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

ascertained and drawn for by the committee.
Mr.. McLANAHAN said Mr.. Speaker, the
mournfui announcement that has just been made
by the honorable member from the State Of Massa-
chusetts Of the death of Mr.. RAsTouL, one Of his
colleagues, will, 1 trust, warrant me In making a
few remarks on this sad occasion.
How sudden, how unexpected to all Of US was
this event! But a few days ago be occupied, as
he had done during this session. the seat that is
now vacant at my side; but q very few days ago
ne went forth from this Hall never more TO return,
for even then the shadow OF the wing OF the angel
Of death rested unon him. His active and energetic
spirit has taken its departure from earth, and the
grave has added to its Wondering trophies the
mains Of q distinguished man.
Sir, this sudden. sad, startling event is sug
gestive to all. Its language of warning, admo-
milton, and direction to each one Of US is, "Bc ye
also ready"
never had any personal acquaintance with Mr..
RANroUL until met him in this Hall nearly nine
months ago. And although there was a wide diff
ference in some of our political principles and
opinions. both in regard to constitutional law and
national policy, our personal intercourse has al
ways been most agreeable. The wisdom of the
philosopher, the liberation Of the Christian, and
the poteness of the gentleman, ever seemed to
dictate and control his conduct towards all who
entertained sentiments not in accordance with his
own; and 1t therefore that his intercourse with
the members Of this House, generally. was Of the
most pleasing character.
Mr.. RANToUL 10 we'll known to have been all his
lifetime q most sedulous student Possessing q
mind naturally prone to investigation, with un-
common power Of analysis-a metaphysical sub.
tety to Discriminate, and an iron memory to re-
tain whatever he acquired-it is not to be wonder.
ed at that he possessed what he justly deserved,
an enviabe reputation for his extensive and varied
learning. His knowledge Of Jurisprudence gave
him position at the American bar # which the
most ambitious aspirant might we'll be proud. His
intimate and critical acquaintance with history, es.
pecially with the history Of more modern times
his accurate and minute knowledge Of the science
IT "a g.
at once an interesting and instructive companion.
Sir, the just fame which Mr.. RANToUL's indefati-
gable industry achieved for him both a scholar
and d lawyer is calculated to open up the we'll
young men who pant ambitiously for such distinc.
ton. have reason to believe that his life in the
delicate and tender relations of husband and
father, was perfectly irreproachable. Whatever
loss others have sustained by his death, there are
those surviving in his own family circle to whom
that loss is irreparabe. When death removes
husband and a father, ruptures those affections,
and tears asunder those ties which form the primal
most complete. Who is there that would not sym
pathize with the wall of the widow, and the cry of
the orphan; and yet how utterly unavaiing ia all
human sympathy! May the blessings of Him who
alone can give consolation rest upon their desolate
hearts.
Mr.. MACE said: Mr.. Speaker, ask the indul-
gence of the House for few moments, to add q
brief tribute to the memory Of the deceased. Prior
to the present session Of Congress ] had
quaintance with Mr.. RANToUL but from reputation.
1t was my good fortune to form his favorable
quaintance early in the session, and being seated
near him, and associated with him q member Of
the Committee of Claims, that acquaintance result
ted s s
he was nationally social in an eminent degree !;
modest and retiring, yet, on proper occasions.
ready to inform, instruct, and enlghten upon sub.
jects Of morale science, politics. and other useful
rps in all of which mind yell
As Legislator. he took large and liberal view Of
II questions affecting the interest and well being
Of the nation, and was not tied down to his district
or State. The generosity and kindness Of his
ture were manifest in all his acts; he had a strong
leaning in favor Of the individual md collective
rights of the masses who are unable to compete
with wealth and power BY his death the House
has lost of it's most distinguished and honored
members, and his companions here have Lost one
that they will long remember with keen and me-
lancholy sorrow. The event admonshes all Of US
to be " also ready''
Mr.. CLARK said: ! desire that my voice should
be heard upon this occasion; and perhaps the best
reason which can be given for it is that am son
Of Massachusetts. This is a sad occasion, which
opens again before US the narrow, cold, and rcpu-
sive tenement-and il 10 appointed for each one of
us; and it s all the cad The arrows H. THO
around, aparing neither the humble nor the exalt-
ed. The destroyer comes and cuts down one in
the noontde Of life, yet time and circumstance
had enabled him to develop his powers and acquire
name. ne COMES uRdlu, anu tdKcS from Sut pm
nacle of the temple him OF far reaching fame, made
up of long life of noble aspirations and immortal
achievements. Again he comes, and tears away
another who had power
ITO climb the steep where fame's proud temple
shines afar;"
but He VIII holds the destiny of men in his hands
did not suffer it.
There is a mournful consolation in q long pre-
monition Of the approach OF that hour on which
eternity is hung. So eager, so absorbed are most
thnTvN hat
they defer the consideration of those which belong
10 a sure but mystic eternity, unless admonished
that they are at hand. TO our associate and bro
Their death came with a stealthy step, and aimed
his fatal ehaft in ambush II may be that he was
not unmindful Of such an encounter and such re-
suit If so, it was we'll. iii shall be with Va it
will be we'll.
My acquaintance with Mr.. RAsTouL was not ex
tenslve or confidential can speak OF him opy as
public man, a man who has made his mark
and stablished his character by those mental ef.
forts go characterized by great knowledge, acute
discrimination, and exalted abilities. Ishall say
nothing of his party connexions or hs political
opinions; for these he responsible, not to US,
but to those who clothed him with authority and
sent him here His voice in this hall Of Legislation
was but the voice of nearly one hundred thousand
freemen speaking through him under a sense of the
inappreciabe right Of reedom Of speech. That his
views upon certain great questions Of national i'm
port did not accord with those entertained by most
Of us here is no doubt true But who shall call in
question his sincerity of heart and purpose? The
truth of his opinions will be tested by the unerrng
judgment of public sentiment and future history;
the same tribunal which will judge US all
His views upon some subjects we're eminently
characterized by responsiveness, literally, and
progress. No man here had more correct, safe,
and national views OF our commercial relations
with other nations than he had; none more exten
sive and accurate knowledge OF the public domain,
and the purposes to which it might be legitmately
and proftably applied. And however his opinions
upon any subject might have differed from Others
here, he was always ready to sustain them with rea.
sons worthy the consideration Of the strongest and
the best In him the Antagonist Of skill and power
might have founda foeman worthy Of his steel.
|. But it is no part OF my purpose TO dwell upon
any phase OF his public Character, but rather to
improve the moment in a moral point OF view.
But yesterday the of vigor, OF hope. of virtu
Gus ambition and cheering prospects was among
US and of Us. We heard his voice in the stern de-
bate, contendng for the right he under stood it,
to- day his vigor s the withered e. ass, his hope
as the light which has expired; h's ambition lie
chilled. and his prospects beyond the boundary
Of mortal vision. "No fiattery now can soothc the
dull cold ear of earth"
Who shall refuse to stand admonished by the
lesson before him Who will forget that elite is q
short uncertain day?" and who will shut his eyes
to the accumulated responsibilities which lie be-
yond it?
II is not wrong TO strive for the spendors of
honor and reputation, but their elements should be
made up Of truth, justice, and charity; and all
~. e. ~, ;nla Of thoon no ELa