New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-22
GARRKT A. HOBART.

IT.. doo.I, NJ Vice. President Hobart inhicts a
sor;ous LOGS nnon the country This is not a
nerfunctorv expression. such as is frequently
and not unnaturally employed without strice
regard 10 truth when the occupant OF dls-
tinguished place in the public service passes
away Nor is II likely TO be 80 interpreted by
those who find the familiar phrase In THESE
columns or elsewhere. Mr.. Hobart, VINO nau
long been respected by large circle or Dusi-
ness associates and by the political friends and
foes of many strenuous contest, had honoraoiy
earned a great increase Of reputation during
the last two and a half years. It is not TOO
much 10 say that Of the eminent men VINO
have been elected to the second office In the
Government not one has performed its only
prescribed duty in manner more generally
satisfactory to the Senate or left behind him
stronger claim to affectionate remembrance.
Rut the distinction which Mr.. Hobart gained
in the Vice-Presidency was not chiefly due to
the efficient and considerate manner in which
no discharged the rather meagre though deli
cate functions Of presiding officer He had
been power In the Government outside of the
Senate Chamber. not as the figurehead Of an
opposition movement or through the exercise
of talents for political intrigue. but as a part
an accident might constitutonally have pro-
NOTED him. and an exceedingly useful sup
porter of its prestige and policy. That is the
service which has given him an extraordinary,
perhaps a unique. place In public life. The
fact that relations OF mutual confidence ana
cordial friendship were quickly established
between Mr. Mckinley and Mr.. Hobart re-
Elected great credit on both OF them, and the
unbroken maintenance Of those relations has
been highly gratifying to the country. Ineir
genial intercourse and constant cooperation
have supplied a striking exception TO the gen.
Cral rule OF constrant and separation between
the first and second officers Of the Government,
of which so many unfortunate exempllhcations
have been witnessed and for which II is easier
TO find an explanation than warrant Vice
President may naturally shrink from seeming
10 intrude himself upon the attention and coun-
sells of a President, while President may be
led TO attribute to his possible successor inclina-
tions which selfnterest, if not self-respect
nersuades him to resent. Thus without good
reason. often perhaps with regret on boih sides,
| their intercourse is embarrassed and friction
results to the serious disadvantage Of the coun-
| fry. That Mr. Mckinley and Mr.. Hobart never
permitted such influences 10 produce so much
as suggestion of estrangement testifes to
| their common possession Of one OF the finest
| traits OF character Each was incapable of be-
| ing tempted to suspect the other of motives
from which he knew himself to be free, and
thus both were ready to promote pleasant and
| serviceabe connection.
Until Mr. Hobart's health was seen TO be
precarious his party undoubtedly expected his
valuable public career to be prolonged over
another term in the VicePresidency. and re
! garded that prospect with satisfaction. 1t viii
be fortunate if it Is able to fix It's choice upon
| a man worthy TO succeed him. and as wei
qualified moreover, to fill the far greater office
| to which president may be suddenly
| transferred