"Mr. Cyrus Field was at one time almost as well known in London as in New York. The tributes now paid him show that he was not forgotten in the later years of his life, and that such misfortunes as befell him did not shake his hold on his English friendships. Of these he had a considerable number among the most eminent men in England. Mr. Gladstone was one, Mr. Bright and the Duke of Argyll were two others. These relations lasted for many years. They lasted in Mr. Bright's case till his death, and there was between him and Mr. Field something which might be called affection. The great orator spoke of the great American in terms which he did not bestow lavishly, and never bestowed carelessly. His respect for Mr. Field's public work was sufficiently shown in the splendid eulogy he passed upon him. To be called by such a man as Mr. Bright the Columbus of the nineteenth century is renown enough for any man. The epithet is imperishable. It is, as Thackeray said of a similar tribute to Fielding in Gibbon, like having your name written on the dome of St. Peter's. The world knows it, and the world remembers. I heard Mr. Bright use the phrase, and he adorned and emphasized it in his noblest tones. He had, indeed, a deep regard for great service done to the public, and for the doer of it, and he did not stint his acknowledgments. He was great enough to be willing to acknowledge greatness in others. Mr. Cyrus Field, for his part, returned the good-will shown him with fulness. He took a great pleasure in such friendships as these I have named. To secure Mr. Bright as a speaker at one of his dinners was a delight to him; and Mr. Bright made at least one of his most admirable speeches on such an occasion.... Even those who thought Mr. Cyrus Field somewhat masterful in business matters could not overcome their liking for the man. I have in mind one or two men, famous in telegraphy, who resented very strongly Mr. Field's handling of certain matters, and said strong things about it. I do not know whether he was right or whether they were right, nor does it matter. The point is that these very men remained attached to him, and were among his friends to the last in England. The secret of his power of winning over men might be difficult to define. Whatever it was, he possessed it in no ordinary degree. He had an affectionate and persuasive manner. No doubt, I think, ever crossed his mind that his aim, whatever it might be, was a right one. This conviction, arising in his own breast, he was able to impart to others. That is not an explanation of the mystery, it is only another way of stating it.