The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-25

DEAN Of David Da8gett, ono OF the Old
School.
DAVID DAoGsrr. Of New HAVEN, Connecticut,
we have seen. in years gone BY. walking under
the old elms Of New Haven, With long cue. pow
dcred hair, white topped boots, and stately STEP
He was one of the Old School gentiemen-an emf.
nent man in the country-a distinguished man
among the distinguished men of the Warrington
time. He belonged to the same place and the same
class Of men with Noah Webster, DR.. Dwight, and
Jas Hillhouso-men who have done more to form
the institutions of the country, and give the nation
a lofty reputation, than any hundred of the pseudo
great men ofthese days. They had great opportu-
mites to do much in the early stages of the country
and they performed their part well. The noble
school system of Connecticut 10 monument TO
James Hllhouse. Yale College, in its growth and
reputation, commentaries DR.. Dwight, and that
great structure in literature, tbs American Die
tionary, illustrates the fame OF Noah Webster.
The actions and character Of Daggett were of
different description, but equally eminent
and useful. Daggett was q lawyer, statesmen,
and \ man of business. He built no special monu
ments for himself, but he is Of those whose
commemoration is found in the very existence and
character of society az it is; whose active,
ergetic, useful and upright life forms pillar of
the social structure. Such men, in the hour of
thoir death, should be remembered for the good
they have done-the example they have set-the
renown they have conferred upon their country.
What is the difference between Africa and Europe;
between Roman and Parthian fame? Precisely
this: that one presents nothing but low human ma
ture, uneducated in the high discipline of mind,
and unaspiring towards the moral grandeur of hui
man nature in ts best estate.
Daggett was poor boy, who by talent, industry,
energy, and principle, rose to an acknowledged
premacy over his fellow men. We know but little
Of the details Of his life but can refer to of
his public manifestations, which will strike those
who now remember but little of him
BY profession he was lawyer, and in politics
Federalist. He belonged strictly to the school of
Washington, and il was such men as he that made
and kept the State Of Connecticut Federal State,
till all active contest between the parties ceased
Mr.. Daggett, however, condescended to any of
those merely actious acts in which politicians often
indulge. On the contrary, he was Statesman
He was u s. Senator from Connecticut from 1913
to 1919, maintaining the highest character for
ability, dignity, and worth. When the State of
Connecticut QS17) became Democratic, and he
had retired from the Senate, he was elected chief
justice Of the State by the Democratic party. which
he had always opposed high tribute both to his
and their patriotism and justice-an example
which it would be well for parties sometimes
to initiate. Too many able and worthy men are
kept from public Office for mere opinion sake
ostracised by party! The action of politicians
noso in regard TO their opponents reminds US too
often Of the days of Arstides, when to be just il
cause enough for exile
Mr.. Daggett filed the duties Of chief justice for
many years. retiring at last account of his in
frmities. He died, we suppose, of old age; for
when we saw him last he was just able TO walk
beneath those aged elms, which, like himself,
were the memorials Of other days. We have heard
of the last OF the cooked hats We imagine that
Daggett was the last of the "white-topped boots"
They were worn in memory Of the glorious days
tho days Of Neutrality-suspicious. worth was re-
spected, and justice regarded. M yG