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_From the “Savannah News.”_
GEORGIA mourns for one of her most distinguished sons. Henry W. Grady,
who, a week ago last Thursday, held entranced, and at times moved to
enthusiastic applause, by his eloquence, an audience composed of
Boston’s prominent citizens, and whose name on the following day was on
the lips of millions of people, is cold in death in his Atlanta home. He
died before he had reached the meridian of life or the zenith of his
fame. His mind was steadily broadening, and he was constantly giving
evidence of the possession of still greater ability than he had yet
displayed. In his Boston speech he handled the race question in a way
that showed that he was not a mere rhetorician, but a genuine orator,
who could direct the minds of men as well as touch their hearts and
dazzle their imaginations. Had he lived, he would have won a name that
would have had a permanent place in the history of his country. As it
is, he will be remembered as a brilliant young man whom death claimed
before he had time to show that he was fully capable of meeting the
expectations which were entertained with regard to him.
Mr. Grady was full of resources and a tireless worker. He entered the
profession of journalism very early in life, and such was the energy and
intensity with which he devoted himself to it, that even if he had not
possessed extraordinary talents, he could hardly have failed to succeed;
but, having a special fitness for his work and ability of a very high
order, it was not strange that he quickly made a reputation that was not
confined by the lines of his State.
Mr. Grady was never satisfied with what he had accomplished. He felt
that he was capable of still better things, and he strove constantly to
reach a higher mark of excellence. No sooner was he done with one
undertaking than his busy brain was engaged with another; and it can be
said of him that his aims were not selfish ones. No doubt he had the
ambitions which every man of marked ability has, but the good of others
entered largely into his thoughts and plans. Atlanta owes to his memory
a debt she can never repay. During all the time he was a resident within
her limits he kept her interests steadily in view. He contributed to her
prosperity in a hundred ways, and when her people were lukewarm in
enterprises which he or others suggested, he pointed out to them their
duty, and urged them to perform it so eloquently and strongly that they
fell into line and won success when many thought success was impossible.
Mr. Grady was not apparently anxious to accumulate wealth. Money did not
remain with him long. His purse was always open to his friends, and
those who had claims never had to ask him twice for assistance when he
was able to render it. Doubtless there are hundreds in Atlanta who are
able to speak from personal knowledge of his free-handed liberality.
Mr. Grady never held public office. Had he lived, however, it is
probable that he would have entered the political arena. He was
gradually being drawn in that direction, and during the last two or
three years his name was frequently mentioned in connection with the
offices of Senator and Governor. His triumphs were won as a journalist
and an orator. In the latter character he first achieved a national
reputation at the dinner of the New England Society in 1886.
Georgians loved Mr. Grady and were proud of him. The death of very few
other men could have so filled their hearts with sorrow.
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