The San Francisco call., 1899-11-17

pared II, than from all that has been
written upon the subject In newspa-
essays, letters, speeches and considera-
uons. from the first moment OF its be-
coming the subject OF public Attentions
The repeal OF the stamp act. which fol-
lowed. was believed In America to bs
largely the result OF Franklln's efforts, 40
IRat ni MS popularity was greatly increased.
During the years that Immediately fol-
lowed the repeal he was appointed agent
~ England for New Jersey. Georgia and
Massachusetts, so that he represented az
the same time four colonies, two OF them
OF the nrst Importance. These appoint
ments. his thorough acquaintance with
colonial AFFAIRS and his great personal
prestige caused him 20 be regarded In
england as the representative OF all
America. He continued 70 labor for "A
friendly adjustment OF difficulties on "A
became evident, In lT74. that no such set
tIement was possible. Then ne returned
70 Philadelphia, after an absence OF ten
Events followed each other in rapid sue
ctsSlon. eliminating in the declaration OF
Independence In 1776. Franklin was now
20 years old. and might well have claimed
exemption from further service. But the
new nation needed her greatest and wis
~ court OF Louis XVI Franklin cheer
fully undertook the task. and so entered
upon what proved 70 be the most DIM
cult and perplexing period OF his life.
seen. Lord Rockingham declared that
the presence Of Franklin In Paris much
more than Offset the victory OF the Eng
lish on Long Island and the capture OF
New York" The people OF Paris were
greatly moved by the arrival OF this ven-
cradle man, whom they knew by reputa-
tion as one OF the worlds sages. and fol-
lowed him about with reverent admira-
uon. much as II Solon or Socrates had
suddenly appeared in their midst. Frank
lin shrewdly made the most OF this and
turned II all 10 account for helping his
cOuntry's cause. For nine years he re-
whGh in IN dTs Wa s EoTs iheTf
behind that OF Washington himself IN
bringing the revolution 10 successful
issue.
Among the greatest difficulties OF the
war We're the lack Of money and OF credie
by which money could be obtained.
France was we'll disposed, but what Sc
curity could the young and struggling,
nation give for loans? AT this juncturo
Frankltn's tact and persuasiveness, his
personal prestige and the confidence hs
inspired actually supplied the place OF
credit and drew forth those generous sup
piles Of money which We're essential 10
the prosecution OF the war. This con-
stitutes Franklin's unique contribution 10
the success OF the American cause, for We
must believe that a task which even he
been impossible for any one else. OF the
constant harassment TO which he was
subjected by the jealousy OF colleagues
and the inconsiderate demands Of Con-
gress there IS not room here 20 speak
Relief came in 17S3. when the treaty OF
peace was signed. and two years later
he was permitted 20 return home
Surely now the aged man would be al
lowed his well-earned rest. But his fei-
l4w-eitizens could not yet deny themselves
the benefit OF his services. He was elect
ed chief executive OF Pennsylvania. and In
lIS was sent as a delegate 20 the cOnven-
ton which gave us our constitution He
was the Nestor OF that famous body, but
aside from exerting his influence for har-
mOny took little part in its proceedings.
His work was done. yet he lived until 1890.
long enough to see the establishment OF
firm government under Washington IN tho
country he loved so well and 20 whose
welfare he had devoted the best energies
Of his long and wonderful life.