The morning call., 1894-06-18
A TYPICAL AMERICAN.

The death of William Walter Phelps re-
moves from public life a citizen who was
supposed to have many years or useful
ness before him. He was only 80 years
of age and had already filed most Of the
offices which are the goal of public mems
ambition. He had filled them so well that
his name was a household word all over
the country Had he lived there are few
posts to which he might not have aspfred.
He was type of American arstocracy
in the best and highest sense of the word
| He descended froE, one of the Pilgrims,
whose brother had been Oliver Cromwell's
secretary. For several generations the
heads of the family took leading part in
public affairs in Connecticut. They were
always counted among the leading citizens
Of the land of steady habits. Walters
father removed TO New York and ac-
quired in business a fortune which he
largely increased by entering into the
building of railroads. By the time the son
grew to man hood he was a millionaire in
expectancy. But he did not propose to
join the ranks of the money-bags faction.
He became lawyer and acquired large
and lucrative practice. His family inter-
married with the Dodges, and members of
it were partners in the famous house of
Phelps. Dodge q Co. At his fathers
death the charge of his real estate devolved
on Walter and placed him among the mil
lonaires. 1t was then that he created the
splendid place in New Jersey near the
border line of New York. which for o long
period was one of the show places of the
East. he had money and he had taste; he
lavished both on baronial residence sur
rounded by spacious grounds in which he
dispensed princely hospitality. highly
educated and cultured, with a wide range
of knowledge and clear brain, he was
delightful COMPANION and genial host, as
many titled foreigner can testify.
From his early manhood he had taken
an active interest in politics. He was one
of the earliest mem bers of the Republican
party. and when he was elected TO Con-
gress he took a high place in its councils
But he was no hide-bound partisan. On
tie civil rights bill he took issue with his
party, and was punished by being defeated
at the next election. He adhered to his
views. in spite of the defeat. and was re-
warded by several successive reflections,
until il became certain that, no matter
what opinions he entertained, no one could
=.
his misfortune TO fall under the magnetic
influence of Mr.. Blaine and to become his
ardent and uncompromising supporter.
This alienated that large body of Republi-
cans who were hostile TO Blaine; it un-
doubleday stood in the way of Phelps
further political promotion. Had Blaine
become President. Phelps would probably
have been Secretary of State. As it was,
he shared the waning fortunes of his polit-
ical chief
Few men in public life were so we'll
equipped for public service as Mr. Phelps.
He was an encyclopedia of information on
all subjects. and a linguist almost without
a rival When he went to Vienna as Min
ister il was remarked of him that he spoke
the Vienn csc dialect of German as If he had
been born on the Ring strasse. He was so
great lawyer that when he was sent to
New Orleans to report on the controversy
between General Sheridan and the Louisi
anans. both parties agreed to abide by his
decision.
The life of William Walter Phelps is the
best answer to the assertion-whieh is
often made in circles not we'll informed
that in this country politics is so dirty
trade that gentlemen and men of culture
will not engage in il. There never was
any ground for the delusion. 1t originated
with college and book men like Astor,
who had no knowledge IF mankind and
who were defeated when they ran for
Office. A candidate for public favor in this
country is never handicapped by culture
or education. But they will not suffice
alone. He must also possess common
sense, and the shrewdness which is the
key to the confidence of the masses. These
qualities scholars sometimes lack, and vot-
ers in rejecting them simply evince sound
apprehension of their own interests.