Hay, John

Aiton's Encyclopedia (1910)

John (1838-1905), an American author and statesman. He was born at Salem, Indiana. He died in Washington. He was educated at Brown University and studied law at Springfield. As a young man, he was fortunate enough to attract the attention of Abraham Lincoln, who took him to Washington with him as a private secretary. He was a quiet, modest young man, an indefatigable worker. He seemed to know intuitively just what ought to be done. He became indispensable to the president. A warm friendship grew up between them which has been compared to that of Washington and Hamilton. Lincoln used to send Hay with dispatches to the various armies. In reality, however, he went to bring back confidential information as to the condition of affairs. When Lincoln died Hay felt that his best friend was gone and that life was over. Later he cooperated with Nicolay in writing an extended biography of Lincoln. At the close of the war Hay was sent to Madrid as secretary of the American legation. He took advantage of the information gathered to write a charming book of observations on Spanish life and manners, called Castilian Days. He was connected with various embassies, and, though a shrewd observer,--one of the keenest men of his day--he had the tact to maintain a quiet demeanor, and, above all, to refrain from talking. At the close of his diplomatic service, Hay was invited by Horace Greeley to accept an editorial position on the New York Tribune. During this period he published a volume of verses known as Pike County Ballads. His most noted poem is Little Breeches. President McKinley appointed Hay ambassador to the court of St. James, that is, to London, a position which he occupied during the Spanish American War. He discharged the duties of his office with such ability that, at the close of the war, he was called home to become secretary of state , a position which he held until the time of his death. It was during his management of our diplomatic service that the European powers were prevented apparently from dividing China. He induced their governments to declare that China should remain united, and that her ports should be open to the commerce of all nations. When he died King Edward, who had known him at London, cabled, "His loss is an international one." President Roosevelt, who generally means what he says, declared that the Americans have never had a greater secretary of state.