the campaign. I did not keep any detailed account of my actual outlays on my campaign trips, as it was my expectation to bear those expenses myself. Least of all did I expect that the Committee would have any surplus funds after the election. But since that is the case I do not see why I should not permit at least a part of an outlay of money to be refunded, which was really larger than I could well afford.
The sum you send me, however, exceeds those outlays considerably. According to my general expense account during those two months I spent on my campaign journeys about $450. My trips were generally rather long but in those instances I had tickets from one place to another presented to me. Now I want to have the satisfaction of having made a little cash contribution to the campaign in addition to my work. I therefore return the $600 check, and if you will send me one of $300 in its place, that will about cover what I paid out in excess of what might be considered my cash quota of the campaign expenses.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN[1]
Of all the great historic men of America Benjamin Franklin was doubtless the greatest specific American. Washington has been said to have much of the English gentleman; Jefferson of the French philosopher—but Franklin in all his ways of thinking and doing was the genuine characteristic product of the New World. He was the universal Yankee in ideal development; the very apostle of restless, inquiring, independent, courageous, prolific, versatile and genial common-sense; the self-made man in the greatest proportions—self-made in
- ↑ A lecture written in 1884 and delivered in Charleston, S. C., Jan. 21, 1885, and in other cities, North and South.
