JOHN F. SLATER.
The death of Mr. Slater, which occurred at Norwich, Conn., May 6, removes one of our foremost philanthropists. His well-known gift of a million dollars for the emancipated race in America was made after years of converse with eminent scholars, statesmen, capitalists and Christian philanthropists. The act was in every sense deliberate. His successful business career, extending over many years, his knowledge of men, gained by his relations with business interests in the great centers of trade; by his employment of large numbers of laborers; by his observations while traveling at home and abroad—gave him opportunity to reach the best conclusions as to what people in our land were the most needy, and where the gifts would yield the most abundant results. He took a business man's view of the subject, and has left an expression of judgment, supported by a princely benefaction, of great value to others who are prayerfully considering how they may best promote the interests of Christian civilization. Modest, consistent, dignified, courteous, a regular attendant at a Congregational church, a good neighbor, a good citizen beloved—such was John F. Slater. He has left a name better and more enduring than his great riches.