Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-04-01
Myron T. Herrick.

Myron L. derrlcK, AmDdSSaoOr OF the
United States to France, died yesterday
in Paris at his post Of duty after q
short Illness. He died smiling, as he had
lived. Shortly before his death he had
been planning for the reception of
Elihu Root, on his way home from
Geneva.
It Is not too much to say that never
has an American representative at a
foreign capital been more highly re-
garded by the people to whose govern
ment he was accredited than Mr.. Her
rick, in both his first and second serv-
ices in Paris. After a successful bust
ness career, and marked political hon.
ors, he had been rendered cabinet posi-
tons and foreign assignments, but had
declined them all until he finally ac-
cepted the post at Paris in 1912 offered
him by President Taft. He was still on
duty there, despite the change in adj
ministration, when the war broke in
August, 1914 This was fortunate, for
In that great crisis Mr.. Herrick showed
an exceptional capacity for administer
ing q most difficult and delicate situa-
ton. His organization of means for
helping American citizens who were
caught by the outbreak of war in the
area Of hostilities, and his conduct Of
works of relief during those early try
ing months, endeared him to all. When
in December of that year he was re-
ueved from duty by the appointment of
Ambassador Sharp he returned to this
country to receive the warmest accla-
nations Of the American people. It was
regarded as most fitting that he should
return to Paris as the American repre-
sentative in 1921, and 1t was, indeed,
most appropriate that he should con-
tinue despite administrative changes ct
Washington to the hour Of his death.
In the course Of ten years or so Of
Mr.. Herrick's service In France he was
faced with some Of the most difncult
diplomatic problems and situations ever
encountered by foreign representative.
During the early days Of war innumera-
BE questions arose requiring immediate
and often independent action. After the
war, in his second term rs Ambassador,
Mr. Herrick had to deal with the trou-
blous questions arising from financial
settlements, and had to meet the severe
strain in national relations caused by
the reactions Of peace settlements. At
no time during that trying period WAS
there the slightest friction between the
American Ambassador and the French
government. He was always highly re-
spected and fully trusted. His steadfast
understanding and sympathy were
recognized by the French, while the
American people felt that their interests
were fully safeguarded ct every turn.
Through this unusual and severe test
Myron T. Herrick passed successfully
by virtue of his broad understanding,
his knowledge Of men, his grasp Of
principles and his invariable kindness
Of nature.
It was Ambassador Herrick's privilege
last week to attend the funeral of Mar
shall Foch. Between the two men there
was q strong bond Of sympathy and I'M
Outstanding. There was no more sin
cere mourner at the bier of the great
soldier Of France than the great Am
bassador of America, and it is fitting
that now in the hour of bereavement
almost as keen as the loss Of one of
their own the French people should
propose to pay to Myron T. Herriek the
highest honor possible in the form Of
q national funeral.