Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1922-10-28
"Letters OF Franklin II. Kane." Per

Franklin X. Lane was one OF the
most conspicuous members OF Presi-
dent Wilson's war cabinet, although
holding the comparatively subordinate
so far as war activities were con-
cerned-position of Secretary of the
Interior. But he became notable by
reason of his letters and speeches, and
his wise counsels attracted to him
the sympathy and admiration of n
large number OF his fellow citizens.
Even if nothing else had brought him
notoriety Of the most favorable
character, his "Apostrophe to the
Flag" would have had this result. And
yet that was but an impulsive address
delivered to the attaches and en-
ployes of his office on going TO his
official duties on the morning OF Flag
Day. But 1t has been given high
rank on the pages of history.
Mr.. Lane was an inveterate' letter
writer. and as he indulged so much in
his favorite pastime 1t Is really re-
markable that what he wrote contain
ed nothing which could be set down
as frivolous-although his thoughts
ever were sunny and optimistic--or
entirely void of some ennobling
thought OF practical, useful sugges-
ton. SO thoroughly human were
they, 50 systematic and revealing and
during the days of World War stress
and anxiety SO hopeful and helpful in
their suggestions and 80 intimate i'll
their information. that this compila-
ton made by HIS widow, OF the most
]
IS valuable addition TO American
literature.
Much of the man is clearly reveal
ed in these letters. They began when
he was a young newspaper worker,
ambitious and struggling, and even
in those days he gave expression TO
his desire for opportunity TO make
something Of his life that would be
, useful to his fellows and his country,
, and also would prove an assurance of
a measure of profit sufficient 10 care
for the personal welfare Of himself
l and his family in his closing days.
}. This purpose. however, Il cannot be
: said he accomplished to his satsfac-
: ton, as 30 large a portion OF the time
that might have been effectively de-
! voted TO this practical end was given
10 the public service. And he died
in the prime of life-May IS. 1921, only
% years of age--when, having retired
from public station, he might have
had reasonable expectation OF some
profitable years before him.
His letter-writing habit clung 70
him TO the end OF his days. and in
every missive there was something tc
not only challenge the attention OF
q the personal recipient. but command
general admiration when given to the
public. What wide range is cover
ed by the coliated presentation may
readily be imagined when It Is re-
called what a busy: at times momen-
:. tous, life he lived and the variety
+. and scope Of his occupations. He was
= hard-work!ng, aspiring newspaper
; man; a student of and practitioner al
7. law; keen observer OF public and
j political events and a man OF such
J. manifest talents that II was inevitable
e he should become involved in the
; wh.rl OF politics and be called TO pub
/, lie station. And in his final officia
> post, Secretary OF the Interior II
: President Wilson's cabinet-he die
; and wrote and said much that just
i, ly established his high place IN oul
countrys history. He laboreC
- earnestly for success in the war, abb!
supporting, although not alway!
agreeing with. his chief. and proved
= himself one OF the most valuable o
the many agencies that carried GU
country safely and honorably through
:, that grave crisis.
4 But the most striking, as we'll a.
~ the most interesting and importan,
=, OF this collection Of Lane letters ar
,e those written during the excitin;
d times that stirred the country i'm
e mediately before our participation Il
q the World War and thereafter All
J. Lane wrote frequently and also au
thoritat!vely. by reason OF his con
.e nection with the intimate detail o
J. cabinet consultations. The result j
A. large amount OF inside informa
s. ton"
s. Mr.. Lane gave a most interest!n
g picture Of Mr.. Wilson's attitude prio
TO the war, and how intense was h!
desire TO keep this country out G
> actual participation II possible. In
v. letter to his brother. dealing with
cabinet meeting, written in February
1917, ne said: The President said h
didn't wish to see either side win, 70
both had been equally Indifferent I
the rights OF neutrals." This conclu
sion was based on a large amount {
truth, but II hardly would have bee
n no !.
authoritatively stated at the time. II
Of also said President Wilson was not
ne favor OF making early preparations fc
he taking part in the war, although tn
O. was no secret at the time.
in Very lively were Lanes letters gi,
ing the inside details of cabinet Sc!
r. sions, at times of very acrimon!ol
ok character. He made no secret Of h
ad desire fer immediate preparations f
y. war. and other members Of the cabin,
ed agreed with him. But Mr.. Wilson VIZ
lis obdurate, and there was much COZ
of tention. Mr.. Lane IN one letter co,
ur rectly foretold Secretary McAdoo
ly resignation, although 1t did not con
until several months later.
lis No doubt these letters about u
cabinet discussions and dissensiol
" VIII give rise to much comment abol
ire President Wilson's course. But the
ry Will be ample room for the contentic
ID by Mr.. Wilson's friends that he w;
he right, and the others wrong. Tn
in he waited, patiently and clear -sighte,
lie ly, until the arrival Of the "psycholog
cal moment" for declaring war, ther
- by securing unanimity of patriot
support from the country that mig