The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-11
SECRETARY HAYS HOUSE.

SECRETARY HAYS HOUSE.
mission and that of the naval board,
which has been investigating the part
each of the United States war vessels
took in the destruction Of Cervera's feet
at Santiago.
The naval board of inquiry has appar-
emily settled the Sampson Schley con-
trovergy. at least to its own satisfac-
ton. While it rObs Admiral Schley Of
\ little of the glory, it declares that the
battle was fought and won on Admiral
SIMPSONS plans. Though the dispute
has been thus officially settled, it is
very improba BILE that those who had
taken sides in the controversy before
have materially altered their views since
the naval board decided the issues.
Colonel John Hay, not less distin-
guished in literature than in diplomacy
and craftsmanship, is back again at his
elegant home in Washington. About
gear and a half ago he was appointed
ambassador to Great Britain. and now
he holds the portfolio of secretary of
state Popular as the late Mr.. Bayard
was in England, Colonel Hay was not
less SO, while his public utterances
were more guarded and judicious than
those of Mr.. Bayard. Enough just as
courteous as the latter, Colonel Hay
never permitted Difference to others or
a desire for effect to lead him into i'm
prudences of speech, and never forgot
that social obligations were subordinate
to his duties as a diplomatist.
Possessing a calm, judicial mind, and
eminently fitted by training for fulfill
ing the duties Of his important Office,
there can be but little doubt that as Sec
rotary of state Colonel Hay will equal
the most sanguine expectations of his
many friends. It is subject for regret
that his career as EN- bassador at London
was cut short at a time when he could
have done so much to cement the grow
ing friendliness between the American
and British peoples, but as secretary of
state he can render even more efficient
service in securing this end.
Secretary of State Hay is a wealthy
man, with artistic prOclivities, which
he is able to crafty as he thinks proper.
One Of his ways of doing so is by living
in a beautiful house furnished with ev-
erything that a refined and elegant taste
could desire. 1t is one of the most de-
sirabIe residences in Washington and is
situated across Lafayette park, opposite
the White House. When Senator Hanna
and his wife came to Washington, Colo
mel Hays house was the only one that
attracted their fancy. They made every
possible effort to prevail upon the own
CT, who was then in England, to rent
it, but in vain. Colonel and Mrs. Hay
would not rent their beautiful home,
and so it was ready for them when they
came back to Washington as the leading
member of the cabinet circle.
The new secretary of state is fond Of
society in quiet, reserved way, and he
and his family have been among the
most exclusive of the people that enter
tain in Washington. This phase of their
hospitality will require to be modified
this winter to a certain extent, as much
routine receiving viii devolve upon the
family in its official character. The sec
rotary of state and Mrs. Hay will be the
first Of President McKinley's ca inet to
entertain him and Mrs. Mckinley dur
ing the apr oaching season. Both Mrs.
Hay and Miss Hay are popular In So
ciety and in the diplomatic set. A
younger daughter viii make her debut
this winter, and the two sons are stu
dents at Yale.
Probably there is no other American
prominent in public affairs who has
had a more thorough diplomatic train
ing than Secretary Of State Hay He
began his public career as private score
tary to President Lincoln, and after the
war served as secretary Of the legation
at Paris for two years In 1867 he was
appointed to the same post in Vienna
and was secretary Of legation in Madrid
IN 1869 and 1870. It was while in Mad
rid that he wrote "CastiIian Days,
dealing with Spanish politics, art and
society. Resigning he returned to this
country, and for the succeeding eight
years lived in Cleveland and engaged
in literary work. He was appointed as
sistant secretary Of state in 1879, po-
sition he held for two years, and his
next tenure of Office began when ap-
pointed ambassador to the court OF st.
James, the most exalted place in the
diplomatic service.
Colonel Hays success as representa-
tive Of the United States in London