The morning call., 1894-09-20
LEVI PARSONS MORTON.

The nomination of Mr.. Morton as Re
publican candidate for Governor of New
ork rounds out career which has been
one uBbrOken series of successes, without
single setback Mr.. Morton began life
as clerk in drv-goods store in small
town in New England. Forty years ago
he opened a store in New York and made
money. In 1868 the profits of the traders
who were negotiating Government bonds
and treasury notes attracted his attention.
lie discovered a retired drv-goOds dealer
named Bliss who had considerable money
and was willing TO increase it; likewise a
remarkably levelheaded Canadian lawyer
named John Rose, who had risen 10 the
top OF his profession in Montreal, ard was
seeking new worlds to conquer. With
these two partners Mr.. Morton founded
two clearinghouse, Morton, Bliss & Co.
in New York and Morton, Rose & Co. in
London, and embarked ia rivalry with the
houses of Duncan, Sherman & Co., Fisk
d Hatch, Jay Cooke & Co., Won Hoffman
d Co. and others in the business of Droyd-
ing ways and means for the conduct OF the
war.
1t was then that his browning faculty
tact-came to his aid. AS a finaucier he
was not the equal of his competitors;
but be was infinitely their superior in the
art of managing men. He made friends
whers they made acquaintances; he at
tracted, while they left people Indifferent.
la the course of few years he captured
the best men at Washington and New
York, and through their influence be got
more than his share Of the good things
that were going. There were many good
things going in those days. Not the worst
OF them was the Union Pacific, which
Morton took hold OF before il attracted the
attention of Jay Gould; he mads fortune
out OF it. This and other opportuni les
made him a very rich man before be was
fifty.
Then he felt that be could indulge him
self with politics. He was above all
things poll ic; he did not attempt what he
could not accomplish; he was content
vl,h a seat in Congress TO begin with. 1t
soon became known that his suavity and
tact made him Invaluable as a negOtialor
and concilIator. He was not credited with
statesmanlike genius, but he knew men
and how to handle them. 1t was known,
too, that he was liberal with his money
cerned. No campaign committee ever ap-
pealed TO hun in vain. Thus, when Gar
field was elected, he was in position to
say what he would take. He chose the
embassy to Paris, and there, as in New
York and Washington. his tact Stood lin
in good stead. His salon became the neu-
trail ground on which leaders of all part es
met, and more than once imp ,rtant combi-
nations we're the fruit of his suggestions.
When Harrison was nominated the Re-
publican National Convention felt the ne
cessity of choosing New Yorker for the
second place in order t. carry the doubtful
State of New York. Morton was chosen
almost by unanimity ana, a his friends
had predicted, he carried his State Once
more in the Office of presiding officer of
the Senate he exhibited his capacity to
conquer all hose with whom he came into
contact. When he relinQuished his Office he
had IS many friends among the Democrats
as among the Republicans. Ii was then
supposed that his political career was
ended, as he lacked certain qualities for
the Presidency. He believed himself that
he would spend the remainder OF his life
in the social pleasures and the literary
pursuits which he loved. lie retired to
Ellerslie to enjoy the repose of wealth and
culture.
But now he has been called from his re-
treat to head the Republican FORCES in this
falls campaign. The post to which he
has been assigned is all-mportsnt. IL The
Republicans carry New York this fall the
event will go far toward insuring their
success in 1896; and without New York. in
that year, the Democratic candidate will
be sorely puzzled to win. 1t may fairly be
said that if Morton cannot carry New
York no Republican can, and it NAV be
added that, il he does win, New York Will
have in the Governors chair a gentleman
of honor of whom the State may be uroud.