Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1850-08-02

than almost ever before in our history
the dcstinies of our country seemed, tc
all human sight, to be inseparably asso
ciated with the character and conduct o
its Chief Executive Magistrate, tha
Magistrate has been summoned from his
post, by the only messenger whose man
dates he might not have deied, and has
been Withdrawn forever from the sphere
of human existence!
There are those of US, ne ed not say
sir, who had looked to him with affection
and reverence as our chosen leader and
guide in the difficulties and perplexities
by which we are surrounded. There
are those of us who had relied confident.
ly on him, as upon no other man, TO up
hold the Constitution and maintain the
Union of the country in that future, up.
on which "clouds and darkness" may
well be said to rest. And, as we now
behold him, borne away by the hand oi
God from our sight. in the very hour OF
peril, we can hardly repress the excla-
nation, which was applied to the depar-
ting prophet of old: "My father, my
father! the chariot of Israel and the
horsemen thereof"
Let me not even seem to imply, how
ever, that tie death of Gen. Taylor is
anything less than national loss. -.
There may be, and we know there is, in
this event, privileged and pre-emineni
grief for his immediate family and rela-
tives, to which we can only offer the as
surance of our heartfelt sympathy
There is, too, peculiar sorrow for his
political friends and supporters. which
we would not affect to conceal. But
the whole people of the United States
will feel, and will bear witness, when
they receive these melancholy tidings,
that they have all been called to sustain
most affecting national breavment.
| hazard nothing, sir. in saving, that
the roll Of our Chief Magistrates, since
1889, illustrious as it is, presents the
name of no man who has enjoyed a
higher reputation with his centempora-
ries, or who will enjoy higher reputa.
ton with pos,erity, than Zachary Fay
lor. for some of the best and noblest
4
His indomitable courage, his unim-
peachahle honesty, his Spartan simplic-
ty and sagacity, his frankness, kindness,
moderation and magnanimity, his fidelity
to his friends. his generosity and humani
ty to his enemies, the purity of his pri-
vate life, the patriotism Of his public
principles, will never cease TO be cher.
ished in the greatful remembrance of all
just men and all true-hearted Americans.
AS a Soldier and General, his fame is
associated with some OF the proudest
and most thrilling scenes of our military
history. He may be literally said to
have conquered every enemy lie has met,
save only that last enemy 10 which we
must all, in turn. surrender.
As Civilian and Statesman, during
the brief period in which he has been
permitted to enjoy the transcendent hon
ors which grcatiul country had awarded
him, he has given proof of devotion
10 duty, of an attachment to the Consti-
tuition and the Union, Of patriotic de-
termination TO maintain the Peace of oul
country, which no trials or temptations
could shake. He has borne his difficulties
meekly, but firmly. He has been "cleal
in his great Office" He has known no
local partialities or prejudicies, but has
/ proved himself capable of embracing his
whole country in the comprehensive af.
feciions and regards of a large and gen
erous heart.
j But he has fallen almost at the thres-
hold Of his civil career, and at moment
when some of US were looking 10 him to
render services to the country which we
had thought no other man could perform.
Certainly. sir, he has died too soon for
every body but himself. We can hardly
find it in our hearts TO repine that the good
old man has gone to his rest. We would
not disturb the repose in which the
brave old soldier sleeps. His part in
life had been long and faithfully perform.
ed. In his own last words, ..he had al
ways done his duty, and he was not a.
fraid 10 die." Blu, our regrets for our
selves and for our country are deep,
strong, and unfeigned.
Sir, it was fit and beautiful circum-
stance in the close of such career, thai
his last official appearance was at the
celebration of the birthday of our Nation.
al independence, and, more especialy y
that his last public act was an act o
homage to the memory of HIM whose
example he had ever revered and fol
lowed, and who, as he himself so wei
said, "was, by SO many titles, the Father
of his Country"
And now, Mr.. Speaker, let us hope
that this event may teach us all how
vain is our reliance upon any arm o
flesh. Let us hope that it may i'm
press us with solemn sense Of oul
National as well as individual depen
dence on higher than human Power
Let us remember that s'lhe Lord is king
be the people never SO impatient; that hi
sitteth between the cherubim, be tht
earth never SO unquiet." Let Us, ii
language which is now hallowed to US all
as having been the closing and cfownine
sentiment of the brief but admirabl.
Inaugural Address with which this illus
trious Patriot opened his Presidentia
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