James R. Sheffield

Upon the one occasion when James R. Sheffield undertook a heavy public responsibility, as ambassador to Mexico in the difficult period from 1924 to 1927, he acquitted himself with ability and tact as all his friends knew he would. The left-wing tendencies of the Calles government had already initiated the difficulties over American property in Mexico which have today become acute. The post called for a diplomatic combination of courtesy and firmness. By every instinct Sheffield was courteous and dignified in manner, the complete gentleman under all circumstances. His training in the law through a long and varied practice gave him a confident mastery of every form of negotiation. Without being opinionated he was a hard fighter and could stand indefinitely on a right. In addition he was extraordinarily gifted as a public speaker, especially in a type of warm eloquence that he displayed at Yale Alumni Association dinners, in ceremonial addresses at the annual Lincoln’s Birthday dinners and as president of the Union League Club at its patriotic meetings. Viewed from whatever angle, therefore, Sheffield was ideally fitted for the Mexican post. His service was correspondingly able and right. If the situation prevented any meeting of the minds or even real progress toward an agreement, he, at least, maintained alike the status quo and the dignity of the United States.

It seems odd that, given this unusual equipment, Sheffield had so brief a contact with public life. Many of his best friends were in politics, from Theodore Roosevelt onward. He tried a taste of public life, as a matter of fact, earlier in his career—a year in the New York State Assembly in 1893 and as fire commissioner under Mayor [William Lafayette] Strong a few years later. He was, too, an active member of the Republican party, serving as a delegate to the National Conventions of 1916, 1920, and 1924. Public spirit he possessed in plenty. Among his many unselfish activities was his service as president of the board of trustees of Barnard College.

What public life lost the City of New York and a host of friends gained. He was unquestionably one of the first citizens of the community, not so much by reason of specific achievements as by virtue of his personality. He preferred the sidelines, in all probability, because he had no taste for striving after leadership or elbowing his way to the political stage. Fortunately, the result was admirable. Sheffield remained the calm and courteous friend that he was born to be; and seeking nothing, his influence in social, professional, and political life was pervasive and powerful.

Geoffrey Parsons
1938 Century Memorials