The Washington times., 1908-01-12

| 0'-4iS Sii''t'oA - ''ISiStatJ NOi-
telyou.
While carefully choosing his words,
Secretary Cortelyou plainly expressed
his sympathles with the movement for
d central bank as the best solution OF
the currency problems Of the nation in
his address az the banquet OF the Ham
ilton Club Ia Brooklyn last night
II was the celebration OF the 10th an
niversary OF the birth OF Alexander
Hamilton. The occasion was suspicious
fcF the present Secretary Of the United
states in eulogizing the work OF the
first Secretary 10 express himself on
present day problems in the light Of
the experiences OF the past. Aside from
the discussion Of Hamilton's policies in
national financial matters, Secretary
Cortelyou paid an eloquent tribute to
the man.
viii Help Raise Fund.
lie also said he would do all in his
power 10 assist in carrying cut the
project 70 form an organizatio.s 10 be
known as THE Alexander Hamilton Ma
tonal Memorial Association" with head
quarters at Washington, for the pur-
pose of erecting a statue OF Hamilton.
II one We're asked TO designate from
among all the men of the Colonial and
Revolutionary period OF our history
he said, ''that one who most fully
realized the ideal we have IN mind when
we speak Of a constructive statesman,
the name OF Hamilton would instantly
Inquiry From the time when, a. 10y
Of eighteen, he was firing the hearts
OF the eolonists by his denunciation Of
the misrule OF the mother country, TO
the hour when he went TO his death at
WeehaWken, his native mind seems TO
have been planning measures OF the
greatest moment for the benefit Of the
land Of his adoption"
His Work Unaeeomplished.
After speaking OF HamiIton's great
work in connection with the framing Of
the Constitution, he continued:
His greatest work, perhaps. had ye5
to be accomplished. The Constitution
thus ratified must go into effect. The
first President, knowing and profoundly
admiring his former aide, called him
to take the most important office at
that time, that of the head OF the
Treasury, then without funds. What
he did there largely endures to the
present day. Answering g. can OF Con-
gress. he laid. before that body several
reports which furnished suggestions for
the establishment Of the finances Of the
Government on q substantial basis
Most of his recommendations were en-
bodied IN statute law, placing the
credit OF tho nation on a foundation
that has never been shaken. nOtwith-
standing all the mutations OF politics.
and even the agony and exhaustion Of a
prolonged internal conflict OF arms"
Secretary Ccrtelyou then quoted some
what. at length Poor's eulOgism Of the
financial genius Of Hamilton and the
efficacy of the Bank Of the United
States.
Condition Of Finances.
1.-THE condition of the finances Of the
country" he continued, after the es-
piration of the charter of Hamilton
bank. affords additional evidence Of the
success of that measure. All accounts
represent it as most deploTa bic. And
the dominant party soon chartered an
other bank. which did business until
the expiration OF its charter I'm 1855.
I'VE may draw many a lessc- from
his life. commanding as 1t vas in its
initiative and imperious in it's purposes,
but patriotic to the degree of exit emest
personal sacrifice.
Never Selfish.
"SeIf never seemed TO have ente red into
his calculations in his labors -or the
public good. He sought election q dele
gate to the national convention, as he
had that of member Of the New York
Legislature, solely that he might the
better forward his efforts for the safety
of the Republic and its perpetuation.
Neither did he seek the Secretaryship
To accept it meant pecuniary sacrifice
to no small extent. II compelled the
abandonment Of fine practice, buS he
felt he could do the country good se-v-
ice. while his devotion to Washington
and a natural desire TO make the admin
istration Of his wartime chief a success
made the sacrifice more agreeable to
his feelings
And among the many other conclu-
sions we reach. from a study of the
LIE OF THIS AiilSElceil- bAtikpts al littsS'
That honest differences Of opinion are
perfectly consistent with the fullest
loyalty; that personal misrepresenta-
ton or abuse is no forecast OF the Judg-
ment of history as to motives or achieve
ments; that the public official who. sub
ordinates personal ambition to pulsle
service best serves his country and him
self well. Men come and go. The ma
lions needs multiply and change with
the passing of years. but ia the future,
as in the past, we shall not want for
those who however high or however
lowly their station, viii devote their tall
ents. their fortunes and their lives, If
need be. to strengthen its institutions
and enhance its glory"