The Washington herald., 1908-03-29

ing disputes -Four years later Mr.. Stevens
was appointed adviser TO the Emperor OF
Korea, which Is now under the protec-
Uon OF Japan. since when he made his
home at the capital of the Hermit King
DOM His work there was able and ef-
fective. and he had succeeded in winning
what 10 Oriental could have won. the
confidence Of the Emperor and his native
advisers. and in compelling them to be-
lieve IN his disinterestedness. Had he
lived he would doubtless have done as
much for Korea as he did for Japan. for
I he understood the character Of the Mon
golians and allied families as Il is given
10 few men Of the West 10 understand
IL, and he had way both authoritative
/ and convincing. but his powerful hand
was shielded by a velvet glove. Despite
his great work in the East. hoWever-and
l that II was a great work his cOntem-
Poraries admit and the historic annals OF
Jauan viii attest-Afr. Stevens remained
a loyal American. and, although he was
one Of the most noted Of the public Off
cials in the service Of the Mikado. the
/ temptation TO become a citizen Of Japan
never appealed 10 him His position in
/ the diplomatic service OF a foreign nation
absolutely pTecluded him from taking any
part In the political affairs Of his own
county, but he was always deeply !n-
! terested in them, and had thought pro-
| fOundly on the national problems that
have puzzled and are puzzling the states
men Of the day. It Is not to be'doubted
| that, had Mr.. Stevens not entered the
japanese service. he would have taken a
leading part in the politics Of the United
States, for he had 9 genuine liking FOR
/ politics, keen political sense. and all the
! attributes that go 10 make a leader.
Mr.. Stevens was not only a wise and
capable official. he was a devoted and
generous brother. sterling friend. and
genial and responsive companion. His
education and the lines in which his life
was cast had made him a man OF wide
learning and broad culture. yet he was
so simple and modest. so lacking in osten-
tation and pretension that the casual OBJ
server would never have realized that he
was man Of such brilliant caliber or
that he had been so greatly distinguished.
His attitude toward visitors 70 the Japa-
nese Legation seeking information was
one OF understanding and sympathy. and
he was the personihcation Of frankness in
dealing with the public. That the people
OF the United States have come 70 so
| thoroughly understand Japan is due in 10
small degree 70 the campaign OF educa-
ton which was conducted, unconsci0usly.
perhaps, by him People the world over
are too apt 20 take their opinions ready
made. and thus save themselves the
trouble Of thinking. but no one ever
passed a half hour with the American
| counselor Of the japanese who did not
come away with some bit Of information.
some hint that forced him 10 think Just
now. with the rumor OF war between his
own country and the country he served.
stin in the air. his services would have
been most invaluable but he left behind
him a sacred legacy. the maintenance OF
peace. and his influence on the policy OF
the country in whose service he lost his
lie viii long be felt
That Mr.. Stevens was popular with men
is evidenced by his membership in many
clubs. In Washington he belonged both
20 the Metropolitan and the Alibi. in Bal
timOre 10 the Maryland, in Japan 70 the
Tokyo and Yokohama clubs. and TO the
Seoul Club at the capital OF the Hermit
Kingdom, where he was no less popular
than he was in Washingta and Tokyo.
The hatred expressed By the bullet OF the
poor little man in San Francisco is not
shared by the best element OF Korea in
/ Seoul, where the real patriots. those who
worked and hoped for a better future for
their country, had come TO believe in
esteem. and respect the adviser imposed
by the japanese upon their Emperor
And. indeed his appointment 10 Korea
was a wise one He was sent TO that
lunenlightened land to teach the people
10 open 20 them a new and broader out
look. 70 inspire a patriotism that would
make for their development and he had
gone far on the road TO success and bet
termeRt Socially Mr.. Stevens was vel
liked and much sought after. in converse
tion he was bright and clever, in manner
graceful and courteous. and there could
be a no more agreeable partner at table
His long residence in the Land of the
Rising sun made him almost as pic
turesque in speech as are her children
and there was never an end to his good
stories.
Mr.. Stevens never married. but he
made his home. If a wandering Giplo-
mat can be said TO have a home. with
his three sisters. Mrs Porter. who lives
in Washington, and the Misses Stevens
who have a cottage in Atlantic City
1t is always delicate matter 10 lift the
curtain that covers home relations. but
Il viii only add 20 NJ. Stevens fame tC
tell OF his love for and his tenderness
TO his sisters. and the generosity he in
variably showed toward them Generos-
ity, indeed, was one Of Mr.. stevens mos;
prominent characteristics. Like all mer
Of geniality and bonhOmie. he was lavish
in his way OF living. There was about
him none OF the little smallness that
sometimes dishgures men Of note He was
big In brain, body. heart; and TO this
bigness, this broad and wholesome way
of looking at and taking things, much
OF his success was due.
Republics are, prOverbially, ungratefu
land the United States. alas, is no ex.
ception 10 the rule; but Il is extremely
gratifying TO his friends. and il must bt
gratifying, TO the people at large. 20 not,
with what real grief and reverence the
old monarchy OF Japan shows for the los.
Of her faithful friend. Mr.. Takahira
who was long associated with Mr.. Ste
vens. feels his death as a great personal
sorrow. and there will be a genera
mourning for the untimely and tragic
taking of Of this good and wise man
this loyal servant and judicious counsel
or and guide, wherever the flag Of Japar
floats.