The Arkansas advocate., 1836-07-01


 great and good minds in the pursuits of agri- cuIturer. We pretend not to divine the phl- iosophy of 1t, or to determine as has often been contended. why it is that patriotism exs ists, in so much more elevated and fervent devotion, in the retirement of the farm, than in the busy throng of crowded cities Wheth CT the fact be so or not, certain 1t is that tho noblest instances of sterling patriotism ard high souled principle that have ever figured in the drama of human actions, have been found among those most devoted to agricul tural pursuits. Hypocricy and intrigue, which are the elements of contracted minds, have nought to do in the retirement of the farm but far removed from the long cata- logue of human frailties and vices, with which they are so painfully eonversant in public life, the good and the great are grati- fled with the view of the brighter side of lu- manity, and have there to deal with charac ters and actions more congenial with the simplicity and greatness of their own na lures. Like Jefferson, and Washington, and Madison, and Jackson, Judge White could be induced to leave his farm only when duty :, which was the supreme law of his nature, d9- handed; and when that was performed, he left the rivalries and commotiens of public life, without regret, to those whose bus- ness 1t was to foster them.
 About this time judge W hite was appoint ed District Attorney for the United States, which station he soon resigned. In 1907 he was elected Senator to the State Legisla ture. While nielfiber of this body, he per- formed many importaf1t services to Tennes- see, and was the author of our system of land law, for which, Tennesseans whorecolect the frauds and controversies of the old system, will ever be grateful. The speech in which he advocated the measure, was one of the first which he made ds a politician, and was said to have been one of unusual power and cogency. In 1909, the Judiciary of Ten nessee was reorganized and a Supreme Court instituted. In this highest appellate tribunal, he was appointed to preside, al- though he was not a candidate, and was ab- sent from the seat of government two hun- dred miles, when the Legislature conferred the appointment. He held this office for six years, during which time he was associated with such men .ds John Overton and G. w. Cambell, and from his faithfulness and abil ity, acquired the utmost respect and popu larity from the people, by whose delegated authority he had been appointed. Previous to his resignation in 1915, he was elected President of the State Bank. Under his auspices the institution hourished in high degree, and acquired much character for the prudence and ability of it's administration, and the stability of It's operations. It obtain ed standing in the west equally honorable to the State and beneficial to it's financial con cerns. He continued twelve years at the head of this institution: including the peri. cd of the late war-a period which will be long remembered in the political history of the United States for fiscal distrust, confu sion and difficulty, and which, but for tlie en- ergies of one. man, would have rendered bank rupt the credit of the whole nation.
 But while engaged in the double duties Of Judge and President of the Bank, he did not forget his country. During the darkest pe- riod of the Creek campaign, when General Jackson was surrounded with difficulties, such as would have crushed any other man, his brave men contending not only with saw ages, but with famine and want, and sustain ing life on roots and acorns, Hugh l.. White left the bench, and with single companion, the Hon. Luke Lea, started for the wilder ness, hired an Indian guide. and after sever al days and nights of perilous adventure, found the Generals encampment. He told the old veteran, that having heard of hls diff faculties, he had left his business, and came to share his tolls and dangers. It was deter mined, after some consultation, that the Judge should return, through the wilderness to Tennessee, and exert his influence in ras. ing volunteers, and procuring provisions for the distressed and furnishing army. While absent, on this expedition he missed seve- fal terms of this court, and by the laws of Tennessee, the Judges were only paid in pro- portion to duty performed. The Legislature, in consideration of the great services he had rendered Gen. Jackson, passed an order, that there should be no deduction of his sal. ary. But, with characteristic magnanimlty, he declined the offer, and would receive . more than that for which he rendered actual service. He said that his country was in distress, that the aid he had rendered, was without the hope of reward, and that he would receive none.
 In 1917, Hugh l.. White was again elect ed Senator, by majority approaching una nimity, and served with accustomed dstlnc. ton, the period for which he had been elect ed.
 But the abilities of Hugh l.. White were too distinguished, and too well appreciated by his countrymen, to be confined within the limits of single State. He was appointed, in 1920, by President. Monroe, one of the Commissioners under the Spanish Treaty, in conjunction with Ltteton w. Tazcwell and Gov. King. Previous to this time, his at tention had been confined, chiefly, to the laws affecting individual rights, and private pro- perty. The rights and laws of nations had little connexion with the administration of justice, in an interior State. But as the sphere of his operations was widened, he was found to possess mental resources cor. responding to the increased demand. With such success did he apply himself to the de- tails of Commercial Maritime, and Jnterna-