In March, 1871, he wiis instrumental in organizing the Young Men's State Republican Association, the object of which was to unite discordant elements and end the strifes which had impaired the usefulness of the party. This organization very naturally chose Mr. Seribner for its president, and having shown himself a competent and faithful leader, he was nominated by acclamation at the State Convention in Syracuse, in 1871, for Secretary of State, a nomination which was signally confirmed at the succeeding election by a majority of over twenty thousand. Soon after the close of the Legis-

HISTORY OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY.

lature of 1871 the representatives of the insurance, banking and other corporate interests of the State united in a complimentary tribute to Mr. Scribner for his intelligent, able and successful opposition to unjust legislation while a member of Assembly. The ceremony of the presentation of a service of silver plate took place in the chambers of the Board of Underwriters in New York, and an address engrossed on parchment, signed by and presented on behalf of the presidents of more than fifty of the monied institutions of New York, was not only a compliment to Mr. Scribner's character, but a certification that he had performed his public services in an acceptable manner.

Notwithstanding the engrossing cares of an active political and business life, he has never permitted his tastes for literature and art to become dull or enfeebled. Often organizingaud always connected with one or more literary circles, he has not suffered his love of learning to be stifled by the cares and responsibilities of his profession or the routine of daily labor. To him is due the credit of establishing the Bancroft Society of New Y^ork, and also " The Society o) Pundits," a literary circle, which for many years continued its meetings, and embraced in its membership some of the brightest men and women of the city which he had made his home.