Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-07-13

patriot who has been so suddenly summoned from the high
honors and responsibilities of the Chief Magsacy, which
ne had been called by his grateful countymen, to the pose
Of the grave.
The message was then read after which
Mr. CONRAD said Mr. Speaker in accordance with
wish expressed by many members have prepared resolution
adapted to the melancholy event which has just been
nounced and which purpose to oer the House. Before
doing so however, would do violence my feelings,
as representative of that State Of which the usous DE-
ceased was citizen, and the brightest ornament, if did
mol oer some remarks appropriate the melancholy
sion on which assembled. Seldom has
red which more snkngy illustrates the uncertainty of life and
the instability Of earthly greatness than the called
upon to deplore.
health On the fourth Of this month he attended some cee-
monies which took place of the anniversary
OF our national independence As the ceremonies occurred in
the open airs it believed the exposure to heat of I'M
usual Intensity produced the malady which, about half past
| ten last night, terminated his earthly career
great patriot has fallen great beneactor of his
Try has departed from among US In few hours nation
Will be plunged in mourning and the voice of lamentaton
will ascend from twenty millions Of people!
Il not my purpose, Mr. Speaker, dwell length, on
TINS OCCASION on The public career and the military achieve
ments OF General TAYLOR These belong to the history Of
mis- country and deeply engraven the memories and
1he hearts OF his countymen prefer to dwell those
minor traits OF his character which, they percep
ise influence on the denes of nations, often
looked by historians.
General TArLoRs one those characters Of which
history furnishes many conspicuous examples which many
defects concealed amid the dazzling splendor of single
virtue On the luminous disc Of his character no dark spots
are discenibe His biographe will have great foles to
conceal or faults to crimes palate condemn
There no dark passage in his life which Justice will be
called upon condemn morality reprove, or humanity
depore Like the finished production Of artist the details
OF the picture correct and beautiful the general
outline is grand and imposing.
His heroic courage and military genius those qualities
to which be chiefly indebted for his fame and yet those
who knew him best would consider them the prominent
attributes OF his character On the contrary, this courage
appeared only an adventou quality occasionally developed
by circumstances requiring its exercise His prominent char
acterstics, always manifest, unaffected modesy,
combined with extraordinary rmness of duty
and Of justice tempered and soened by spirit Of universal
benevoence, inexible integrity truthulness that
no dsmulaiion, sincerity and rankness which rendered
conceament or disguise absolutely unnecessary
These were the traits that endeared him his friends and
INSPIRED with confidence all who approached him. These
were the qualities which private life made him the upright
man. the valuable citizen, the devoted friend the aft conae
husband the nd fhev the kind and ndulgen MASTER and
which. brought INTO public @ made him the disinerested
patriot and the faithful and conscientious nconary His
martial courage set off and relieved by this group of
civic virtues, as the bancy Of the diamond is enhanced
the gem OF softer ray by which it is encrcled
The mass OF the people in all countries possess wonderful
sagac citing the prominent traits Of their distinguish
ed men, The American people inferior in this
quality and they discovered and appreciated the merits
OF General TAYLOR is not surprising, therefore, that they
called him. almost by acclama,on fill the first Office in
their gift
uctance IN accepting those honos which they have long
and ardeny sought that apt to consider all such pro-
LESSONS as indicating feelings the very of those they
express Those, however, who knew General TAYLOR WE'LL
entertained doubt of the entire sincerity Of his declarations
when be was called upon to be candidate for the office
President
The excitement OF politics had charm who had
always been extremely political controversy. The
pomp and spendor Of the Presidential mansion had temp
tatons for who always remarkable for the simplicity
his tastes and the ugay OF his habits Add to this that
him sincerely to distrut his ability discharge the duties
this high and responsible station.
AT period of our history indeed, was the Executive
chair surrounded by difficulties than those which
passed 1t when lie called occupy it. Party spirit
was still raging with unaba,d fury dark cloud visible
on the horzon which porended that of unusual vio
lence was approaching and would shortly bust forth Under
sucn circumstances, OF stouter heart than his E
might well hesitate before he consented embark this
:" sea of troubles " Yielding however, the public voice,
and to the arguments and persuasion OF his friends he did
embark The tempest arose and in the midst of its fury,
while the vessel of State tossed and fro, and all eyes
were turned with confidence not urmngcd with anxiety
the pilot who calm and Collected guided her course, that
pilot was suddenly swept from the helm !
Here let pause Let avail ourselves of the rnoer
ta calm which this sad event has Produced and calmly
the pes that surround ushe lowering heavens above
the raging pillows below the breakers right the shoals
on our left Let prepare these dangers like
aud like PATRIOTS 10 overcome them. Let despair of
the republic On the contrary, let determine that she
must saved, and she will be saved The clouds that
hang us VIII be dspered and the glorious stars Union
will again shine forth with their wonted splendor.
beg leave to submit the following resolutions
Whereas, it has pleased Divine Providence from
this life ZACHARY TAYLOR late President of the United States
the House OF Representatives sharing in the general
which this melancholy produce DESTROYS of
mani testing its sensibiIity the occasion Therefore
Reaotued, That committee consisting OF - members,
be appointed the part OF this House, meet such commit
be appointed the of the Senate consider
and report what be deemed adopt
order show the and affection of Congress for the
memory of the llurous deceased and to make the
sary aIrang for his funeral.
Resolved That this resolution be communicated to the Sc
nate.
Mr. WINTHROP rose to second the resolutions and
proceeded follows
It would not be easily excused Mr.. Speaker by those 81
whom represent in this Hail. if there Massachusetts
respond to the euogy which has been BY
Louisiana upon her iustrous and lamented Indeed
neither my rsona feelings my political relations to the
living to the dead, would permit altogether
silent this occasion. And yet, sir confess know not
how to say any thing satisfactory myself suitable to
the circumstances of the hour
The event which has Just been officially announced, has
COME upon us suddenly-has overwhelmed us with
mingled emotions of surprise and sadnesshat all ordinary
orns OF expression to lose their Significance and
would fan bow his head to the blow in slence until its
first shock has in some degree passed away. soh
Certainly, sir no one fail realize that most mo-
enous and yserious Providence has been manifested in
our midst AT moment when, than almost ever be-
history, the desnies Of country seemed all
human sight, to be nsepiably associated with the character
md conduct of its Chief Executive Magistrate that Magis
has been summoned from his post by the only messen
ger whose mandates he might rot have deed and has been