Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1891 — EX-SECRETARY ROBESON. [ARTICLE]

EX-SECRETARY ROBESON.

How Some Men Are Forgotten When They Ret ire From Publio Life. Washington Special to the Indianapo is Journal. How soon great men are forgotten when they drop out of public life. During the regime of President Grant and up to the time the Forty-seventh Congress expired, in 1883, few men were ; more prominent before tho country ! than General Robeson, of New Jersey, Secretary of the Navy under Grant, Congressman and general leader of the Republican party, General Robeson 6talked about the corridors of the Cap- | itol for several days during the closing scenes of Congress, and few knew or i addressed him. Fifteen years ago there ! was scarcely a man, woman or child but ! that was ready to recognize his robust j form and great, ruddy face. He was i one of the readiest debaters in the Forty-seventh Congress, and invariably went to the front in defense, es the party and in presenting tho aggressive principles it represented. He was a ■ stalwart of the stalwarts. As Gen. Robeson stalked in a lonely way about the haunts of former achievements he looked not much the worse of the wear of a decade. His round, red face was still aglow. His bar aside whiskers were snowy w&ite, His step was elastia. He looked well but he was not happy. Surrounded once by riches and power, he is said now to be deserted and poor. His family, it is stated, are in Europe, and the General is reported to be poor in this world’s goods. He has been a fine lawyer, but age having crept upon him he probably has to rustle to keep up his end of the professional tactics, Many a man in Congress who was about to retire, recognizing Gen, Robeson’s face or form, turned and looked behind in passing, doubtless reflecting that soon his present greatness would be consigned as completely to oblivion. Verily, tbe greatness of public office does not last long. The greatest of public men are soon forgotten,even by their nearest friends. Personal acts alone live.