Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-12-24

Trusted by his friends respected by his opponents and
honored by his State thousand favorng
invited his temperance upon the political arena and
bright and promising future seemed be opening before
him. And yet in instant Of time with the untased
cup beside him. without forewarnng foreshadow of
fatal event which was coming swiftly upon him, he
was stricken down in md-career. The mind smtten
In its fastness and the stream Of life stood still its
spring. The living spirit which sometimes -infuses
its tenement of clay had loosed the connecting link be-
tween mind and body and the oracle was hushed whilst
the earth built walls Of its sanctuary still remained.
der such circumstances continued existence could have
been no blessings and regrets due TO the
first than to the second blow which completed the ruin
after the grace and charm Of life had fed
Mr.. President, my acquaintance with Charles G. Aher-
ton commenced in 1886 when first entered the House Of
Representatives, Of which body found him an ardent
active, and efficient member Even at that early day he
was marked and trusted man in his party Here sir
afterwards served with him in intimate relations
upon the Committee of Finance of which he was chair
man. safely testify to his fidelity to principle and
the efficiency with which he discharged the duties G that
trust He was upright and honorable in all the relations
of life AS his colleague has well said, he emf
nenty safe man in council and oue may add, who pur
sued his purposes, when they formed, with
frmness and ability.
Mr. President, when look to life thus cut short in
its midst it were feel if we had heard half
told tale, and the maginaton is the stretch fill up
the vacuum supply the loss What lost cannot
stores and yet have enough of his history
ence there passed away thoughts conceptions and aspi
rations which constituted noble scheme Of life. The
objects of pursuit of such must have been pure
and elevated and have every to believe that
bis expectations founded upon just confidence in
his own high character and abilities That he did not
live to fulfil this scheme his friends most deeply deplore
But who sir shall undertake upon the DEGREES
of Providence unless he is also acquainted with his
crets!
| Mr. WILLIAMS of New Hampshire. Mr.. President,
such has been my acquaintance with our friend whose
death has been announced by my colleague that cannot
refrain this to unexpected occasion from adding
my humble but heartfelt tribute to his memory My first
acquaintance with Mr.. Anterior commenced in 1880. He
was then member of the New Hampshire House of Rep
resentatives and connected with him q member
of the House State Senate for successive
Three years of that time he Speaker Of the House
and by dignifed, impartial prompt and correct dis
charge of duty distinguished himself as an efficient ant
accomplished presiding officer.
The next four years during the administration of Mr.
Van Buren, was associated with him as member Of
the House of Representatives in the other end Of this
building In that body very few if any, brought to it,
service integrity of purpose, clear and dis
eliminating judgment to settle questions of difficulty OF
ready powers in debate greater legislative know
ledge Skill and ability 1t was my happiness generally
with him all important national questions
and to share literally in his personal friendship tc
be able estimate his personal well his public cha
racter He not orly distinguished for high qualities
the discharge of public duty but equally distinguish
ed for his humane, sincere generous and kind feelings
which end AIRED him to his friends The perfect respect
and friendship then formed for his character shall fond
y and gratefully cherish for his memory till am gather
ed with him to the silent tomb.
In his manners Mr. Atherton was naturally reserved
quiet and unobrusive, but afabe and courteous gen
tlemany and polished He incapable of deceiving
by false hypocrtca professions and by keeping his
faith with ALL gave beautiful eIemplcaton of the in
corUpta fdes in life devoted fidelity justice, and
TRUTH which left among the living not single resent
ment unkind feeling to be buried in his grave The
deceased graduate Of Harvard College,
nils of exte Mt
ments possessing mind quick clear and vigorous high
ly cultivated, and remarkably well balanced
Of his eminent talents public character and services
it is unnecessary for to add to what has been eo
quenty and ruthfuy said by those who have preceded
me- These the property of the country, and belong
to the bright pages of its history 1t belongs to
has been elevated he has discharged his duty accepab
and with marked fidelity and ability.
In his native State, which he represented here he
shared he richly deserved, largely in her confidence
and support and was regarded by her citizens the
head of their bar and their able lawyers and
eloquent advocates His constituents admired his high
noble, and patriotic character and often felt glow OF
exultaon and State pride in view of the signal ability
with which he maintained honorable position here
amidst the assembled galaxy of the of the
nation. He loved his country and nobly maintained
those principles which its prosperity and security de-
pends Happy viii it be for US If our footsteps are
guided by the calm and steady light of his example which
brightly shines along the pathway of duty and usefulness
His accomplished and worthy partner, to whom he
ever devoted In MS kindness ana aHecuon and whose
hand assuaged the bitterness Of his parting lfe lives to
mourn her irreparabe loss. To her stricken bosom
should our sympathy and consolation be addressed If
her constant, abiding and sefsacrifcing affection her
cares, sympathies and efforts trumphing fatigue
and exhausted nature could have avaled her husband
would long have been spared to her and his friends
who deplore his loss But, alas he has gone the
road all must pass Calceadd sesl te Talents
and wealth. position and power could not the
of death In the prime Of life and vigor Of intellect and
midcareer of his usefulness he has been stricken down.
and great light extinguished foreyer-eaving seat
here which cannot be filed with equal ability and devo-
ton to principle, and nation to sad and me-
{ ancholy bereavement.
The resolutions unanimously adopted.
Mr.. NORRIS. Mr.. President as further mark Of
respect TO the memory Of the deceased that the
Senate adjourn.
The motion agreed to, and the Senate adjourned.