The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-03
THE REPUB LIC.
The Death OF Mr.. Ein,ore.

Aaa an
M, RrrLKR rose and said Mr.. President, my
heart sinks under the melancholy duty which mis-
fortune and affiicton have imposed upon IL.
Within less than three years II has fallen TO my
lot 10 announce the deaths OF two colleagues OF the
other House; and il was but the other day that
communicated 10 the Senate the death of the la
mented Calhoun. We have scarcely Invested our
selves of the badges of mourning 10 his memory
before we are called on to replace them ON the
occasion of his successors DEATH whose place in the
Senate was but transit to common tomb.
Such is human existence! II is 80 a shadow that
lccth, and continueth not.
My friend and colleague, the late FRANKLIN
HARPER GILMORE, breathed his last at his lodgings
in this city last night, at halfpast o'clock. For
several years the state OF his health has been
source of solicitude and anxiety to his friends:
His mind had been tasked by many cares and
responsibilities and it thought that even
change Of excitement and employment would afford
him relief IL with reluctance that he accepted
the distinguished compliment implied in the APP
pointment that rendered him by the Governor of
South Carolina, to fill for time the vacancy in the
Senate occasioned by the death OF his ustrous pre-
decessor He took his seat in this body the 9th Of
this month, and for week or ten days the hearts OF
his family and friends were gladdened by the pros
poets and hopes of returning health. These de-
lusive hopes excited only TO made disappoint-
mcnt the more poignant and affective. A new
form of diseasc-a neuralgia that pcrvaded the
whole system--was as the hand of death upon him.
His suferngs were very great, and from the time
OF his attack were incessant. Ii is source OF con-
invasion of death. His physicians distinguished
for their skill and knowledge, gave his case UNI
common attention, and did all in their power TO
afford him relief 1t was his happiness to have
with him being-the nearest to him by all the ties
of this earth, the partner of his bosom and the
Their of his children--a devoted wife, who poured
out upon him all that afiectionatc heart could
bestow. These aleviations and sources of
soace in nm hour ofawfu trial; but they could not
arrest the demands of the inexorable messenger
In witnessing my friends exit from this earth.
hope have not had lesson without its mournful
instruction.
Mr. ELMoRE from the time he entered upon the
arena of life till his death, has acted ordinary
part in public affairs He has filled many employ
ments and trusts of honor and responsibility, and
the confidence of his fellow citizens to the last
an honorable commentary on the manner in which
he discharged these duties.
Mr. ELMoRE was native of Laurens district,
South Carolina, and died in the 5lst year of his
age. His father, General Elmore, was a native Of
Virginia, and active soldier of the revou
ton, serving under General Greene, in his cele-
brated southern campaign of ISL. His mother
was a Miss Saxon, name distinguished in the
partisan of the revolution. After passing
through the ordinary academica course, my friend
entered the South Carolina College in November,
1917, and graduated two years afterwards with
honor, and with reputation that at once presented
him to the favorable consideration of the public.
He read law in my office, in the town of Columbia
and in 1921 was admitted TO the bar
Such the impression that he had already
made society, that in the year 1922 the year al
ter his admission to practice, he had conferred on
him one of the highest honors Of his profession.
lie was elected solicitor Ga public prosecuting of
hcer) of the southern circuit--an office that in
volved high responsibility and important public
duties. His energy, industry, and ability soon
confirmed the sangune expectations of his friends.
He continued to be successfully elected TO this Of
flee until he called by his fellow citizens TO fill
new sphere Of action-and for which
have always thought him eminenty qualified
both from taste and ambition. He took his seat in
fI4aH fatna.. ~
q fill "A vacancy occasioned by the resignation of
General Hammond; he was again elected, and
served throughout the 18th Congress. During this
time he won high reputation for parliamentary
address and ability. The impression which lie
made on his colleagues and contemporaries was
such as to fiatter the pride and crafty the amb-
ton Of any public man.
In December, 1889, Mr.. ELMoRE was elected
President of the Bank of the State of South Caro-
lima. This was position of real difficulty that re-
CURED financial talents Of high order. Its labors
and responsibilities were great and almost over
wheiming My friend continued TO be elected to
this office until his late nomination to the Senate.
such testimonials of merit higher and more
abiding than verbal eulogy.
Shortly after Mr.. Polk came into office nc ten
dered 70 Col GILMORE the most distinguished mis-
sion In his gift, mission to the Court of st. James
His own modest distrust of his qualifications to
equal public expectation, well his duties and
obligations at home, induced him to decline the
honor. Mr.. Polk's opinion had been formed of Mr.
ELnoRE whilst they members of Congress
and was fiattering tribute TO his character
As public man, Col. ELMoRE showed great
gacity in his opinions of men. Whilst he was pru-
dent in taking his course he showed great tenacty
OF purpose, and exhibited uncommon perseverance
IN The attainment OF contemplated ends. His pr-
Vate relations presented his fife in view that his
friends may well love to look upon. His habits
were temperate, his department modest, and his
disposition amiable. As husband and father hc
loved and was loved with deep and tender affection.
Although this place would not seem 10 low of such
AN indulgence hope my friendship for their ven
cradle and venerated grandmothers family will
DE pardon Tor saying a word that may be Of
wee TO the bereaved children of the deceased friend
You have fathers example 10 guide you, and a
iather's reputation 10 preserve These with an
afiectionate mothers care, may incucate you
the virtues that will carry you through the temp
tations OF life 10 honor and respect. God grant
that friends remark may have beneficial fnfiu-
ence on your future destiny
Mr.. HUNTER ] cannot permit the occasion 10
pass without Offering my tribute Of respect TO the
memory of the dead /, too, knew him, and knew
him as a friend. We entered Congress together,
and Tor the first time, had supposed in 1897,
when there was, perhaps, more bitterness in
party divisions than ] have known before or
since ] have counseled with him, have acted
with him, and can truly say that I found him
wise IN COUNSEL firm and energetic in action
have seen him under CIRCUMSTANCES and ex-
posed TO trials whch tcst most severely the quail.
Ties oil the head and the heart; and under all cir
cumstances, and in all emergencies, he 80 bore
himself as 10 win the confidence Of friends and the
respect OF adversarics. say adversaries because,
u he had an enemy, did not know or see him.
His was the high capacity and rare excellence Of
pursuing his own ends with ability and firmness
but IN a manner kindly, 40 gentle and PERSIA
slve as TO dsarm political opposition Of all personal
bitterness.
Mr.. President, speak not in the extravaganza of
eulogy, but from observation and experience when
say that his was indeed rare aud beautiful char
acter, in which the stronger and gentler elements
were mingled in the happiest proportions. He
could command your confidence by the means
which won your love. When heard he was TO be
sent 70 this place. Mr.. President there was no man
who rejoiced more in the prospect Of his coming
than myself. thought he was the very man to be
useiul In the troubled scene upon which he was
about TO enter. HE wisdom, his frmness, his
known moderation and patriotism, all fitted him
ior the time aud the place, and anticipated with
pleasure The display Of his powers here in all the
iuincss OF Their maturity had heard that he was
SICK but did not know that the hand Of death was
upon him, and had hoped that change of scene
ana circumstances would restore him. and that
long and useful years were before him Alas. sir
how delusivc was that hope; and indeed. OF how
many human hopes may not the same be said (,
The hopes-nay,
"Tbe glories Of our mortal state
Are shadows, not substantial thinps
Yea air the Iiobt of that eve IL c,cnclol -.