Arkansas intelligencer., 1848-05-27

courts involving the titles 10 land and personal
violence among border population. In attend
ing to these cases, of which, on account OF his
high intelligence and untirng industry, he soon
obtained large proportion, he frequently
required TO traverse, as his circuit, the whole coun
try which now forms the State of Arkansas. and
portions of that included in Missouri. Even for
one who participated in them, it would be difficult
to depict the scenes incident to professional life.
in times and under circumstances when the law
was administered almost without books-the
courts OTTER held in the open air-the leathorn
thong serving the place of prison walls, and the
ready rifle that of the jaor's key. Then the
land had no road.-the streams no bridges-the
country, for many miles between certain points
of settlement, was unmarked by human habita-
tions. Through all this, the course of the young
lawyer was onward and upward--uud ismaved
unchecked by difficulties, which seemed, indeed
but 10 excite to still greater activity the Strong en-
ergies Of his nature. Storing his mind from books
whenever the means were within his reach he
was ever improving his powers by those eyerci-
ses among men, and in the practical affairs Of jfe
which qualify the man of business to be useful 10
his fellows, while giving due attention to MS own
interests. But it is not necessary that should
follow up in detail the steps Of him would repre-
sent. 1t is of rnsuIts. and not the particular
means of their accomplishment, have to speak.
And if the results attained by my deceased col.
League may be the measure of his worth. then,
in the success of his exertions. he has established
Il reputation for wisdom and sagacI,y which might
satisfy. the ambition Of any man. Devoting him.
self assduously TO the business Of his profession.
he suffered not the contagious example Of poiIti-
cal aspiring to lure him from the high and holy
purpose of making provision for the wants and
comforts of the interesting family he gather
ing around him. Until the frosts Of more than
fifty winters had beached his locks we find him
in the walks of private life, with unnnching in
dustry and unabating vgor, raising upon tho foun-
dations he had already laid the superstruclure Of
>aflluence for his children. lie was at length sue
cessful; and as if Proyidence-ever propitous TO
those who are laborious in useful pursuits-had
been watching his career, so soon as he had COM
pleted the provision for his own household. a sta
ton of high public trust-the station no held in
this chamber--was presented to his acceptance.
Although he had long enjoyed high character
for ability. and ever felt deep interest in the
public welfare. it was not until the month of
April, 1874 that he entered actively into the po-
htcal movements Of the couatry. At that time,
Il warm party contest was commencing. and his
talents were called into the service upon the dem
ocratc electoral ticket Of Arkansas. Well and
noblv did he Justify the confidence and fulfil the
il.-
With an activity rarely witnessed in one of his
years, he traversed the whole State. through the
heats and rains of summer; with zeal and power
he advocated the principles, and urged upon the
people the measures of his political faith; and
while all confessed his fidelity and efficiency
in .Ae cause he espoused even those who most
suffered from the blows he dealt so fast and forci-
bly,, were the last to be offended at the manner of
their infection. He accomplished one achiev-
ment in that canvass, which stands unparalleled |
apprehecd, in the annals ofpolitical controversy.
He actually converted from the ''crror of his way
one of the electors on the opposing party ticket
caused him to withdraw from the conlcst-aud
enjoyed the satisiactisn of knowing that, in the
autumn election, he voted for the democratic cleo
tors. From this. some idea NAV be formed of the
character of his services. Er peae Herculem! la
the month of August of that year. the excellent
the estimable Fulton died. Almost all eyes were
at once turned 10 The accomplished eleclor as his
successor.
So, whom the General Assembly Of the State
convened in November, the popular expectation
was realized, and Col. ASHLEY was elected to
seat in this body to fill the unexpired term, with
out any regular opposition, aud by an almost
unanimous vote. In 1876 he was reelected to
the same high station for six years from the 4h
day of last March. From these demonstrations
tu SStlllUtG uc Ol llit piCO nc CtCU-
pied in the hearts of his people-of the standing
he had at home-in the Territory Of which he
had been among the earliest poneers-in the
State he had helped TO found, and with whose
growth he had grown, and with whose strength
he had streng thened. OF his standing and his
reputation here, am not competent to speak from
personal observation. To those whom address,
ho was better known. But if | may Judge from
the distinguished position you assigned him, even
as new member, in the business of this body,
it is certain that he fully sustained the reputation
for ability with which he came here. And from
those indications which never deceive. for they
of the heart. abundanty furnished by the
anxious throng Of his brother senators about his
death bed-by the quyerng lips and fearful eyes
of hosts of frlends-by the touching soemnity of
his chambcr-l gather testimonials to his hearts
goodness-laures for the crown Of his private
worth, of far more real valne than those which
may be commanded by the brightest corruscatons
OF mere intelect--far moro enduring than :" the
bubble reputation snaiched from the cannon s
mouth.
III to be great man must perform with ability
his public trusts so, 10 be good, he must sustain
worthily his private relations. In my opinion,
no can be wholly unhappy who is surround
ed with amiable family; he be other
wise than good, if he devote himself with fidelity
to the happiness of that family. | am aware,
sir. that am approaching sacred subject--fuer
for discussion in narrower and less public walls