The Honolulu republican. [volume] (Honolulu, T.H.) 1900-1902, 1900-12-06
TWO TYPICAL AMERICANS.

On November 18th there passed
away two men in public life in the
United states whose work fttingly
illustrate the opportunities for indus
trious and studious young men in
America. Sushman X Davis was a son
OF parents only moderately well-to-do,
the young man having to work 10 help
secure his education. Following his
retirement from the army. owing to
ill-health, in 1864, he returned TO the
practice Of law and in a few years
had built up an enviable reputation
as a practitioner. Before he was elect
ed Governor OF Minnesota in 1873 he
was often called upon to deliver lee
lures before colleges and societies in
his state. In responding to these re
quests Mr.. Davis never attempted to
discuss any subject until he had mas
tered II as thoroughly as it was posi-
bic with the means at his command.
II it was matter of history he would
read every historical work that he
could get hold of bearing upon that
subject until by the time he was ready
TO denver his lecture he was walking
encyclopedia OF information upon that
particular subject. He once said that
he believed his success in life was due
TO his determination TO be thorough
in everything he undertook. When ne
entered the Senate in 1887 he foresaw
that foreign affairs were destined to
very soon afford the widest field for
American statecraft and he began to
systematically study international law
and keep himself informed on world
a few years he was looked upon by his
confrores in the Senate as. next 20
Blaine. the best informed man in
America on international questions.
andlong before he became Chairman of
the Foreign Affairs Committee of the
Senate he was regarded as the man
upon whom all the other members of
the committee could look for guidance.
George w. Wilson. Commissioner OF
Internal Revenue. was much the same
type of Industrious. studious man rs
Senator Davis. Like Davis he respond
cd TO his countrys call in the dark
days of the civit war entering as
private and coming out with the rank
OF First Lieutenant, the same as Davis
He too. took up the practice of law in
1866. and in 1869 entered the internal
revenue service steadily rising from
one important post to another until
he was finally at the head of the ser
vice. Mr.. Wilson was another man
who believed in mastering whatever
he undertook. When he entered the
internal revenue service he set him.
self TO become master OF all its in.
tricacies and so well succeeded that
the Treasury Department soon found
HIM the most valuable man in the ser
vice. When Cleveland was elected
President in 1884. under the cry of
Turn the rascals out" Wilson was
one OF the few republicans that il was
found it would not do to turn out as
he was too valuable man to the gov
eminent. President Harrison promot.
ed him 10 be Deputy Commissioner of |
Internal Revenue and despite the pres
sure OF democratic senators on Presi-
dent Cleveland and Secretary Carlisie |
when Cleveland returned 10 the head |
of affairs in 1889, Capt. Wilson was re
tanned in this responsible post and for
the last year Of Cleveland's admins.
tration was Acting Commissioner. He
was modest and retiring man and |
AL his promotions were made on mer. |
H. Following the inauguration of
President Mckinley the writer asked /
him why he did not request his Ohio
friends TO endorse him for Commits. /
sioner, 10 which he replied that he /
had record in the department and II /
that was not sufficient 10 secure his
promotion he did not believe any pres. |
sure would do so. Presiden; McKin-
ley recognized his worth and the pro
motion came without political pres. !,
sure. as il should.
There is ample room in the United
States for young men of today TO
make Just such records as Cushman
X. Davis and George W. Wilson have
left behind them. There are posi-
tons open for such men in every walk
in life. One need not be born in the
purple TO hold them. they are open 70
the poorest. TO the boy born in the
howell as wen as TO the one in the pal
ace. 1t is the boy who has ambition
and industry and is willing to master
whatever he undertakes who can al