Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1853-12-21
REMARKS OF Mr.. AsHE,
OF NoRTn cARoLINA,

Mr.. AsHE rose and said:
Mr.. SPEAKER Having the honor to represent the
county in which WILLIAM r. KING was born, and the
larger portion of the district which first returned
grateful to my recollection, his friendship
and confidence, and being at present the representa-
tive of numerous and highly respectable kindred
he left with usI feel it solemn duty that should
not allow the present occasion to pass without adding
my humble but heartfelt testimonial to the truthful
of the richly-deserved and high commentators
which have been bestowed on him by the honorable
gentlemen who have preceded me. After the indul-
gence of obsequial griefs, which fit tribute to
departed worth, the soul thrsts to mmortal:ze, to
assmilate to ITSELF the noble and virtuous endow-
ments of deceased friends Hence we have as the
remains of venerable antiquity, the most magnif-
cent Egyptian pyramids, splendid Grecian mauso-
leums Roman sepulchres of extensive dimensions :;
but these were designed to portray the outward rth
than the inward man. AS ancilary to the same
end various expedients and devices were adopted
to perpctuate to from the destruction Of time
the personal appearance after the soul had taken its
flight Vain imaginings! Empty conceits! The
recorded "reminiscences of good work, of chart
table deed, of benevolent thought, worth more
than "Pelion upon Ossa" of such monuments
Posterity is grateful and if it be benefited by
any single incident of mans life, the character of
the benefacor will be remembered and appreciated.
And if his deeds of goodness should fill volume,
posterty will never weary in turning the leaf to
read it, and to acknowledge its gratitude to the
author. And such priced volume have afford
cd us by the life of WILLIAM R. KING; conteInpla-
ton of which fills our hearts with gratitude and in
spires us to rejoice, that one among US he lived,
and to sorrow that che is no more"
believe it Philip of Macedon who gratefully
sacrificed to the gods that son had been born to
him in time to derive instructions from the great
philosopher Aristotle If such the veneration
of barbarian warrior for heather philosopher, how
much more grateful should we feel both statesmen
and citizens that lots should have been cast in
the same horoscope with that of Clay Calhoun, and
King; i'll the history of each Of whom there is a
philosophy teaching by example well fitted to steer
frail bark down its hayward clear of the
dangerous rocks and shoals which prone to wreck
it. These distinguished compatriots, who for nearly
half century commanded the admiration of the
American world, though widely differing from
another in pecuartes of character yet each in his
life left us legacy which the more read the more
will appreciate.
The two former, "having gathered together their
earthly harvest" previous the adjournment of the
last Congress, have received from their admirng
friends that tribute of respect which now
called upon to render to the last. While we do not
claim for distinguished friend either the thrilling
eloquence of Clay or the philosophical discrimination
of Calhoun, yet, in the various positions which it
was his fortune to fill, find developed the true
elements of moral and intellectual greatness
Perhaps one of the highest encomiums ever pro-
nounoed on a man in public life" said the late John
Quincy Adams, is that of historian eminent for
his profound acquaintance with mankind, who, in
painting great character by single line, says: He
just equal to all the duties of the highest offices
which he attained and never above them. There
are in some qualities which dazzle and consume
to little or no valuable purpose. These seldom be-
long to the great bencfactorS of mankind" Such
were not the qualities of Colonel King; but in all
the relations of life in every position he attained he
was fully equal to their responsibilities, and dis
charged their varied duties with fidelity and ability
Col. King was born in Sampson county, in my
State, April, 1886. His father, VIM. King, was a
gentleman of fortune and character. During the
revolutionary war he rendered important services to
his country's cause, both by personal service and
the generous use Of his fortune After the concu-
sion of the war he a member Of the convention
which Was called to adopt the federal constitution,
and repeatedly elected delegate to the general
assembly from his county. His situation in life en-
lbled him to bsstow his children all the advanta-
yes of education which country at that time af
orded.
Col. King sent at early age to the Univer-
'ity of North Carolina, located at Chapel HILL which
institution he left in his seventeenth year, bearing
with him the happy consolation. of having comman-
led the respect OF his professors the love and esteem
If his associates. He studied law with William Duffy,
IN eminent jurst, residing in the town Of Fayettc-
lille, where he formed friendships which he preserved
With affection to the day of his DEATH On being adj
nitted to the bar he settled in his native county, from
which he returned the following year a MEM
Der of the legislature. By this body he elected
solicitor of the Wilmington district, in which situa
ion he continued for two years. He was then again
eturned to the Legislature for the years 1868 In
he year 1910 he elected to the Congress of the
vas most important crisis in national affairs.
france, dominant in Europe, England, mistress of
he ocean, neutrality was grossly disregarded by
ach of these supercilious powers. 10 our menacng
protests France ultimately yielded respect England
ontinued her career of naughty insolence. Naror
ational degradation was inevitable.
True republicans avoided not the issue, but nett it
oldly Colonel King acted with them with his
Whole soul and, thong one of the youngest mem
ers of the Congress, he was distinguished for the
i'm and fervid earnestness with which he supported
he illustrious Madison in his patriotic efforts to
ain the honor Of our country. lie continued MEM
er of Congress until after the conclusion of the war;
hen he accepted diplomatic position abroad, as
ociated with that scholar and statesman William
On his return from Europe, he changed
is residence from North Carolina to Alabama,
wing with him the cordial respect and good wishes
t all-the enmity of none. Alabama was then Ter
TORY but on the eve of organizing State govern
lent and as soon it was done, she, although Col
ing was then absent from the State honored him
ne of her first senatorial appointments in the Con-
ress of the United States-a most fattering mark
confidence, which confidence he enjoyed in the
mplost manner during the remainder of his long
nd eyentful life 1t is unnecessary for me to read
lrther from the volume of his life. His subsequent
areer has already been detailed by able and expe-
enced friends. What is the lesson which posterity
an learn from this roL,tnae? 1t is useful! 1t IS
qnifcant ' Let the honor let the happiness of our
ountry as with him, be ruling aspiration but
its advocation, let attemper, as he did,
1nduct; so dispense the charities of life that we
IN command for ourselves the love of friends the
lrniration of opponents. While such is the brilliant
cture of his public career his private life his frank
nd confiding disposition, his uniform courtesy and
ndness the single hearted deVotedness of his friend