JOHN WANAMAKEB 491 While money seems to increase at his word of command, yet at the same time the economic, social, moral, or esthetic needs of the race are ministered to. He has supplemented his business activities with participation in affairs of state and of the church; has manifested great interest in educa- tional institutions and reforms, and has given largely of his means for school, library, hospital, and charitable institu- tions. He has a more vital interest in humanity than that of a doler-out of vast sums of money ; he gives his time and en- ergies to improving conditions. He was given this increase because of perseverance and industry, and for a faithful ad- herence to his principles, notable among which are a strict observance of the Christian Sabbath and total abstinence. As postmaster-general during the administration of Gen- eral Benjamin Harrison, he greatly reduced Sunday work in post-offices throughout the country; he introduced sea post- offices; abolished the lottery; enlarged free delivery; estab- lished rural delivery; and urged the postal telegraph, postal savings depositories, and the parcels post. He has exerted a powerful influence in opposition to ^^boss rule ' ' in the politics of his own state and is faithful in all his duties as a citizen of the United States. Mr. Wanamaker's attitude towards politics has been rather remarkable. He has never sought office, and it was only on account of his op- position to machine rule that he consented, in 1897, to run in opposition to Senator Quay. Although defeated, he was able for a time to prevent the election of Senator Quay. Com- ments of the press at that time, both Republican and Demo- cratic, show that he stood for reform in his party. His in- fluence turned the balance of power for good government and brought about reform in the management of the Keystone State. He has been enthusiastic and energetic in endeavoring to make Philadelphia conform to his ideals of clean politics. He has had many opportunities to run affairs in his own inter- ests, but is an example of that type of politician who seems to be on the increase, one who is engaged in doing what he can for the good of the whole people. In his own city, he
