Omaha daily bee., 1908-06-25
RARE MAN IN HISTORY OF NATIONS
DIR. Miller Pays Tribute to an Old Per-
sOnnl and Political Friend.

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sOnal and Political Friend.
We'll, / am not surprised, though deeply
grieved," was the comment of Dr.. George
l.. Miller, an old-time personal and po-
itical friend Of Mr.. Cleveland, when he
was told of his death. IT last saw him in
May, 1877, and he was wasting away like
a girl with consumption-phyisically, not
mentally. Mentally he was as vigorous as
ever, but the muscular system and force
were going and / am surprised he has sur
vived the last six months.
Mr., Cleveland was a rare man In the
history Of nations. Gifts that he possessed
are given to few men. He had a marvellous
ability TO perceive the right, coupled with
an unnatural courage to do the right after
he perceived It. All he wanted or sought
was to know the right and that was the
thing he did.
1t was one of the most priced privileges
On my life to be favored with Mr.. Cleve-
lands friendship and entrusted with his
confidence. While he was president, during
both Of his terms, 1 had the pleasure of
serving hin m this state and section more
or less In suggesting appointments and
by his favor / decided some OF them.
Il first saw Mr., Cleveland when the
notification of his first nomination. came
10 him in 1884. / found him a man of
large and imposing figure, with a great
head and face -surmounting a breastworks
OF broad shoulders. He was oroad in form
and strong in face. He was governor OF
New York ut that time,
II heard his first public speech as presi.
dent-elect. and his reply to Senator Vilas
OF Wisconsin,, which was characteristic OF
the man.
II asserted his strength OF character ir
his first public life as mayo os Buffalo
giving mat city the best government Il
mad ever known. That made him governor
HIS dominant force and wisdom, his firm,
ness and his singular policies Of right ant
justice as the chief executive of the fore
most state OF the union made him presi
dent. How he filled that great office. with
what elevation OF purpose he made good hi
declaration that a public office is a publi,
trust all the world knows.
"A long Interval elapsed after his cleo
tion to the presidency before | had IN,
opportunity to meet him IN a personal way
although / had been In correspondence
with him at all times.
His visit to Arbor lodge in Nebrask,
City at the time Of the unwilling Of IN,
Morton monument accompanied by Mr.
Cleveland, ex-Vice President Stevenson an,
ex-members OF the cabinet, gave me an Cd
portHnlty 10 renew my personal association
with him. II was most delightful. He wa
the same Cleveland l had always known
the simple strong giant. plain In manner
simple In speech, more, typical Of a farme
going about his business than OF a mar
who had been twice president OF IN
United States and by common consent IN
first private citizen of the republic.
Il visited him again in May, 1907. In Ne,
York City. l met him in the great office
NJ the association OF the presidents Of tn
great insurance companies OF the countr
Of which he was the official head. He ha
been made chairman Of the Board c
Trustees OF the Equitable company an
held that position until his death. But m
visit was in the office OF the larger organ.
zation.
Il found him not in q condition OF phys
cal health that could be called good. Sinc
l had seen him at the Morton monumeI