Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1852-08-20

the system of Railroads. but here he was on
the popular side. There were other causes
where his struggle was keen land more meri 0 ,
rous. AT moment when his services were
much needed, he was the faithful supporter OF
common schools, the peculiar glory of New
England. BY word aud example he sustained
the cause of temperance. Some Of his most
devoted abors, commencing in the Legislature
of Massachusetts, were for the abolition Of cap
i-al punishment. Perhaps no person, except
that consummate jurist, Edward Livingston,
has done so much by letters, articles and speech
es. to commend this reform to the county,
With It's final triumph, in the progress of civil
lization, his name will be ndssolubly connec-
ted.
There is another cause which of late occu-
pied his best faculties, and to which, had life
been spared, he would have given.the maturity
of his powers; but am forbidden by this ocN
casion to name it here In the long line of
portraits on the walls of the Duca Palace of
Venice, commemorating lis Doges, single
panel where portrait should have been, is
shronded by dark curtain but this darkened
blank in that place attracts The bcholder more
than any picture. Let such curtain fall to-
day upon tins theme. Ia harmony with these
noble causes, was the purity Of his private life.
Here he was blameless in manners; he was
modest, simple, and retlling in conversation !;
he was disposed to listen rather than to speak.
though all were well pleased when he broke ST.
ence. and in apt language declared his glow
ng thoughts. But IN the public assembly, be-
fore the people, he was bold and triumphant
AS debater, he rarel y met his equal fluent,
earnest rapid, impulsive, his words at times
, came forth like a flashing scimiter. Few could
stand against him. lie always understood his
subject, and then, clear logical, and determia
ed, seeing his point before him, pressed forward
with unrelenting power His speeches on lor>
NAL occasions, were enriched by study and
contained passages of beauty; but lie was most
truly at home in dealing in practical questions
arising from exigencies of life.
Few had studied public affairs more ineli-
gently. AZ constant and effective member
oof the Democratic party he had become con-
spicuous by the champ pjonship of its doctrines
in the Currency and Free Trade. These he
often discussed; but there was no topic within
the wide range of our national concerns which
did not occupy his thoughts. The resources and
needs of the Northwest were all known to him,
and Western interests were near his heart
As the distant pioneer, resting from his daily
labors, learns the death of Ranoul, he will feel
a personal grief. The fishermen, on the oppo
site coast, many OF whom are dwcle7s in his
district vii! sympatnizc with the pioneers. AS
these hardy children of the seas, returning from
their late adventurers, hear the sad tdngs they
Will iee that they, too, have lost trend
And well they may. During his lat titlu
hours Of life, while reason still struggle led agans,
disease, he was anxious for their welfare. Tne
speech which, in their behalf, he had hoped soon
to make on the floor of Congress, was then
,I,. l.
utterances, be gave TO them some of his last
earthly thoughts.
The death Of such a man, so suddenly, in
md.career, is we'll calculated to arrest aten-
ton, and to furnish emotion From the love of
family, the attachment of friends, and the re-
gard of feow-citlzens, he has been removed,
leaving behind the cares of life, the concerns
OF State, and the wretched strife of party. H.
has ascended 10 HIS mansion where there is no
strife, or concern, or care. At last he stands
face to face in HIS presence, whose service is
perfect freedom. lie has gone before you and
|, sir. All of us must follow soon. God grant
hat we may go with equal consciousness OF
duty done.
Mr. Sumner offered the usual resolutions
which were adopted and the Senate adjourned.
HOUSE.
Mr.. Horace Mann announced t1e dedjh OF
Robert Rau,ou, Jr. a member of the Hnuse
from Massachusetts, who died on Saturday
night of erysipeIas.
Mr.. Mann spoke eloqnently Of the deceased,
portraying the many virtues and accomplish
ments of his late colleague, and summing up
as tolows:-
"lIe was an honest man, the noblest work of
God" In conclusion he offered resolution
expressing the deep sensiblity with which the
House has heard the sad intelligence of Mr.
Rantoul's death, rendering to his family the
sympathy entertained for his loss, resolving to
wear Grape on the left arm for 80 days and as
a further mark Of respect that the House do ad-
Journ.
Mr. Fowler made few eloquent remarks on
the occasion, and concluded by Offering another
resolution, providing for defraying the expenses
Of the funeral.
Messrs. McIanahan, Mace, and Clark scv-
orally bore their tribute of respect To the de-
ceased, and reminded their fellow members to
be adnonished by this solemn and Impressive
dispensation.
The House then adjourned.
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