Evening journal., 1911-10-11
WEDNESDAY. OCT. II. 1911
WASHINGTON HASTINGS.

TT HOSE who knew Washington Hastings we'll
i appreciated his many and varied high quail
ties, and yet because Of his varied activities
through long and often stormy career, his life
in this community, life that in many respects
was noble, was an open book.
To men younger than himself and fortunate
enough to enjoy his acquaintance or
friendship, Mr. Hastings sound
and happy counselor, giving his counsel
when asked freely but cautiously and always
wisely.
Many a younger man sought advice from him
and the advice given was good and clear and un-
mistakable, yet it was gentle advice, kindly and
considerate
The writer always held Mr. Hastings in the high
est esteem and admiration. He was a many sided
man, man of national influence and a wide ac-
quantance in the days gone by with leaders in the
affairs Of the nation, stirring and potent force
In Delaware, hrm and consistent and persistent
fighter for what he believed to be right.
Many of the blessings that we enjoy in the gov
ernment Of Delaware today, blessings that are
taken as matter of course we're due to the ef-
<forts of q group of men of whom Washington
dastingsfin his prime among the foremost
In his active career Mr.. Hastings was one of the
leaders in the manufacturing world of Whining
ton as well as in its political affairs. No ever
had the slightest doubt as 10 where he stood on any
question. But in all his contentious of political
nature he was fair and honorable He was active
IN the aHairS OF cnurcn ana state, IN faCt ne was
a model citizen performing all the functions OF
citizenship according to the light OF clear con-
science and bright understanding
His personal acquaintance with the leaders OF
Delaware political life, dating before the period
of the civil war, his own active participation in pol
itics from early manhood until within the last few
years, made him an encyclopedia of Delaware polit
ical affairs and delightful companion to those in
terested in such matters.
During his long career, Mr. Hastings despite
his many qualifications for leadership never really
sought Office and never held important one,
save that of Water Commissioner. The Republi-
can party owed more, far more to Washington
Hastings than It ever paid He gave OF his time,
his talents, his best skill and energy to his party
with a natural born enthusiasm such as is rarely
seen, and he was an unselhsh giver.
Politics TO him far above a sordid scramble
for petty Office, thing for personal benefit II
70 him a question of the best government and
10 him his party was merely the means of obtain
ing what he considered the best government.
At one time Mr. Hastings was a large employer
of labor, and many the stories told today of
his keen interest in the welfare of his employees
and their fondness for him. He had a way OF
attracting and holding friendships, friendships
that grew the more his friends saw of Mr..
Hastings.
Like the lives Of all men Mr.. Hastings life was
one of sunshine and shadow, but the rays of his
own splendid character we're ever visible whether
the day clear or dark, whether his health was
good OF impaired In the brightness of prosperity
or in the mist Of misfortune, whichever was his
lot. he was the same Washington Hastings
Mr. Hastings was a we'll educated and a self
educated man in the broadest sense of the word
He was informed on almost every subject that con
cerned men and he retained his interest till the
end
He will be missed in Wilmington sadly missed
Truly the soul of a good man has gone to its Crea
tor, after a we'll spent life.