Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1853-05-04

HON, w. r. KING.

We measure and mark our progress, as a nation,
in the life Of such a man as William R. King, Of
Alabama At his death we halt, the tired traveller
on the mountain top, who looks back over the path
he has raversed and Dy the light, counts the
miles he has left behind him. Heated by the exciies
ment Of this progressive aud forward age, quietly
rest upon the event marked by the close of his
reer, and in his own history trace the record Of the
past, and anticipate the thick coming gores of the
future Sixty-seven years he lived life of stainless
honor and extended usefu mess. During this lapse
of time the Revolution was decided, the articles Of
Confederation agreed upon, the Constitution formed,
and when he entered the public councils it was 10
stand by Jefferson and the Democratic party, then.
now, the party of deathlesss principle and undy
ing patriotism. He was contemporary with Wash
ington and Adams. He voted for Henry Clay for
speaker of the national House of Representatives
forylhree years ago; voted for and defended the dec
laraon Of the last against Enganu went abroad
with Pnkney Ieary forty years ago, and in 1919 he
took his seat in the Senate of the United States,
which dignifed position he continued 10 i nth the
exception of the space of time consumed by his mis-
sion the French Court. from 1914 to 1896 until the
day of his deah-having been elected Vice President
while Senator from Alabama, by the popular acclaim
of November last. This long chain of years eXtan.
ded through eras OF wonderfui interest 10 mankind
He saw the meteor progress OF Napoleon from OBJ
scury 10 empire, the army to the throne, and from
Waterloo - ST. Helena. He saw Revolution drive
her bloody over The fairest regions OF the old
world. He saw South America break the bonds Of
Spanish tyranny. He saw Florida. Louisiana, Texas
and California added to the Union. lie our flag
wave in irinmrh over land and in two wars with
foreign foes. But more than all, he saw his country
advance In every pracsiul art, and he saw, how OIL
this soil, SO dear to oppressed Of ell nations, Free
dom, and " Civilization, on luminous wings, rise
Phenx like, to Jove." Well may say that in
! The record of his lite, We may renew the recoec-
lions of Countrys advancement in arms, in arl,
in literature, in law, in religion, and in government.
William X. King was citizen of distinguished
ability, integrity and patriotism He owed much in
the progress Of his long and eminent intercourse with
public affairs 10 these three great essentials, and his
obedience and his adherence 10 the honor and homes
ty which formed the basis of his career, is valuable
| example TO his counrymen, and may always be OBJ
served and initiated with pleasure. He was so pure
in his motives and direct and consistent in his
alvsis of all by The great Standard OF Right
that he never adopted opinion with out reflection,
and gave without the fearless conviction
that to do it just. He was gentleman in the
very best sense OF that word. He loved his friends
with ardor, stood by them with constant courage,
and surrendered them ouay at The grave. He was a
statesman of the old stock, and no; ashamed TO ad
here 10 old memories, nor afraid 10 try new issues
| He was a servant Of thorough experience and tried
orthodoxy, bringngto every question the light OF az
unclouded intellect and judgment and a courage
that " would not faiter Neptune for his trident. o.
Jove for his power 10 thunder" He adorned
our great party by his manifold virtues as gentle
man and d christian, and he strengthened it by th'
wisdom and the candor of his counsels. We hav,
few such men left among US. Alas ! we only real
ize how precious they are when they are gone. hi.
tribute TO the great statesman OF Pennsylvania MIR
Buchanan, that w. R. King has been his fast trent
ever since they were known to each other, and tina
almost the last of his political life the
getic and efficient support he gave to Mr.. Buchanan
| for the Democratic Presidential nomination.
Pennsyiranian.