The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-08-22
S.cretary Day', Vindlcation.

It must be gratifying to Secretary Of
State Day to be receiving words of con-
graduation from those who at the outset
were disposed to crlticise his appoint
ment. Mr.. Day had the remarkable ex-
perlence of assuming the duties of the
office of assistant secretary without be-
ing widely known as a diplomat and for
a time the President was under fire for
having selected him. Some th,nghtless
comments were INDUCED In by the parti-
san press, and the President was sneer-
ed at for having chosen for so important
a place at so critical a period a country
Judge" From the very outset 1t soon
became apparent that the President
knew the man better than some news
papers did. and particularly that part
of the press-nut large part, fortunate
ly-whlch Is given to fault-hnding.
When Mr.. Day became secretary Of
state on the retirement OF Mr.. Sherman,
many Of these critics had become aware
that he had demonstrated more than or
binary ability, and although every one
realized that period was at hand
which would call for wise craftsmanship
in the department OF state, man of
flrmness, caution and one well versed
In international laws there was less of
the criticism than might have been ex-
pected, considering the indulgences OF
previous months. As the war has pro-
gressed the secretary of state has had
the opportunity to show and has shown
that his abilities were not underesti-
mated by the President, and those who
were quick to recognize Mr.. Day as a
man OF rare attachments.
Among the highest tributes being paid
TO Secretary Days diplomatic genius
are those which have come from the
representatives of European nations at
the capital, while the leading journals
Of this country, those which have not
been in political accord with the admin
istratlon in all things, but have loyalty
supported its war and diplomatic policy,
have cordially paid tribute to the abilI-
ties displayed by the secretary Of state
and commended the President in the
wisdom OF his choice,
Never before In the history of this
country has statesman taken from
private life come SO suddenly and so
successfully to the front On the eve OF
his retirement there will be regrets ex-
pressed from many sources that cir
cumstances are such that Secretary Day
feels compelled to give up the high POSI-
ton he occupies, although he is soon to
participate in one Of the most delicate
and responsible missions in our history,
before he Is entirely relieved from Off
clal duties. Who shall say that the dis
Greet head and firm character which
have won for him from the country the
same confidence which the President
placed in him from the start will not
stand him in good stead in the task yet
to be performed?
Mr.. Day has proven himself worthy
OF all the honor the President and the
people can bestow upon him. and as one
of the distinguished statesmen who are
to compose the peace commission on be-
half of the United States, he will have
rounded up an eventful period of his
life, and such one as has fallen to the
lot OF few Americans. In this rapid his
tory making period, when craftsmanship
is coming to the front. it need surprise
no one that more honors are awaiting
Mr.. Day. Such man is never permit
ted to remain long in private life.