Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-06-12
senator Whitcomb.

The Hon James swhtcomb who has been spending
few days here and at his farm Clinton, left for lndl
annapolis on Saturday last He appeared to I've in better
health than he has enjoyed for several years past We
happy to learn that Senator Whtcomb contempates
an early return 10 Terre Haue his permanent resi-
dence.
The career of Senator Whitcomb furnishes striking
commentary upon the happy influence Of our republican,
Institutions Born and nurtured in poverty and obscury
without the aid of the advantages of edueation
his Unborn thirst Tor knowledge led hm, even IN childhood
and under circumstances the most adverse TO explore all
the of knowledge within his reach The severe
labors OF iarm exhaustlng to the strength OF Of
his then tender years, did not repress the ardor with
which he pursued his researches. One who has known
him from infancy has remarked to us that, when boy
he ransacked all the libraries in his neghborhood and
spent the hours usually devoted TO needul rest in de-
vouring their He enjoyed the benefit of
collegiate academca instruction. Una;ded and
destitute Of means he commenced his career in life,
when only about sixteen years oil age. He studied
law bv himself; vet doubt IT, in the whole list of
nent men in Indiana one can be found possessed of
extended and varied nformation professional, political
and scholastic, than this seltaught, sefeducated
He enced his professional in Indiana. His
talents and industry soon made him leading member
yet neither praise opposition diverted him from his
onward course Steadily resisting all solicitations to
embark in political life, he persisted in his purpose Of
laying the foundation of future advance in that profess
onal proficiency which should form resource
under all circumstances. Not until he had become emil
nen the bar did he consent TO become applicant
for public office. He served for six continuous years in
the Senate OF Indiana, where his industry and ability
soon made him conspicuous. Many of our most impor-
tant laws, brought forward by him, have remained
changed upon statute-books for fifteen twenty
years He appointed Commissioner of the General
Land Office by General jackson, the close of his
administration; and have understood, without his
own solicitation or knowledge. While in the Land Of
fee his energy became conspicuous, by the exraordna-
ry despatch with which he brought up the years
of business in that Office Soon after his return to
Indiana he elected Governor of the State,
highly popular predecessor; and he reelected TO
the Office by increased majority. His admins
traton of that Office is fresh in the recollection of
readers II suces say, that he found the State bank
rupt AMI suffering under the odium of sent repuda-
ton aid he left with restored credit and indicated
honor, rapidly advancing in the of prosperity.
We find him representing this the fifth State in the
coniederacy; and acknowledged by holding high rank
among those distinguished statesmen who compose the
United States Senate. We trust that his improving
health will him in taking that prominent
part in the Legislation of the country for which his ab
ties are adapted
Such is full Of encouragement to the young
and aspiring There youth in the land, however
humble bis condition or limited his MEANS who may not
derive ample encouragement from the example of one
who, under like dscouragemens, had the heart and the
will to out for himself path to distinction.
Heute Journal.