in 1890 to 1892 he was united states minister to russia, and during that period had charge of distributing among the russian famine sufferers five shiploads of food and other supplies, valued at an estimated $750,000. he was postmaster general in the cabinet of presidents mckinley and roosevelt from april, 1898 until january, 1902, and did much to develop the rural free delivery system. he died in philadelphia on january 19, 1908. he is buried at west laurel hill cemetery in bala cynwyd, river section, lot 726.