d Logan to supersede Thomas. Everybody
knows the intensity of the passion for military glory. General
Logan could have carried out his orders, taken advantage of
Thomas's dispositions, and won himself one of the most brilliant
victories of the war, which would have had a double lustre
from the seeming lukewarmness of his predecessor; but when
he arrived at the place of operations and learned Thomas's
dispositions and the reason for his delay, he became satisfied
that the great Fabius was right and wise. His generous nature
disdained to profit by the mistake at headquarters and to
get glory for himself at the expense of a brave soldier. So
he postponed the execution of his orders, and left Thomas
in his command. The result was the battle of Nashville and
the annihilation of Hood. Where in military story can there
be found a brighter page than that? That one act of magnanimous
self-denial gave to American history two of its brightest
names,--the name of Thomas and the name of Logan.

Another very able member of the House was Thomas A. Jenks
of Rhode Island. He never seemed to care much for that field
of service, but preferred to enjoy the practice of his profession,
in which he was largely employed, and was earning a large
income. But he is entitled to honorable memory as the originator
and father of the reform of the civil service in this country.
He made a very able speech in its favor in 1867 or 1868, which
was the beginning of a movement which has been successful,
for which I think the public gratitude should be shared between
him and Dorman B. Eaton.

Elihu B. Washburn, of Illinois, was appointed Secretary of
State by General Grant, whose constant friend and supporter
he had been through his whole military career. Washburn was
brave, vigorous and far-sighted, a man of great influence
in his State and in the House. He was prominently spoken
of for the Presidency. But with Grant and Logan as his competitors
from his own State, there was not much chance for him. He
was afterward Minister to France, and gained great distinction
and credit by remaining in Paris throughout the siege, and
giving shelter and support to persons who were in danger from
the fury of the mob. He earned the gratitude alike of the
Germans and the French ecclesiastics.

He was known as the watch dog of the Treasury, when he was
in the House. Few questionable claims against the Government
could escape his vigilance, or preva