It has been naïvely said that no “man is a gentleman to his valet,” but the testimonies here quoted are from men of long and most intimate acquaintance, and might be multiplied by hundreds of those who were once in his employ as well as by those still connected with the great System over which Mr. Plant presides. Careful scrutiny and good judgment have characterized all Mr. Plant’s dealings with his fellow-men, but crooked ways and mean advantage never. He has rendered to his generation an invaluable service in that he has demonstrated to it that honesty is the best _principle_ and the surest way to the greatest success. And he has done this in departments of commerce proverbial for their unjust and unfair methods of dealing. He has a wonderful amount of unconscious power which moulds those who come within its influence. Hence his associates have remained long with him even when tempted by other positions. The following extracts from a letter of ex-Governor R. B. Bullock will be found of interest in this connection. “REV. Dr. GEO. H. SMYTH. “Reverend and Dear Sir:-- “Replying now to your esteemed favor of March 17th, would say that Mr. Henry B. Plant came to this city in 1854, representing the Adams and other express interests, which were then being extended through this section of the country; and he continued to make this city his headquarters in that connection until ’69 or ’70, when he made his home in New York. There are no ‘incidents’ within my knowledge connected with Mr. Plant’s life here, which would be of special interest to incorporate in a biography. He developed then the same persistent, conservative and industrious perseverance in planning for and directing the interests in his charge, which have since developed into the important and widespread interests over which he now presides. “Naturally, in the development and establishment of the business in his hands in those early days, it became necessary for him to select proper men to fill the various positions connected therewith and it is a notable fact, by experience shown, that the selections so made by him, were wise and judicious, and one of the marked features of his executive action has been the kindly exercise of unlimited and undisputed authority. There is no recollection of his having displayed impatience or irritable temper, even under very vexatious circumstances. His manner was always friendly, frank and appreciative, so that the disposition of the men subject to his control, was always found to be actuated by a desire to accomplish all that was possible for the interest of the institution over which Mr. Plant presided, sufficiently encouraged and cheered by the hope of his approbation. So close an eye did he keep upon the services rendered by the most insignificant employee, that no service well rendered failed to receive his personal endorsement and approval.