Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-11
COTTON'S DEATH
BLOW TO COUNTRY
Hoover and Stimson Praise
Distinguished Record of
Late Diplomat.
3y the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
BALTIMORE, March 1l.-Ending q
career that was unique in the fields Of
diplomacy, Law and finance, Joseph Pot.
ter Cotton died here yesterday after hav.
ing undergone two major operations ir
six weeks.
He was regarded as one Of the keen.
est men ever drafted into Government
service, working as Undersecretary o.
State in a manner that brought him
praise from high and low alike. Hi
latest diplomatic achievement preceding
Q breakdown in health was that Of sue
ceSsfully handling affairs Of state while
Secretary Stimson attended the London
Naval Conference.
Family ut Bedside.
Last Summer, Cotton took q leave Of
absence In an effort to rebuild his vital
aty. A tonsillotomy failed to give de-
sired results, and last January he under
went an operation for spinal infection.
On February l6 his right eye was re-
moved, but the end could not be fore
stalled.
with him when he died in Johns Hop
kins Hospital were his wife, his daugh-
Ger, Isabel, and his New York law part
ner, George s. Franklin. He had been
visited by his chief, Secretary Stimson,
and the White House physician, DR..
Joel T. Boone.
Born at Newport, r. L. July %, 1875,
Cotton was graduated from the Harvard
Law School IS years later.
He became legal representative for
b number of New York firms, and in
1915 went to Washington to act as
agent and counsel for the Government
IN the acquisition Of Alaskan railroads.
Hoover Sees Death as Loss.
A friend of President Hoover because
Of his work with the Chief Executive
when the latter was food administrator,
he was appointed Undersecretary of
State in May of 1929. He was an
easily approached, indefatigable worker,
using his background to decide moot
questions without lengthy elaboration.
In Washington President Hoover saw
the death as great loss to the Gov
eminent and to our country" Secre-
tary Stimson said Cotton had rem
dered service of literally inestimable
value"
The Presidents statement said: "Mr.
Government and to our country. He
was my friend for over 20 years. He
has given much Of his life to public
service, and has never refused de-
mand from the public interests. His
ability, his character, his devotion to
the higher purposes, made him great
citizen"
Stimson Praises Aide.
SSinson said:
I'm the two years in which he has
been Undersecretary OF State Joseph
Cotton has rendered service of literally
inestimable value to the Government.
His wide acquaintance among men;
his familiarity with large affairs, both
Of business and Government; his in
dustry and faculty of dispatch; his
Keen analysis and wise judgment have
all served a spirit of high public pur-
pose and q character Of unfailing
courage.
Among his fellows in the State De-
partment he has won a position which
was unique. Coupled with respect for
his attachments, they have grown to
cherish for him devoted affection on
account of his sympathetic considera-
ton and kindness. rs well as delight
IN the charm Of his cempanionship and
Of his never failing whimsical humor.
For myself have lost an associate
whose counsel and assistance have been
Invaluable and q friend whose absence
viii make the world poorer place"
Sttmson plans to attend the funeral
tomorrow ct New Bedford Hills, New
York.
A successor TO Cotton has not been
appointed, although William r. Castle,
jr., Assistant Secretary for Far Eastern
and European Af4airs. has been mem
toned for the post since the Under
secretary became III.
Secretary Stimson issued q depart
mental order today for the closing Of
khs State Department Thursday at
nm. for the remainder Of that day in
honor Of the late Joseph Potter Cotton,
WnderSecretary of State.
The formal order was In the nature
n Ofdeial notification Of the death OF
he Undersecretary.
Brought New Method.
Mr.. Cotton introduced into the State
Department Q method of diplomacy per-
hAps unique in international relations.
The man chosen by Secretary Slim
non TO serve primarily In an advisory