The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-02
EUROPE REGRETS HAY'SDEATH
HIS GENIUS FOR STATECRAFT
RECOGNIZED ABROAD,
Credit Given TO Him for Averting Danger
OF General War Over the Far Eastern
Crisis-kinS Edward Expresses Grief
at the Loss or q Personal Friend.
Special Gable Despatch 10 THE SUN.

Special Gable Despatch 10 THE SUN.
LONDON, July mot even in America
itself is the death of John Hay more deeply
deplored than by the people Of Great Britain
and all Europe. 1t Ia even true that his
genius for statecraft has gained fuller
recognition in the Old World than among
his own countrymen. His highest eulogies
will come from his greatest contemporaries
among the directors Of the worlds des-
TIMES in these most critical hours OF modern
history. They are the best judges Of his
transcentlent qualities. He was In their
eyes the greatest American, some will say
the greatest statesman Of his day. His
services for the past two years especially
we're given not alone to America but to man
kind, and the world has yet but a slight
knowledge of how great is its indebtedness
to him.
1t is scarcely an exaggcration to say
that Mr.. Hay made it possible to avert
a general war during the first year of the
Far Eastern campaign, and the influence
OF his wise precautions still makes for
peace. America owes it to his efforts
more than to those of any other man that
she was saved from foreign interference
during the Spanish-American conflict. It
Is still too early to tell the story of those
anxious days when Mr. Hays foresight,
tact and resourcefulness kept the ring
for America, as it did later for Russia and
japan.
May l be permitted to drop the imper-
sonality Of journalism for a moment and
acknowledge the Indebtedness which tho
readers of The Sun share to this my closest
friend among public men? Those who
possessed Mr.. Hays confidence know that
he was the frankest OF men. He had no
secrets from those he really trusted, but
l do not believe his confidence was ever
abused. When he was Ambassador to
London and since he was Secretary Of
State he has many times thrown the il
Eliminating light Of his knowledge upon
intricate problems Of international politics
which has been reflected in these dispatches.
The last occasion was only three weeks
ago. He wrote mo on reaching London:
Il am strictly guaranteed by my doctors
and am really not amusing to talk to. But
l would like to shake hands with YOU"
found him looking better than when
last saw him in Washington in November.
He met my congratulations with a shake
of the head saying he wished it was true.
but he feared his work was done. His
spirit was cheerful, however, and soon the
conversation drifted inevitably to the great
international crisis which is trying the souls
Of nations
Many obscure points were cleared up by
his clear insight, quiet logic and almost
intuitive knowledge. He spoke particu-
larly of Germany, although the Kaiser had
then not begun his startling campaign in
diplomacy. He recalled Emperor Williams
repeated advice to the Gar to continue the
war until the weakening Of Russia had
rea ched a point almost beyond his desires,
adding:
Germany may wish to cripple Russia, but
she does not want to destroy her. The
collapse Of the Russian Empire would create
political vortex far too dangerous for tho
Kaiser to contemplate. Least Of all would
the German Emperor like to see the over
throw of the Romanof dynasty or monar-
chical institutions anywhere in Europe
H. r. g.