Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-21

and We're firm friends from that day until
Gen. Mowers death.
At the Department of Agriculture.
The news of the death of ex-Secretary
Rusk was received at the Agricultural De-
partment with the profoundest regret and
sorrow by the bureau and division officials
who had served under him during his ad-
ministration of the department and by the
clerks who knew him and remembered
his uniform courtesy and consideration for
them. 1t is said that during his incumbency
Secretary Rusk made friends with every
subordinate, and by his kind treatment
of them In many little ways as well as by
his genial manner attached those under
him to himself almost personal followers
Mr.. Rusk was practically the first Sec
retary of Agriculture. 1t is true that the
act creating the Department of Agricul-
ture and making its head a cabinet official
instead of a bureau commissioner was
signed by President Cleveland but only i'm
time to give Commissioner Coleman about
one weeks service cabinet official
when he was succeeded by Secretary Rusk
Public men OF both parties acknowledge
that Secretary Rusk made highly efficient
administrative official and his conduct of
the Department of Agriculture for the four
years of the Harrison administration is
credited by even those of opposite political
faith with having been unquestionably
above reproach. The ability which enabled
him to earn this record gave him position
IL
the Presidents council.
Liked by Public Men.
Secretary Rusk was very popular with
Congressman, and his popularity was main-
tanned in the face of seeming difficulties
for the Department of Agriculture became
choice mark for the office-seekers after
its reorganization, and the new secretary
was besieged by the congressman vino
sought to fill the newly-occasioned places
with their constituents. No charge of un-
fairness was ever brought against him,
however. and II is said that he succeeded
as well In suiting every one as il is posi-
Bile for the head of a large department to
do. Secretary Rusk was as unostentatious
in public affairs as he was in his private
life, and did not seek to invest his official
position with any unnecessary amount of
dignity or grandeur.
Public men who came into contact with
Secretary Rusk recall that his most striking
characteristic was hearty, bluff frankness
Of manner, together with shrewdness, COM
bined with the utmost sincerity. He did
not make promises which he could not full
NIL, but he was a most vigorous party man,
and held out stoutly for all party princi-
pies.
His geniality of disposition made him a
favorite with every one who came into con-
tact with him, and he was held in high es-
TEEN by the newspaper men. "Uncle Jer-
ry," as he was Familiarity called. was at
ready to give up news. Many anecdotes
were told upon him, but no man ever
found just occasion to ridicule him for all
OF the pleasantry that was indulged in at
his expense.
When several members of the cabinet and
a number of newspaper men Were enter
tanned at the country home of Gen. Felix
Agnus near baltimore, Secretary Rusk
made one OF the party. They We're met at
the station with a big wagon drawn by
four horses. Uncle Jerry qismounted the
driver, and, seizing the reins, drove the
team to the house and dashed up the drive
way at full speed, TO the astonishment of
secretary Blaine, who stood upon the
| porch, having preceded the merry party in
| carriage. Secretary Rusk was the life
of the party, and kept the guests in a gale
during dinner.
His Social Life Here.
During the latter part of his residence in
this city as Secretary of the Department
of Agriculture Gen. Rusk and his family
made their home at 1880 Massachusetts
avenue. This house is On the south side
of Thomas Circle and is well adapted for
cabinet residence, being large and roomy
with plenty of parlor space for purposes of
entertainment. Without in any way at
tempting TO cut a wide swath in Washing
ton society Gen. Rusk's family We're i'm
menseiy popular ard on their days at home
their house was the center of large and
pleasant gatherings. Gen. Rusk himself
had a grace and charm of manner that
made him a desirable figure at all sorts of
social gatherings.
Popular With White House EmpIove.
All the old employees of the White House
express a personal regret at the death of
ex-Secretary Rusk He was a favorite with
them all. as he was never too much en-
crossed with public business to treat them
kindly under all Circumstances. His visits
to the White House were marked with a
rugged courtesy that left a pleasant men,
ory with all whom il fell He always
had CHEEKY greeting for the doorkeepers
and never passed the ianitor. Jerry Smith
without 1ocular remark of some kind. He
treated them all with consideration and 10
see them talking and laughing familiarly
together it was hard to believe there was
any difference in their official stations