When in 1907 friends came and asked me to accept the presidency of the Peace Society of New York, which they had determined to organize, I declined, alleging that I was kept very busy with many affairs, which was true; but my conscience troubled me afterwards for declining.  If I were not willing to sacrifice myself for the cause of peace what should I sacrifice for?  What was I good for?  Fortunately, in a few days, the Reverend Lyman Abbott, the Reverend Mr. Lynch, and some other notable laborers for good causes called to urge my reconsideration.  I divined their errand and frankly told them they need not speak.  My conscience had been tormenting me for declining and I would accept the presidency and do my duty.  After that came the great national gathering (the following April) when for the first time in the history of Peace Society meetings, there attended delegates from thirty-five of the states of the Union, besides many foreigners of distinction.[58]

[Footnote 58:  Mr. Carnegie does not mention the fact that in December, 1910, he gave to a board of trustees $10,000,000, the revenue of which was to be administered for “the abolition of international war, the foulest blot upon our civilization.”  This is known as the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.  The Honorable Elihu Root is president of the board of trustees.]

My first decoration then came unexpectedly.  The French Government had made me Knight Commander of the Legion of Honor, and at the Peace Banquet in New York, over which I presided, Baron d’Estournelles de Constant appeared upon the stage and in a compelling speech invested me with the regalia amid the cheers of the company.  It was a great honor, indeed, and appreciated by me because given for my services to the cause of International Peace.  Such honors humble, they do not exalt; so let them come.[59] They serve also to remind me that I must strive harder than ever, and watch every act and word more closely, that I may reach just a little nearer the standard the givers—­deluded souls—­mistakenly assume in their speeches, that I have already attained.

[Footnote 59:  Mr. Carnegie received also the Grand Cross Order of Orange-Nassau from Holland, the Grand Cross Order of Danebrog from Denmark, a gold medal from twenty-one American Republics and had doctors’ degrees from innumerable universities and colleges.  He was also a member of many institutes, learned societies and clubs—­over 190 in number.]

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No gift I have made or can ever make can possibly approach that of Pittencrieff Glen, Dunfermline.  It is saturated with childish sentiment—­all of the purest and sweetest.  I must tell that story: