The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-07-02
EUROPE REGRETS HAY'SDEATH
HIS GENIUS FOR STATECRAFT
RECOGNIZED 4BROAD.
Credit Given to Him for Avertlns Danger
OF General War over tho Far Eastern
Crlsis-kins Edward Expresses Grief
at the Loss of q Personal Friend.
Special cable Despatch 10 THE SUN.

Special cable Despatch 10 THE SUN
LONDON, July Mot even in America
itself Ia the death Of John Hay moro 3l.l.}
deplored than by The people of Great Britain
and all Europe. 1t is even true that his
genius for statecraft has gained fuller
recognition in the Old World than among
his own oountrymen. His highest eulogies
will come from his greatest contemporaries
among the directors Of the worlds des-
TIMES in the Je most critical hours OF modern
history. they are the hest judges Of his
transcendenU qualities. lie was in their
eye, the greatest American. some will say
the greatest statesman OF his day. His
services for the past two years especially
were given not alone to America Dut TO man
kind, and the world has yet but slight
knowledge Of how great is its Indebtedness
to him.
1t IS scarcely an exaggeration to say
that Mr.. Hay made IL possible to avert
Il general war during the first year OF the
Far Euatern campaign, and the influence
OF his wiss 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. 1t
Ia still too early to tell the story Of thoss
anxious days when Mr.. HAYS foresight,
tact and resourcefu.ness kept the ring
for America as il dill later Tor Russia and
Japan
May | be permitted to drop the imper.
sonality OF journalism for a moment and
acknowledges the Indebtedness which thu
readers Of The Sun share to this my closest
friend among pLblic men? Those who
possessed Mr Hays confidence know thas
he was the frankest OF men. He had no
secrets from those he really trusted. but
| do net believe his confidence was ever
abused. When he was Ambassador to
London and sincs he was Secretary OF
State he has many times thrown the il.
Illuminating 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 me or reaching London:
Il am strictly q,arantined 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 shake
of the head, saying he wished it was true.
but he feared his work was done. His
conversation orifted 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 partiou-
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
reached point almost beyond his desires,
adding:
Germany may wish to cripple Russia, but
she does not want to destroy her. Tho
collapse of the Russian Empire would create
political vortex far too dangerous for the
Kaiser to contemplate Least OF all would
the German Emperor like to see tho over
throw Of the RouanoT dynasty or monar.
chical institutions anywhere in Europe
H. p. G.