The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-08-29
THE MEANING OF THE TRIB-
U-TE TO MAYOR G AYNOR-


Oftentimes the questions are asked,
Does it pay TO be honest; to work IN
selfshly for a cause; to pursue idealsg
Nine men IN ten probably have asked
these questions of themselves \ dozen
times.
A man in private life, seeing the
affuent circumstances another enjoys
as a result of questionable methods,
asks himself whether it pays TO stick
to the path OF reetitude, to be salts
fed with small returns and an un-
troubled conscience
\ man in public life, observing the
spirit OF good fellowship which seems
to make existence a Joy for another,
who can overlook the faults OF his
friends and take the easier way IN
quires whether he Is bound by a direct
and specific obligation to serve honest
" and efficiently 50 intangible an ele-
ment as the public"
in either situation, a deviation from
the right thought and disobedienee OF
the voice Of conscience inevitably
brings its train of trouble
There cannot be transgression. OF the
natural law without penalty
\ man in private life cannot be
wholly selfish, tricky, dishonest with
out paying for 1t. a man in public
life Is bound by the same rule-in-
fidelity 10 public trust Is barren OF
honor. respect, and other things which
men most desire But It Is equally
true and certain that a man who keeps
his eye upon the woTthier aims OF life
cannot fail He reaps reward sub
stantial and satisfying; he acquires a
good name and a reputation that are
20 be cherished above great riches and
the worthless adulations of fatterers-
New proof of this Is given IN the
case Of Mayor Gaynor, who, in the
time OF a great affection, = the re
cipient OF a universal tribute II Is
not an mdeserved tribute, not the
vaporous. vacuous retiteration Of time
worn phrases that custom holds to be
due TO the dying and the dead
In Mayor GaynOr=s case comes the
spontaneous expression OF genuine ap-
probation Of his public service and his
virtues. In every sentence written and
still being written about him runs the
inspiration OF true admiration OF a
man who honestly, eourageously, and
ably has performed the duties thrust
upon him
There Is genuine love here Of a man
who, having ideals, has kept them be
/ fore him; who, having q strong
intuitive- sense Of what Is right, has
obeyed its demands; who, admitting
that a variety OF individuals and a
variety OF opinions exist outside OF
himself arI his, has had the common
sense 70 compromise with these to the
extent necessary TO obtain the best
possible result for al, for the com
munity IN particular
Were Mayor Gaynor other than the
sort Of man he Is, however, deeply the
tragedy Of which he Is a victim would
have been deplored, the expressions OF
public opinion would have been re
strained
1t would have been merely an out
burst OF public opinion against a crime
not display OF public wrath and
indignation over a heinOus crime
against good man
g If Mayor CaynOr lives, as now seems
assured, he VIII find pleasure IN TIA,
published evidences of the popular Is
TEEN in which he Is held by al The
people. By ms fellow-citizens Of New
York and by those beyond the city
who have Judged him by his acts alone
His example Is one which appeal.
/ to those who sometimes, IN an evi
hour, ask themselves, Does 1t pay {,
{ be right and do right; to fOTsake tn,
: allurements of popularity, place, o.
wealth for peace OF mind, a substan
/ tial sense Of happiness and a cIear
conscience?