The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-08-10

might speak Of bis devotion to public improve.
meats OF all kinds, particularly to the system of
There were other causes where his struggle was
keener and more meritorious. At a moment when
his services were much needed, he the faithful
Supporter OF common schoois-the peculiar glory Of
NJ! New England: BY word and example he sustained
the cause OF temperance. Some of HE most devoted
iabors, commencing in the Legislature of Massa.
chusetts. were Tor the abolition of capital punish
ment. Perhaps no Person, since that consommate
Jurist Edward Livingston, has done 50 much. by
reports articles, letters, and speeches. to commend
this reform to the country. With its final triumph,
in the progress Of civilization his name will be in.
dissolubiy connected There 10 another cause
which, of late, occupied his best faculties, and to
which. had life been spared, he would have given
the maturity Of his powers; but ! am forbidden by
this occasion to name here. Sir in the long line
Of portraits on the walls Of the ducal palace of Ven
ice, commemorating its Doges, single panel.
where q portrait should have been, is sHronded BY
dark curtain. But this darkened blank in that
place attracts the behoter more than any picture.
Let such curtain fall to day upon this theme.
In becoming harmony with these noble causes
was the purity Of his private life Here he wac
olameless. In manners he was modest, Simple
and retiring. In conversation he was disposed to
listen rather than to speak, though all were well
pleased when he broke silence, and in apt language
declared his glowing thoughts. But in the public
assembly, before the people, or in the legislative
hall, he was bold and triumphant. As debater
he rarely met HE equal. Fluent, earnest, rapid,
incisive, bis words at times came forth like fash
ing scmetar. Few could stand against him He
logical and determined, seeing his point before
him, pressed forward with unrelenting power.
His sreeches on formal occasions were enriched by
study, and contain passages OF beauty But he
was most truly at home in dealing with pra" ticsl
questions arising from the actual exigencies Of
life.
Few had studied public affairs more infinitely or
intelligently. As constant and effective member
OF the Democratic party, he had become conspicu
Gus by championship OF it's doctrines on the cur
rency 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 Yves,
were all known to him. and western interests were
near his heart. As the distant pioneer resting from
his daily labors the death of RANToUL will
feel personal grief The fishermen on the op
Posite eastern coast, many ofwhom are jewellers in
his district, will sympathise with the pioneer. AZ
these hardy children Of the sea, returning in their
small craft from their late adventures, hear the sad
udings, they too will feel that they have ioet a
friend. And we'll they may. During his last fit.
full hours Of life, while reason still struggled
against disease, he anxious for their welfare.
The speech which in their behalf he had hoped
coon to make on the floor Of Congress was then
chasing through his mind. Finally, in broken
utterances he gave to them some of his latest
earthly thoughts.
The death of such a man, 80 suddenly, in mid
career, is we'll calculated to arrest attention and
to furnish admonition. From the love of family,
the attachment OF friends, and the regard offeow.
citizens, he has been removed. Leaving behind
the cares of life, the concerns of State, and the
wretched stripes of party, he has ascended to
those mansions where there is strife, or concern
or care At Last ne stands face to face in His pres
ence whoae service 10 perfect freedom. He has
gone before. You and !. sir, and all of US, must
follow soon. God grant that may 60 with
equal consciousness Of duty done.
He then submitted the following resolutions
which were adopted:
Resolved unanimously, That the Senate mourns
the death Of the Hon. RoBERr RANrouL, jr., late q
member Of the House of Representatives from Mae
sachusctts, and tends to his relatives a sincere
sympathy in this affecting bereavement.
Resolred, As a mark OF respect for the memory
Of the deceased, the Senate do now adjourn.
The Senate then adjourned