Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-03-28
Correspondence of the Tribune.
Mr.. Webster's Eulogy ON Hon.
Isaac C. Bates.
Washington, March II

i was 10 speak.
| Mr. Webster then rose and addressed the
Senate in the following words
While we are Fastening to bring our session
to a close, melancholy event, the iorecoming
shadow of which, growing every hour deeper
and darker, has hung over US for some days, at
length arrests our attention. One Of our num-
Der is no more. Isaac CHAPMAN BATES, a
Senator from Massachusetts,, departed his life,
at his lodgings, in this city, yesterday al TWEEN
ty minutes past six O'Clock in the afternoon, in
the 66th year of his age. AT the moment
when we are about TO separate Tor our respect
| i've homes, TO meet the circles Of affection and
| friendship which are ready to welcome US, ii
has pleased Heaven that he should pass that
bourne whence no traveller returns.'
| M Bates had been undoubtedly much over
worked in the discharge of the duties of his sta
ton, during the late session of Congress. Al
ready fatigued and exhausted, he yet felt il 10
be his duty on one Of the last nights Of that
session, to make an effort which severely taxed
his remaining strength, and seemed to PROSTATE
his powers. He appeared in his seat for the
last time on the last day Of the last month.
Though then i'll, no such catastrophe as has
since happened, was at that time apprehended.
But after that day he did not leave his house
nor hardly his bed. His dangerous situation
soon became apparent, his family were sent
for, and his wife and son were shortly at his
bed side.
All that the highest degree OF Medical skill
could do, all that could be attempted by the
solicitude OF anxious friends, all that could be
suggested by conjugal and filial affection was
done to the utmost to save his life. But all
was ia vain. The will OF Heaven was other
wise. He had touched on his last hour. He
had reached the end Of his earthly career, and
his Maker called him to another world.
Mr. Bates was born at CRANKY in the State
of chuepffs and waq pdncatad ~ Xala
College. Adopting the Law as his profession
he prosecuted his studies for time under emf
nent Instructors, first at New Haven and after
wards with the late Judge Hinckey Of North
ampton.
His ability and learning, and his high and
honorable character soon led 10 professional
distinction and in due time placed him in the
ranks Of the most eminent lawyers and advo-
Gates on the part Of the country in which he
resided.
But the bar was not long his only sphere of
action. The confidence of the community in
his ability and fidelity and its appreciation of
his principles summoned him early into public
life. He rendered long and valuable services
in both branches Of The Legislature Of his state
and IFS Executive Council. But a large field
opened 10 him, and nearly twenty years ago he
became member Of the House Of Representa-
tives in Congress. In that body he remained
eight years, sustaining his character, through
the whole period, as a gentleman Of probity
and honor, OF department at once manly and
courteous, and as much distinguished for the
firmness with which he maintained his own o.
pinions and principles, as for the liberality
and candor which he always manifested to
those who differed from him.
His subsequent Election to the Senate
shows the sense which his native State enter
tanned Of the value o. his public services, and
her COnffIppea in hic fnrthar ,,oaf,1,a,c
or this body he was member for five years.
| may not now and here speak Of his political
principles or opinions, the measures he espous-
ed, or the measures which he opposed but
may speak ofhim, am sure, with the concur
renee of every one who hears me, as a gentle
man, Of uprightness and talent Of manly and
honorable bearing, worthy 10 fill seat here,
by his intelligence and character, his Just con-
ception Of the duties Of his situation, and his
conscientious devotion 10 the discharge of those
duties. Ia this chamber, am sure, he had
not an enemy. The morning salutations of all
OF US were given to no one with more hearty
good will. While his intelligence commanded
respect, his social virtues and his eminent kind
ness and good feeling won universal esteem.
The interest felt in him by his associates in this
body could in no way have been more strongly
manifested than by their daily and hourly and
most solicitous inquiries during the progress of
his illness ; and all feel that his decease has
left void in our circle, as men, and as Sena-
tors, not easy to by filled.
Mr. Bates was not over ambitions TO attract
attention as public debater. In that respect
he was far more distinguished for abstinence
and retirement than for obtrusiveness- He left
occasion to find him out and call him out
Yet he was an able speaker, and an eloquent
man. His thoughts were clear, his topics well
chosen and his illustrations often quite happy
and convincing. His manner was natural,
simple, earnest. These qualities rendered him
quite eminent and successful in addresses TO the
jury. To the hour of his death he had no SUI
peTior for such efforts among those with whom
he practised.
He spoke with so much manifest fairness of
purpose, dealt SO ingenuously with opposing
Arguments, and put so much OF his heart into
his acts and into his words, that those who lis
tened to hun were apt to find themselves per-
suaded and convinced, without once thinking
that there had been any exhibition of oratory
or rhetoric. II was his case which he put forth,
and not himself With no studied forms Of
speech, no artistcal preparation, he appealed at
once with singular feeling, TO the good sense
and the right feeling of those whom he address,
ed.
In this body, while not neglecliu of more
prominent and conspicuous subjects, he gave
steady attention to the duties Of the committee
on Pensions, of which he was Chairman. All
know that the application to particular cases of
the general principles which the Government
has adopted on these subjects, is difficult and
delicate in no uncomfortable degree. Careful
ly abstaining from going beyond established
rules, he spared no pains in the investigation of
cases in which parties appeared TO have claim
on the bounty Of the country, Many Revo-
lutionary' veteran yet lives 10 bless his memory
many an aged widow owes her daily bread
TO his benevolent, patient, and assiduous la
hor