ct has given Mr.
Wallace.
Lest my estimate of Mr. Wallace may seem extravagant to those who do not
know him, I add the following from the pen of Professor H.M. Tyler of
Smith College, Northampton, formerly Mr. Wallace's pastor. He writes:--
"It gives me great pleasure to send a few lines in answer to
your note, though it would be easy for a critic to say that I
have long since passed the point where I could give a
cold-blooded opinion of Mr. Wallace. I can write only from the
stand-point of warm friendship and cannot be cold in my respect
and admiration for my friend. Mr. Wallace is pre-eminently a
business man; to this the chief energy of his life has been
directed. It seems an impertinence for me to pass judgment upon
his career, but I have loved to study him in his business
habits. By his affability, correctness, and fairness in all his
work he has succeeded marvellously in attaching every one to
himself. All instinctively gravitate toward him, and never wish
to break off their association with him. I never knew a man so
master of his own ways and yet so universally popular. People
love to be influenced or even controlled by him. His office
would be the centre of any community in which he should be
placed. All men love to fasten to him their faith. He has
everywhere learned to gather friends by showing himself
friendly. His interest in the people of his own community has
been shown not merely by his public benefactions. Every one in
want of help has turned to him, and all have had a patient
hearing and generous response.
He has been associated with people of every position and among
all has been a favorite companion. Everyone has felt at home
with him. It is rarely true that a man has gained success with
so thorough a desire that his friends should enjoy what he has
gathered with him. He is thus remarkable for his prosperity, for
the use which he is making of his prosperity, for his delight in
giving pleasure to others, and for the disposition and temper
which finds its enjoyment in such rational and kindly ways.
It is not that one never disagrees with Mr. Wallace. He would
scorn the flattery which yields convictions to attempt to
please. Even when we differ he is none the less congenial. If I
have ever had the feeling that in any respect I should like to
make him over
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