Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-07-25

RenarDk> OF Mr.. Conrad Of Len.
On he DeoM Of Presideni T'ayIor.

| On he Denfh Of President 1ayeer.
/ M. CorRAp said: Mr. Speaker, in accordance
with wish expressed By many members, hsvt
prepared resolution adapted to the melancholy
/ event which has Just been announced, and which
| I purpose 10 offer to the House. Before doing
90, however l would do violence to my own fee.
Ilings, a. representative of that State OF which
the ijIusrrious deceased was citizen, and the
brightest ornament, if did not offer some re-
marks appropriate to the melancholy occasion on
which we are assembled. Seldom has an event
occurred which more strikingly illustrates the
uncertainty Of life ard the instability Of earthly
greatness thar the one we are called upon to
deplore.
A few days ago General Taylor was in mis-
usual robust health. On the fourth of this
month lie attended some ceremonies which look
place in commemoratIon Of the anniversary Of
our nntional Independence. As tie ceremonies
occurred in the open cir, it il believed that the
exposure to heat Of unusual intensity produced
the malady which, At about halt past ten last
night, terminated his earthly career.
A great patriot has fallen! great benefac-
tor Of his country has departed from among US /!
In few hours nation will be plunged in
mourning, and the voice Of Iamentation will as
cend from twenty millions Of people,!
1t is not my purpose, Mr.. Speaker, TO dwell at
length on this occasion, on the public career and
the military achievements of General Taylor
These belong to the history Of his country, and
are deeply engraven on tine memories and the
hearts OF his countrymen. prefer to dwell on
those minor traits OF his character, which, az
they exert less perceptible influence on the
destinies Of nations, are too often overlooked by
historians.
Gen. Taylor's wss not one of those characters
of which history furnishes many conspicuous ex-
am2les, in which many defects are concealed,
amid the dazzling spendor of a single virtue
On the luminous disc of his characte. no dark
spots are discernable. His biographer will have
great iolies TO conceal or faults to excuse, or
crimes to palliste or condemn. There is no dark
passage IN his life which justice will be called
upon 10 conoemn or morality to reprove, or hu-
mainly to deplore. Like the finished production
Of an artist, The details of the picture are 40
correct and as beautiful as the general outline is
grand and imposing.
HIS heroic courage and military genius are
those qualities to which he is chiefly indebted
for his fame; and yet those who knew him best
would not consider them the prominent attributes
of his character. On the contrary, this courage
appeared only an adventi;ious quality, OCCASION
ally developed by circumstances requiring its
exercise. HIS prominen, characteristics, always
manifest, were an unaffected modesty, combined
with extraordinary firmness, a stern sense of du-
~, and OF justice tempered and sofiened by q
spirit OF universal benevoence, an inhexible in
iegrity, uuthfulness that knew no dissmula-
tion. sincerity and frankness which rendered
concealnent or disguise absolutely unnecessary.
These were the traits that endeared him 10 his
friends, ard inspired with confidence all who ap-
preached HIM. These were the qualities which
IN private life made him the UPRIGHT man, the
sr-.lsr Mo. A.
tomato husband, the fond father, the kind and
indulgent master, and which, brought into public
life, made him the dIsinteres,ed patriot and the
faithful and conscientious functionary. His
martial courage was set of and relieved By this
group of civic virtues, as the briIliancy Of the
diamond is enhanced by the gems of softer ray
by which it is encircled.
The mass OF the people in all countries pos
sess wonderful sagaci;y in detecting the prom
inent trails of their distinguished men. The
American people are inferior to none in this
quality and they soon discovered and spprecl-
ated the merits Of General Taylor 1t is not
surprising therefore, that they called him., almost
by acclamation, 10 fill the FIST Office in their
gift.
II is so common for the most ambitious men to
effect reluctance in accepting these very hon.
ors which they have long and ardentIy sought.
that we are apt to consider all such professions
as indicating feelings the very reverse Of those
they express. Those, however, who knew Gen.
eral Taylor well, entertained no doubt of the
entire sincerity oil his declarations when he was
called upon to be candidate for the Office of
President.
The excitement of politics had no charm for
one who had always been extremely averse to
political controversy. The pomp and splendor
Of the Presidential mansion had no Temptations
for one who was always remarkable for the sim
picHy of his tastes and the frugality Of his hab-
Its. Add to this, that his unaffected modesty
and inexperience in public affairs led him sim
cereiy to ds'rust his ability 10 discharge the du.
ties OF this high and responsible station.
AT no period Of our history, indeed, was the
Executive chair surrounded by more difficulties
than those which encompasse6 it when he was
called on to occupy it Party spirit was still ra-
g'ng with undated fury; a dark cloud was Wis.,
'ble on the horizon, which portended that storm
OF unusual violence was approaching, and would
shortly burst forth. Under such circumstances.
a man even of stouter heart than his might we'll
hesitate before he consented to embark on this
sea Of troubles" Yielding, however, to the
public voice, and to the arguments and persua-
sion of his friends, he did embark The tenn
pest arose ; and in the midst OF its fury, while
the vessel OF State was tossed to and fro, and all
- - "S'S '"ihcu Will CouuueuCc not unnlng-
led with anxiety on the pilot, who, calm and
collected, guided her course, that pilo, was sud-
denly swept from the helm!
Here let US pause! Let us avail ourselves of
the momentary calm which this sad event has
produced, and calmly survey the perlls that sur
round us-the lowering heavens above, the ra-
gang pillows below, the breakers on our right.
the shoals on our left. Let Us prepare to meet
these dangers like men, and like patriots to over.
come them. Let us not despair Of the republic.
On the contrary, let us determine that she must
be saved, and she will be saved. The clouds
that overhang US will be dispersed, and the plo-
rious stars OF our Union will again shine torrh
with their wonted splendor.
Mr. Conrad concluded by moving a resolu-
ton tor the appointment Of a JOINT Committee of
the Senate and House Of Representatives to re-
port the measures to be adopted in showing the
respect and Affections OF Congress for the memo
~ OF the deceased, aud TO make arrangements
for the funeral.
Remarks Of Mr.. winthrop Of Mass.
Mr.. WINTHROP rose to second the resolutions.
and proceeded as follows:
1t would not be easily excused, Mr. Speaker,
BY those whom represent in this Hall, If there
were no Massachusetts voice 70 respond IN the