Anecdotes of public men; by John W. Forney.

350 ANECDOTES OF PUBLIC MEN.
removal to Washington, at the beginning of Mr. Lincoln's
administration, and his connection afterward with the great
banking-house with which he is still identified, he has gathered enough knowledge of men to qualify him for the arduous
services which have made Washington.City what it is. Fine
manners, princely hospitality, warm and ardent sympathies with
the new citizens and the cause of universal education, make
him acceptable to.every class. Never a politician in the vulgar
interpretation of that word, although a sincere and consistent Republican, and rich enough, as I have said, to escape
suspicion, his intercourse with the Representatives and Senators in Congress of every shade is agreeable to himself and
profitable to his constituents. The generous bounty of Congress to the District at the last session, inspired by the explicit
recommendations of General Grant in his annual message, is
to be attributed to the confidence reposed in Governor Cooke;
and when our law-makers meet in December they will be surprised at the enormous amount of work done under the auspices of Governor Cooke and the energetic Board of Public
Works appointed by the President, with Alexander R. Shepherd at their head.
In five years from to-day the District of Columbia will be the
choice winter resort of the country, and will be to the people
of wealth and intelligence-to inventors, our men of science,
and to foreigners, an irresistible attraction. Directly connected, North and South, by new railroads, and offering extraordinary inducements to persons of moderate means who desire
to live in a healthy climate and to enjoy the best society, it will
be sought by men from every State, whether as visitors or residents. And when that day comes, no name will be more affectionately remembered and honored than that of Governor
Henry D. Cooke.
[August 4, 1872.]