The Washington herald., 1911-12-20

Maiden, n. Y, on November q, 1917
Every year Of his life was filled with
action. When asked at one time what
he considered his favorite word, he re-
piled, Work" Few men have accom-
plished as much as did John Bigelow.
whose name will live in history as one
of the grand old men of the period.
4 conspicuous figure in the anti-slavery
contest, a convincing journalist. Minister
to France throughout the troublous times
of the civil war, where he rendered dis
tinguished service as a diplomat; friend
and biographer of Tilden. president of the
board OF libraries literateur of the
wOrld-his career was one always of un-
failing service to his country and the
world In general.
Graduated from Union College Cnow
Trinity in 1885, he, in the sameSyear.
entered a lawyers Office at Hudson, n.
Y, but soon removed to New York City.
Completing his professional studies, he
was admitted to the bar in September,
1893. He devoted much time to literary
pursuits, and contributed to the New
York Review, the New World, the New
York Evening Post, the Plebeian, and the
Daily News His articles on constitu-
tional reform, published in the Demo-
cratic Review in 1856, were reprinted in
pamphlet form and largely circulated.
The anti-slavery contest having result
ed in 1S4S in Martin Van Buren's nomi-
nation for the Presidency by the Free
Soil Democrats. Mr.. Bigelow actively
supported his candidacy through the me-
drum Of the daily press. His efficiency
during that campaign doubtless contrib
uted to procure from William Cullen Bry-
ant an invitation to join him in the pro-
prietorship of the New York Evening
Post. Mr.. Bigelow accepted the invita-
ton purchasing a one-third interest. Dur
ing the succeeding ten years, his man.
agement increased the annual receipts Of
the Evening Post from $4,000 to about
$4,000
In 1860, he sold his interest in the
PAPER to Parke Goodwin and, in August,
1861, at the request OF President Lincoln
accepted the American consulate at Paris,
and during his incumbency wrote Les
Etate Unis d. Amerique on 1853" his pur-
pose being to correct the erroneous no
tions of the French people in regard to
their relative commercial Importance of
the Northern and Southern States. This
work effectualIy discouraged the sup
Iosed desire OF the French government
for the dismemberment Of the Union.
Thwarts Plan to Aid south.
upon l06 Otdll VI L. Lay hOhb
then United States Minister to France,
Mr.. Bigelow became charge d'affaires
at Paris, the then envoy extraordinary
and minister plenipotentiary to the en-
pire. During his official residence, he
discovered conclusive evidence OF the
connivance of the French government in
a plot to furnish the Confederacy with
four first-class, ironclad steamers, and,
by the use Of the testimony thwarted
the plan. In 1888, he published an ac-
count of these transactions, which caused
a sensation. He also conducted the ne
gotiations In France which resulted IN
the expulsion of the French army from
Mexico IN 1861.
From 1870 to 1873. Mr.. Bigelow resided
with his family in Germany. and upon
his return, in 1874 he devoted himself
to his farm and literary pursuits.
From his pen there appeared in 1891
a life Of william Cullen Bryant, with
whom he had been so long associated
as co-proprietor and editor. Grover
Cleveland, during his first term as
President. appointed Mr.. Bigelow AS
sistant United States Treasurer for the
city of New York, but Mr.. Bigelow de-
ciined TO serve, as he had also declined
the once Of chamberlain. rendered to
him by the mayor.