"
On such pessimism and distrust it is impossible to build political
success. It can come only when his pessimism and distrust coincide
with like pessimism and distrust in the masses. He waits the day,
but gloomily, without confidence.
PHILANDER CHASE KNOX
"I like Knox and I admire him tremendously, but I will not ask him
to be my Secretary of State. He is too indifferent."
This characterization of the junior Senator from Pennsylvania,
attributed to his late colleague President Harding, summarizes very
aptly his strength and his weakness. One can very easily admire him
and, when he drops the mask of dignity, which seems almost pompous
in so diminutive a figure, one cannot help liking him. But in spite
of his successes,--which his enemies attribute to luck, and he
probably attributes to intellectual superiority,--he has never
quite achieved greatness and will probably go down in history as
one of the lesser luminaries in the political heavens.
Knox IS indifferent, especially to those who do not know him
intimately. It is not because he has been without ambition. On the
contrary he has longed to soar like the eagle but he has the wings
of the sparrow and whatever exertion he has made has ended in a
feeble and futile fluttering.
I doubt if any man in public life has had so many honors thrust
upon him.
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