PHILANDER CHASE KNOX any object of personal desire, or in realizing an ambition or in enjoying public approval than depart in the least from his own convictions in matters of conscience or logic or law. Characterizing his arguments and speeches as a whole, they are marked by luminous thought and lucidity of expression. They recall the remark made by Sainte-Beuve of Napoleon and Matthew Arnold of General Grant, that clear-cut thought is essential for the best writing. It is perhaps contrary to the natural reserves proper to the published delineation of a public man's career and character to speak with the touch of frankness and personal feeling which animate a private friendship. But I venture to do so, and to say that while a State honors any man whom she calls into her service, it is a matter of just pride and gratification to the whole community of Senator Knox's State and to
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her individual citizens that a man of his intellectual fibre and moral worth is steadily deepening her standing and influence in the forurn and councils of the nation. It is also true that his public sendee, past and present, inspired by an intense, sincere and singleminded patriotism, is of great value to the entire country. He has succeeded splen didly in his public and private professional career, and in his later career of legislator and statesman of eminent ability, because he is simple and straightforward, because he is fearless and independent, ready and steadfast, because to a capacious, acute and subtle mind — subtle in its insight and not in mere dialectic and verbal distinctions — is joined a nature which is just and generous and warm-hearted. If the future holds for him still greater honors and higher service, he is altogether fit to receive and qualified to perform. WASHINGTON, D. C., March, 1908.
