Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-01
Death of John Hay.

The national loss is irreparable. He not
only had gifts OF the highest order for the
important duties OF his post, but MS grasp
of living questions was so firm and true
the country felt a sense of the greatest Sc
curity in his presence in office. He had
done so many difficult things well there was
a feeling that nothing within range OF his
official survey was beyond his powers.
Men of both parties consulted and trusted
him. Even those who differed with him
conceded the purity of his purposes and ad-
mired the skill with which he forwarded
them. Beyond our own shores he enjoyed
a shining reputation. His fame has gone to
every country and wherever men are oc-
eup.ed with large affairs and count Amer
lea in the scale of the worlds wel-being
there is sincere mourning today for the
death of John Hay. 1t is everywhere rec
ognized that an agency for good. armed
with the best weapons, has passed out of
action forever.
While Mr.. Hays career In its entirety
repays reflection. one fact in particular is
- very striking Had he died eight years ago.
or had William Mckinley failed of election
to the presidency. the world would have
had no hint of his grea test capabilities.
Opposite his name would have been re-
corded the list of few books. with the life
of Abraham Lincoln leading. and the brief
story of life of honor and industry. with
leisure employed in the forming and ce-
menting of strong personal friendships.
Such achievements, attractive as they are.
make no imperishable memory
But when Mr.. Hay. after a short stay as
ambassador at the court of St. James. took
his place at the head of the State Depart
ment he began at once the display of intel
lectual resources which since have raised
him to a level with the ablest and most
successful men who have ever figured in
our public affairs in any capacity. Diplo-
mat, statesman. politician. the master of
statement clear in essence and beautiful in
form: safe adviser and as safe an execu-
tive. he added triumph to triumph in office.
and came to an undisputed eminence In the
largest affairs. Not only American history
but the worlds history. for the past eight
years could not be written without gener-
Gus tribute to this superior mans acumen
and character and courage. His fame
therefore is sure, and cannot but be per-
manent.
In literature Mr.. Hays fortune was some
what similar to that of William Cullen
Bryant. and John Howard Payne and
Thomas Dunn English. That is to say the
public knew him best in a minor manifes-
tation of his powers. Just as ''Thanatop-
sis overshadows far better work of it's au-
thor. and "Brutus' and other ambitious
performances by Payne have died in the
shadow of Home. Sweet Home" and Ben
Bolt carries the name of man who
wrote many beautiful things. so Jim Blud-
so and Little Brooches" happy concets
as they are comprise ell that is known to
many readers of the writings of an artist
OF the truest touch and the most delicate
fancy.
Personally Mr.. Hay was an Irresistible
mixture Of courtesy. kindness, sympathy
ana sincerity The youthful disciple of
Lincoln and the mature friend of Mckinley
was IN the nature of things an unaffected
gentleman, and language would be beg
CARED IN any effort to describe the charm
of his presence.