JAMES C. CARTER of city, state, or nation. He never held an elective office, so far as I know, and never was a candidate for public office, so far as I know. He was content to be a private citizen. No office within the gift of the people would have added to his honor or reputation, though he might have achieved a position in the history of the nation which would have perpetuated his name and mem ory beyond the short period during which the reputation of the lawyer remains a recollection or a tradition. As a man, Mr. Carter was a remarkable example of the combination of strength of character with gentleness and geniality; outwardly dignified and, apparently, even stern at times, he was affable, kindly, courteous, and generous to all who came into close contact with him. He was singu
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larly simple-minded in his habits and tastes. Notwithstanding the intensity of his con victions — to which I have already so fre quently alluded — his judgments as to his fellow-men were charitable to a fault; he seemed to always see the best side of every man's character. Sincere, honest, and out spoken himself, it was hard for him to believe that other men were not equally out-spoken, honest, and sincere. He seldom spoke harshly of individuals, however bit terly he might denounce their views or their conduct. Mr. Carter's character as a lawyer, a citizen, and a man, may be summed up in the one phrase : Devotion to duty; duty to his client; to his profession; to the common wealth, and to his fellow-men. NEW YORK, N.Y., November, 1905.
