New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-07-06
IN MEMORY or Mr.. PHELPS.
JOHN ADDISON PoRTERs TRIBUTE TO HIN If
WOODSTOCK

JOHN ADDISON PoRTERS TRIBUTE TO HIN ~
WOODSTOCK
In the course Of his address on Political Indlner-
ence' the Fourth Of July celebration at Wood
stock. John Addison Porter. Editor Of The Hartford
Post" paid the following tribute to William Walter
Phelps:
With Mr. Bowen's permission and at his request,
I am permitted to make some mention today OF tho
eminent Judge and distinguished recently
passed away who was to have occupied a place In
to-day's programme which In his stead has been as
signed 10 me, near relative and A dear friend IL
seems the more appropriate that should notice in
this connection the Hon. William Walter Phelps, in.
selfish Ideas and much OF that steady and uncorn-
promising devotion public affairs which seem to
me 10 be the greatest need OF our country to-day.
Born OF distinguished Connecticut ancestry and
inheritng from the kinsman who bore his name
clerk to Oliver Cromwell the trial Of King Charles
respect for law fudge Phelps never ceased from
his boyhoods days TO his fatal illness a fortnight
ago. 10 give TO his countrys needs whatever in him
greatest and nOblest and best. Receiving :
young man much wealth entitled 70 the highest
social position, he yet trained himself as faithfully
to l.fe OF Industrious and useful work II he
dependent upon 1t for his own support and that Ok
Above most men, he had love OF what great
and beautiful and grand His very presence. his
bearing and his language were an inspiration Tor
those who met him to bear their proper share IN
whatever opportunities fell % their hands TO make
their homes their states ana their country better
for their being and living in IL. To those who knew
this chivalrous and talented man personally, and
their name - legion among the public men OK an
political partes-l see here to-day several. especially
the Hon Mr. Grow ana Senator Platt who have
been Intimate with him need not say that even
beyond his high ideals and brilliant accomplish
ments they loved and respected the man himself.
realizing as no words OF mine can tell you, his
unique personality. his intense individuality his In
dOmtabie Will power and the che srfuness and humOr
which ne brought 70 minor events ana even cares.
only az rare intervals does genius Of this sort appear
the horizon OF our daily lives
What signal successes ne won In Congress and
the Nations representative abroad In two OF tho
Ss S M and S2GF h ef FIoR n s
Of a grateful people. Not alone Americans' put
not ceased 10 speak OF the brilliant reputation which
MI Phelps lett as that OF the ideaI american gen
tleman. polished In manners. charming In address.
profoundly versed In the details or his calling AMI
winning his diplomatic victories not by cunning AMI
threats, but BY fair and manly recognition OF that
principle OF the ssierhood Of nations and the broth
erhood OF man which is the highest attribute and
the browning glory OF the modern statesman. But.
Ike Franklin and Bancroft. Motley and Lowell Mr..
Phepss Amercansm was 100 true ms PATRIOTISM
country his faith In It's superiority the other
sona honors which he received az the hands Of
welcomed by the representatives OF both parties with
equal cordiaity. having earned II ever a man DID
the right 10 spend the remainder or his days In rest
ergy. accepted the place which had been offered 70
him on the highest court OF law In his adopted
csntSrS ana in his Legal Career brought to his new
judicial duties ardor as intense and faithfulness
as complete as any ambitious young without
means entering upon his profession. He did so
against the Doctors advice and az the risk Of bis
10 his State and his country And. though the sacr
fee ne made great. yet the good which he did
was also great
HIS Then. is a splendid example magnificent
tribute to the dignity Of labor unselhshly and pa
triotcally pursued. A profound regret II IS and
ever will be 10 those who have watched these Wood
stock celebrations with loving interest and patriotic
pride that the long list Of distinguished Amer-
can and foreign guests who have spoken here
Judge Phelps's name cannot be added. Death alone
has prevented IL. | know not the subject which ne
would have chosen to speak TO you about today
but surely the theme would have touched re-
sponsive chord In every breast. For, though Mr.
PHELPS was "A National leader OF the great Repub.
ilcan party. rcvercd and respected in It's hishes.
councils yet even more than Republican he was an
American, rejoicing in the attainmen,s OF R uDni
men TO whatever party they belonged always lDera
and progressive In his IDEAS cherishing no personal
animosltles. sympathetic. especially with young men
and with the masses. and having as have saId pe
fore an abiding and perfect faith IN the eventual
triumph Of this stupendous experiment or ours IN 'no
republican form OF government. "a.
Let us be profoundly thankful to God ior nis
memory. No richer blessing can l nope ,lor tn9
future years of these United States than tnat tney
may bring forth other Judges, more meinDeIs "
Congress and many statesmen OF the stainless
aeter, splendid talents. lovabe characteristics anu
intense patriotism Of William Walter Phelps
As thrills OF long hushed tone
Live the viol. souls grow nhss,.
With keen vibration from the toucn o"i~
OF noble natures gone.