The Washington herald., 1907-03-09


for thirty-6ve years Democratic boss of
Baltimore and principal henchman of the
late Senator Arthur P. German, died at
his home here at 1I5 "a. M Il was Rasin
and his control Of the city that kept
German I'm power during the latter
career. His death may throw the entire
political situation in this city into chaos.
Rasin's serious illness caused a great
deal Of reminiscent talk concerning that
gentleman in political circles yesterday.
The substance Of the most Of II was that
as a political general no one living in
Maryland to-day even remotely ap-
pToaches him.
Picked Good Men.
There was a disposition noticeable 10
think Of the best side OF the old leaders
character. Mr.. Rasin," said promi
nent lawyer. and one who has been init
mate with him for a number Of years.
had always named good men for the
hieh offices to he flled-for mayor Of
Baltimore and judges in our courts. And
do not think that this was simply
shrewd politics on his part. 1 think that
especially in his later years-he took
pride in securing men capable of gov
erning the city well He realized that ne
was responsible for the men selected. and
it pleased him 10 think that he was con-
nected with officials Of ability and stand
ing
He was charged with being response
bic for ballot-box stufing and violence
at the polls. but Mr.. Rasin didn't invent
those things. They were really a result
OF the war. People who had lust come
back from the war from killing their
fellow human beings. TO prevent the Re
publican party from coming into control
such people wouldn't hesitate 10 stuff
baIlot-boXes 20 accomplish the same end.
Mr.. Rasin took advantage Of those con-
ditions; that's all
Knew Human Nature.
He was a man Of tremendous knoUI-
edge Of people. I mean by that that
he knew the history Of individuals and
that he knew human nature. You could
not mention to him any one connected
with the political situation in MARYLAND.
no matter how insignificant. whom ne
could not tell you about. And how he
could size up people, No ,cecetvfng him
about them. He knew exactly what
would influence every man he had deal
ings with, exactly how that man would
act in any given circumstances
Mr. Rasin's reticence was one of his
chief characteristics. He used TO call
men to his Office TO hear them talk. not
TO talk to them himself People unbur-
dened themselves to him. but he never
unburdencd himself to them. When they
left he had got what he wanted, bat they
rarely had any line on the old man. He
made few promises, but those that he
made he fulfilled.
Controlled Party Up 40 Death.
1t IS a great tribute 10 his power that
he maintained absolute control Of the
local Democratic organization UP to this
very moment Despite attacks from all
sides, despite defeat AT the polls. and
Tebufs from the men he had elected 20
high office. he still swayed that organiza-
ton as he wished. If you wish to esti-
mate him Alright as political leader. lust
consider for a minute the men I'm the city
who might wish to succeed him as or
ganization leader and compare their
qualifications with his:
Frank Brown.
ISidor RayneT.
John Gill
J. Charles Linthicum.
John J. AIahon.
Ask yourself how these men compare
with Mr.. Rasin in knowledge of politics
and politicians. IN shrewdness, in com
mon sense, in political courage, in ability
10 gauge the state of the public mind, in
the quality of leadership, IN personality.
Then you'll get an idea of Mr. Rasin's
ability.
'One other side OF Mr.. Rasin was very
delightful to think of, and that is the
domestic one. Mr. Rasins devotion to
his children and their devotion to him is
well known. His home life is a very at
tractive one, and it is there that he was
seen at his best"