INTRODUCTORY NOTE MONG all the public men whom the writer of this sketch has known in the course of an experience in Washington embracing twenty years, Senator Platt seems to have approached most nearly the perfect measure of disinterested service. That he should have been above any temptation to profit materially from his official place implies no special virtue, for that is fortunately a common attribute of Senators of the United States; but he possessed the rarer quality of disregard for contemporary applause or posthumous fame. He was ready to do each day's pressing duty conscientiously and unselfishly without regard to its effect upon his political fortune or personal prestige, and having the faculty of effective co-operation in an exceptional degree, he held the unbounded confidence of his associates. The impression created by watching his public conduct from year to year has been strengthened since this book was undertaken by a study of his private life from boyhood and by a perusal of the fragmentary correspondence which, through no design of his, survives him. His record from youth to age was one of uncalculating consistency-of harmonious intellectual and spiritual development. In the decision of vital questions of legislation he was for years an important and frequently a controlling factor. During an eventful time he exercised a more pervasive influence than any other Senator, yet so unobtrusively that it was almost the close of his career before his work received adequate recognition except from those who could appraise it near at hand. The Platt Amendment first brought him the distinction he deserved, but that document was only the triumphant application of principles which he had long maintained. His place in American history will be larger as the years go by. In trying to delineate a character unusual in public life, it has been found expedient to review briefly the significant legislation of a quarter of a century to the shaping of which Senator Platt's practical wisdom, unfailing courage, and acknowledged loftiness of purpose were indispensable. L. A. C. BOSTON, February 22, 1910. CONTENTS Birth and Ancestry-The Litchfield Hills- Early Days in Judea-Abolition and Re- The "Master of the Gunnery"-A Pupil's Tribute-School Days-Ostracism for Anti-Slavery Views-Teaching School in Judea-A Year at Towanda-Admission Meriden and the First Church-Twenty- eight Years a Practising Lawyer-A Po- litical Organizer-Judge of Probate- Chairman of American and Republican State Committees-Secretary of State- A Member of the General Assembly- Speaker of the House-"Picture Platt" -State's Attorney-The Bible Class- Masonry-The Metabetchouan Fishing Continued Agitation for Free Silver-Op- poses Fictitious "Seigniorage" in 1895- Criticism of the Greenbacks-For Sound The Finance Committee-Helps to Frame Law of 1900-Letter to Timothy Dwight -Consideration of Additional Measures of Relief-Opposed to Asset Currency-The The Cleveland Message of 1887-Attack upon the Administration Policy-A Com- prehensive Plea for Protection-Defender of American Industries-Opposition to the Mills Bill-Contrast between Labor and Industry North and South-The Duty on Tin Plate-The Tariff not Responsible XVIII. THE FATEFUL FIFTY-FIRST CONGRESS McKinley Tariff and the Lodge Election Bill-Democratic Obstruction in the Sen- ate-An Unswerving Supporter of the Party Programme-Argues for Enactment |