Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-11

capacity was direct in handling per-
sonnet and had . reputation fer frank
ness in international exchanges.
He met problems which arose during
his tenure of ONCE with an ease that
aStonished his. colleagues.
The Under Secretary came to the
department with 80 years of highly sue
cessful legal practice behind him, q
background which played a large part
in making his new job easier
Received All Callers
Unlike many other Government ON
Gals, he always kept the door of his
office open to all callers. His telephone
rang necessarily as Government col
eagueS, New York financierS and even
President Hoover himself sought the
advice Of one of the keenest minds ever
drafted into Government service from
a private law practice many times more
lucrative than the $10,o00-a-year salary
he received.
Astute diplomats in formal dress,
hurrying clerks and newspaper men
were all received alike by the Under
Secretary. His favorite working posi-
ton was to sit leaning back in spring
chair, his feet placed in the opened sec
ond drawer of his desk, with his papers
and correspondence piled high on his
lap. A corn-cob pipe, which he smoked
necessarily and in all company, was al
ways alluded to by Cotton as his single
vice"
He speedily reached decisions on mat
tiers Of highest Government policy.
SubordinateS with brief cases or ques-
tons for him, would take them in Singly
or in groups and have them disposed Of
within a matter of minutes with an
order of Tell them yes or Tell them
no."
His Work Unlimited.
There was hardly a limit to the
amount of work his once could handle
during a single day. He often was in
his once long after the department had
closed, but worked at home only on
personal affairs.
His frankness was demonstrated once
when Sir Esme Howard, the former
British Ambassador called upon him.
The diplomat had complaint against
a certain man, and in diplomatic FASH
ion talked around the question for some
is minutes without coming TO the point.
at suppose what you are trying to
tell me, Mr.. Ambassador" Cotton in
terrupted, sis that this man to whom
you are referring is q common, ordinary
garden variety Of numb-skuH. Is
that right?"
The diplomat said it was correct.
Bored by Formal Functions.
Cotton cared nothing for society or
formal functions, dressing IN top nat
and striped trousers for the latter only
under protest. When he grew tired or
bored with q party he was attending
by virtue Of his Office he went nome.
He never observed the diplomatic de-
mand that he should remain until the
ranking guest and guest OF honor
should depart first.
He disdained anything which might
approach ostentation. A man OF great
personal wealth, he had several high
priced cars, but usually arrived at the
diplomatic entrance of the State De-
partment in a minimum rate taxicao.
When he wished to 60 anywhere IN
the CITY he would stand on the street
before the department and hall pass
ing taxi. He rarely sent for his own
automobile and frequently rode on the
street cars or walked great distances.
Liked Golf.
Golf was his one diversion. He
PLAYED a good game and enjoyed taking
"dubs" with him and helping them I'M
prove their shots.
The Undersecretary's modesty was
shown in the autobiographies required
for various Government publications.
Despite his extensive career, he con-
fined his to three or four lines.
He was born at Newport, II: l., July
~. 1875. Surviving are his widow, who
has been Ill for considerable period,
and one son and daughter.