he afterward won anu
held that OF his sovereign the late King haianiu'
BY his fidelity to duty his unsefsh ZEAL MS oe'er-
mination and his rare diplomatic skill. he was able 10
render distinguished services TO his country. ana ne
filed the highest Offices that country could offer
About 1874 Mr. Carter then a successful business
man. entered the service OF his Government Minister
of Finance and Minister of the Interior. lie was deeply
interested in the welfare Of the Hawaiian Islands, anu
knowing the evils Of the opium trade, made vigorous
fight against It, The King sent him on various foreign
MISSIONS and he for the feeble little country te
respectful consideration OF the greatest nations IL
was while on one OF these diplomatic errancs that the
Emperor OF Germany presented him with tie oroer
of the White Cross.
Tn 1894 Mr. Carter was appointed TO succeed judge
Allen as Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenl-
potentiary from Hawaii at Washington He WIS al
ready known this country In connection with VIVA. Il
perhaps his greatest work, the reciprocity treaty De
tween Hawaii and the United states. He hiinsci saiu
Of this treaty that it was tie generosity oil se~'
people to small one.' lie loved both couh'neS anu
was genuinely interested in the good governing Oh
oocb His clear head unbiased judgment and wonder
suI skin in grasping political situations made his hnts
most valnable TO all those with whom he came III
contact The same acuteness made his ooserationS
on business matters as well peculiarly hepui. lhs
epitome OF his life a successful ana heho'e~ 'o
OF his country is found in these words wrt'en Vi i
a short time since by Of our most Distinguished
men In Washington public life a..
81 have known few men his equal and none MS
sunerlor His devotion 10 the interests Of his country
has been. in my opinion without thought OF SELL anu
h,s ,obors for their promotion constant and ardnos
M man could have accomplished more nor co"iu
any other have inspired our people WIN 81 go go" ~
snect for her as has he. Indeed, regard HUI d.
one of the most accomplished men nave ever "'''
officially intellectually and socially
Rut there was another and even more a'1iao"'o
sid. Of Mr. Carters life the curtain before when must
., ut,ed lovingly and reverenty, for who shal osrc
,rvode the sanctIty OF home! Those whose rare
privilege II was 10 enter into that lovely nome ois
will treasure 1t among their precious iheiho,ioS' ~
has been said that diplomatic success means uo'e'V
failure With Mr.. Carter the diplomatic success was
the accompanmeut nay, the outcome of the domestic
nerfection Married very early in life his wiie was
his constant help and inspiration All that ne al o
each plan that he laid. every triumph that ne WI ed
co. ,ar And She repaid his love with devOtel
tenderness and cheerful bravery vi WHICH le" ''0
capable loving, sacrificing WIFE, , -. NJ, c.-+or
One who knew him well has said that " Mr. osr'g t
was the embodiment OF father He was 30 near III
are to his children that he seemed 10 sn'er 80 hr
- tber feelings and understand them. lie ruled .,
love alone TO his daughters, an attentive uenSnc
mi companion: to his sons, generous y, IA
trand And not alone to his own Children, 10 al
Young people and especially to young men was ne
oS tender elder brother, always ready 10 .sh IN
hoyish Sports in athletics, full of bright stories gens
bumor hts OF wisdom advice deity brougnt H. Nv
hot ,, D WIS his conversation Unlike many olorr
nsonIe he never appeared TO cOndescend 10 talk VIII.
he Younger ones he met them nstur@y' d. orsd
a ,Iougbt them on an equal footing, and they o'eu
him II is we'll to be loved, II Is wen 10 nav >"
Washington. Nov. IL. 1891.