The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-05-28
SEATTLE, TUESDAY, MAY es.
WALTER O. GRESHAM.

Walter @. Gresham died this morning af-
ter an Illness of over two weeks. Those
who have followed him through his career
will care best 10 remember his as he stood
In the light of public estimation before his
entry into the cabinet. Ten years ago and
until within four or five years. he was
conspicuous figure, holding such place
in the affections of his countrymen that
he was frequently within the shadow %
the highest Office In the land.
He was type OF that self-made man
whom this people delights TO honor. He
was left fatherless when only . years OF
age. and struggled to acquire an education
at night after days spent behind the pillow
in times when that involved extremely
hard physical labor. For years he paid
for his schooling by his own earnings. and
his curriculum was that of many other
worthy boys of his time. Having been ad-
mitted TO the bar, he acquired reputation
as a lawyer and devoted some attention
TO public affairs. advocating the principles
OF the then young Republican party.
Although captain OF a military company.
he enlisted as a private in an Indiana reg
iment. but was soon afterward elected lieu-
tenant colonel. In active service he was
shot. and suffered all his life from the
wound caused by a shattered knee. Mus
tered out as major general. ne resumed
practice I'm his native state, and was ap-
pointed United States Judge by President
Grant. who had formed high opinion OF
his ability and integrity while in the army.
President Arthur appointed him postmas-
ter general on the death OF Howe. and
when Secretary OF the Treasury Folger
died he had the very unusual honor OF
being promoted to that office Toward the
close OF Arthur's term he further honored
Gresham by appointing him circuit Judge,
where he remained until President Cleve-
land summoned him again to the cabinet
Briefly. this is the career OF a man who
had the rare privilege 10 be selected for
most responsible positions by presidents
OF opposite political faith. As soldier he
won renown. as judge his record is that
in twelve years not one OF his decisions
was reversed. and as postmaster general
he crushed the nefarious Louisiana lot
terry by force OF his indomitable viii and
moral courage.
Accustomed as the people ~ his coun-
try are TO government by party his
acceptance as a lifelong Republican
OF an Office In tile highest councils
OF Democratic administration cub
jccted him TO Enfrisaily criticism and
the suspicion OF Tre1erring .p'ase TO
principle. Perhaps, wi,sn history un-
folds the entire story. Judgment may
be modified but his most loyal friends
were among those who most '.;.r-
nestiy discounteRanced his course lie
did not win laurels in his new Office. His
nature was honest and straightforward
and possibly those qualities which won
him popular esteem untitled him for
diplomacy. lie was surrounded by diff
ealties and his death was. no doubt. ac-
CELEBRATED by the anxleties which foreign
complications forced upon him.
man who stood so high. who through
SO many years ana in so many positions
retained the esteem OF the people. de-
serves that only the good shall be re-
membered OF him. Walter Q. Gresham
win live in the memory OF men long after
the secretary is forgotten. Il Is sad
ending To a most promising life: and gen.
orous appreciation OF many admirable
qualities mcurns his loss.