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Rh senate, delivered in 1898, on the right of the United States to acquire and govern territory. These public recognitions of his carefulness and integrity as a legislator, with his knowledge of political questions and the poise of his judgment—gave to Senator Piatt a distinction of character and career that are exceptional even in the foremost rank of public men.

Without aiming at graces of manner, despising the arts and artifices of a "captivating personality" and somewhat lacking in oratorical eloquence, he was yet a clear and forceful speaker, whose style was finished and whose arguments were always logical. In manner, he was quiet and unostentatious. He had many friends and he deserved them; and he may be said to have had no personal enemies. He was a man of moderate means, who never sought wealth through the advantages of his position; and no breath of scandal ever touched him. In his home town he was prominently identified with religious and philanthropic work, and was never known to turn aside from those who were in need or in trouble. These sturdy virtues of more worth than superficial brilliancy, won for him the highest respect, implicit trust and deep affection. In 1887, Yale university conferred upon him the honorary degree of LL.D.

Senator Piatt was twice married: First, on May 15, 1850, to Annie B. daughter of James P. and Ann Bull, of Towanda, Pennsylvania, who died November 17, 1894; second, on April 29, 1897, to Jeannie P. Hoyt, widow of George A. Hoyt, of Stamford, Connecticut, a daughter of Truman Smith, former United States senator.