The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1850-07-18

In the Senate on the death ofGeneral Tay-
lor, July 10th 1850.
Again, during the present session, has a
warning voice ceme from the tomb, saying
to all of us ssBe ye also ready Two Of our
colleagues have fallen in the midst Of their
labor, and we have followed them 10 the
narrow house where all must lie. In life
we are in DEATH
This lesson, which accompanies us from
the cradle 10 the grave, is among those mer.
ciful dispensatiqns q Providence which
teach us how trahd se the things around
us, and how soon they must be abandoned
for an existence with. no hope but that
which is held out by the gospel of our Savi-
our. And now another solemn warning is
heard, and this time il will carry mourning
to the hearts of twenty millions of people.
Impressively has it been said and repeated
''that great man has fallen in our Israel"
In the Providence Of God, the Chief Mag
istrate ofthe Republic, to whom his fellow
citizens had confded the high executive du-
ties Of the country, has been suddenly taken
from us, ripe, indeed, in years and in hon.
ors,, and but the other day in the full poss-
ession ofwealth, and with the promise of
years of faithful and patriotic services before
him. The statesman occupying as proud a
position as this world offers to human hopes,
has been struck down in crisis which de-
manded all his firuzness and wisdom-The
conqueror upon many battle field has
fought his last fight sad been vanquished-
the soldier who had passed unframed
through many bloody fray, has fallen be-
fore the shalt of the great destroyer. How
truly we all-the mighty and iowly-des-
cend to the tomb together, and together are
covered with the cold clod of the valley, and
thus pass away the honors and the cares Of
life.
The moment is too solemn and impressive
for labored addresses-thoughts, not words,
are the tribute it demands History will do
justice to the deceased patriot. He will live
in the memory of his countrymen, as he
lived in their hearts and affections His ac-
tive life was spent in ihsi.,. service. and in
aiose scenes Ct peril and exertions, and of
exposure, which is the lot Of the American
soldier 10 meet, and which he meets without
murmur. Faithful to his duty, lead him
where it may-in life Or in death-hls splen-
did military exploits have placed him a.
mong the great captains of the age, and will
be an imperishable monument of his own
name, and the glory ofhis country. They
carry us back for similar examples of des-
perate struggles to the early ages of the
worlG-to the combats which history has re-
corded, and which in eqality of numbers
yielded to the exertions of skill and valor.
But need not recur to them. Are they
not written in burning characters upon the
heart of every American, strong in the con-
fidence of his countrymens
He was called to the Chief Magistracy at
period of great difficulty, more portentous
indeed than any we have ever experienced
and now he has been called by providence
from his high functions, with his mission un-
fulfilled, leaving US to mourn his loss and
honor his memory yis own words, spoken
with equal truth and sincerity, constitute his
highest eulogy "I am not afraid to de-"
said the dying patriot, II have done my du-
ty," The integrity of his motives was nei-
,her assailed or assailable. He had hoped
through life, long and active one, neither
meriting nor meeting reproach. and in his
last hour, this conviction ofthe honest dis
charge of his duty was present TO console
him, even when the things ofthis life were
fast fading away.
Let us only hope that this afflictiLg dis.
pensation of Providence may not be without
its salutary influence upon the American
people, and upon the Representatives. 1t
comes in the midst of a stormy agitation,
threatening the most disastrous consequent
ces to our country, and to the great cause of
selfgovemment through the world, 1t is
solemn appeal, s>4~,sAould be solemnly
heard and needed His death-whose loss
we mourn--will not be in vain, if it tends to
subdue the feelings that have been excited,
and to prepare the various sections of our
country for mutual spirit of forbearance,
which shall insure the safety of all, by the
Jealous cooperation ofall. We could offer
no more appropriate and durable tribnte to
departed worth than such a sacrifice ol con-
flictirg views, upon the altar of our common
country. In life and il death he would e.
qually have devoted himself to her service
and her safety.
MR. KIsc--Mr Secretary, it is not my de-
sign, after the eloquent tributes that have
been paid TO the memory of the deceased
President of the United States, 10 add but
few words to what has already fallen from
the honorable gentleman 1t was my for
tune to have been personally and Intimately
acquainted with the distinguished individual
who has been called away from among us,
| for more than five and thirty years past. My
laions with him during that period were
q character as enabled me to form,
| / think, a correct estimate of the man, and
to appreciate, as did, most highly, his man
~ estimabie qualities; and | can say:hat in
all the relations oflife, he so bore himself as
| 10 command The respect Of his acquaintance,