John Hay (1838–1905) was an American statesman and official whose career in government stretched over almost half a century. After graduation from Brown University in 1858, Hay read law in his uncle's office in Springfield, Illinois, adjacent to that of Abraham Lincoln. Hay worked for Lincoln's successful presidential campaign, and became his assistant private secretary. Through the American Civil War, Hay was close to Lincoln, and stood by his deathbed after Lincoln was shot at Ford's Theatre. In 1897, President William McKinley made him the ambassador to Britain. The following year, Hay became the U.S. secretary of state. He served almost seven years, first under McKinley before his assassination, and then under Theodore Roosevelt. Hay was responsible for the Open Door Policy in China. To clear the way for the building of the Panama Canal, he negotiated the 1901 Hay–Pauncefote Treaty with the United Kingdom, the 1903 Hay–Herrán Treaty with Colombia, and the 1903 Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty with Panama.
Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hay
_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:
1907:
New York City held its first annual ball drop event in Times Square as part of New Year's Eve celebrations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square_Ball
1909:
The Manhattan Bridge, connecting Lower Manhattan to Downtown Brooklyn and considered to be the forerunner of modern suspension bridges, opened to traffic. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_Bridge
1965:
Central African military officers led by Jean-Bédel Bokassa began a coup d'état against the government of President David Dacko. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Sylvestre_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat
_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:
Godspeed: 1. (literary) Used, especially at a parting, to express the wish that the outcome of the actions of a person (typically someone about to start a journey or a daring endeavour) is positive for them. 2. (uncountable) The wishing of someone a smooth journey, or success, especially at a parting; (countable) a statement expressing this. 3. (countable, figuratively) 4. (archaic) Chiefly in in the Godspeed of: the most important part of something, or point at which something happens; also, the last minute or last moment. 5. (originally Ireland) In back of Godspeed: a distant, remote, or unknown place. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Godspeed
___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:
A very strong military posture is vitally necessary today. How long it must continue I am not prepared to estimate, but I am sure that it is too narrow a basis on which to build a dependable, long-enduring peace. The guarantee for a long continued peace will depend on other factors in addition to a moderated military strength, and no less important. Perhaps the most important single factor will be a spiritual regeneration to develop goodwill, faith, and understanding among nations. Economic factors will undoubtedly play an important part. Agreements to secure a balance of power, however disagreeable they may seem, must likewise be considered. And with all these there must be wisdom and the will to act on that wisdom. --George C. Marshall https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/George_C._Marshall
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