The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-12-20


frosted BY his friends respected by his opponents and
honored by HE Stats, thousand favorng circumstances
invited his Ieappeasance upon NE political arena and
bright aud promising future seemed TO be opening before
him. And Yet ID an Instant OF ne with the untasted
cup beside him, without forewarnng or foreshadow OF
the fatal event which coming SO swiftly upon him,
he was stricken down IN mid career. The mind
smitten IN ITS iastness and the stream OF life stood still
al It's spring. The living spirit which sometimes DER
infuses It's tenement OF clay" had oosed the connecting
link between mind and body and the oracle hushed
whilst the earth built walls OF lis sanctuary sl Te.
NAMED Under such circumstances continued existence
could have been no blessing and regrets are more
due to the first than to the second blow which completed
the ruin after the grace and charm OF lie had fled
Mr. President my acquaintance with CHARLES q
ATHERroN commenced in 1885. when ffsi entered the
House OF Representatives. OF which body found him
ardent active, and eicient member Even u, that early
day he marked and trusted in his party Here
sir, afterwards served with him more intimate rea-
lions upon the Committee on Finance OF which he was
chairman ns , can safely testify 70 hs as to principle
that trust tie upright and honorable in all the re-
latons OF lie. AS his colleague HAS we'll said he
an eminen'ly sale man IN council. and one, may add
who pursued bis purposes. when they were formed
with hrmnesR and ability. ~
Mr. President. when we look 10 life thus cut short
in lis midst. as il were wsleel as If had heard
halfold aie and The Inagna'ion is the stretch fill
up the vacuum-supply The loss VIVA, is lost can
not restore and yet we have enough OF his history
warrant The belief that, with The last sigh OF his ply
existence there passed away thoughts, conceptions, and
aspirations which constituted a noble scheme OF life
The objects OF pursuit OF such must have been
pure anu eeyated and we have every to believe
that his expectations were founded upon just confidence
IN his own high character and abilities That he did
live 10 fulfil this scheme his friends deeply depoe
but Who sir, shall undertake TO upon the DEGREES
OF Providence, unless he is also acquainted with HIS
secrets
Mr. WILLIAMS Mr. President, such has been my
acquaintance with friend whose death has been an
nounced BY my colleague, that cannot refrain this,
10 me- unexpected OCCASION from adding my humble but
heartfelt tribute 10 his memory My first acquaintance
with MIR. ATHERToN commenced in 1880 HIS then
a member OF The New Hampshire house OF representa-
lives; and was connected with him member OF the
house or State senate Tor successive years Three
years OF tina, time he was speaker OF the house. and By
duty, distinguished himself as an efficient and accom-
pshed presiding officer.
The next four years. during the administration Of Mr.
Van Buren,, was associated with him as a member of
the House of Representatives in the other end OF this
building ln that body, very few, ii any, brought 10 its
service more integrity OF purpose. more clear and dis
eliminating judgment to settle questions Of difficulty, or
more ready powers IN debate, greater legislative
knowledge, skill, aud ability II was my happiness gen.
orally to with him all important national qaes
TONS and TO share SO literally in his personal friendship,
as 70 be able 10 estimate his personal well as his pub
lie character. he not only distinguished for high
qualities IN the discharge OF public Duty but equally dis
ngu'shed Tor his humane, sincere, generous and kind
feelngs which endeared him to his friends The perfect
respect and friendship then formed for his character shall
londly and gratefully cherish for his memory TILL am
gathered with him 10 the silent tomb.
quiet, and unobrusve, but a5abIe and courteous, gem
tiemaniy, and polished He incapable OF deceivng
by false or hypocca Professions, and by keeping bis
ha.h with all, gave beautiful exemplihcaOn of the
corrupa idss. in life devoted fidelity, justice, and
ruth, which lett among the living not single resent
ment or dnkind feeling 10 be buried in his grave. The
deceased graduate OF Harvard College, accom-.
plished schoar OF varied and extensive literary attain
ments, possessing mind quick, clear. and vigorous,
highly cultivated, and remarkably well balanced
vi his eminent talents. public character and services, il
m L.
~ and iru,huy said by those who have preceded
These are the property OF The country, and belong TO
The bright pages OF its history Il belongs 10 me
only say that in every position TO which the de-
ceased has been elevated he has discharged his duty
acceptably and with marked fidelity and ability.
In his native Stale. which he represented here, he
shared, he richly deserved, largely in her confidence
and support, aud was regarded BY her citizens al the
head OF Their bar aad Of their able lawyers and
eloquent advocates. His constituents admired his high
noble, and patriotic character and often fet glow OF
exultaIon and State pride in view OF the signal ability
with which he maintained honorable position here
amds, The assembled galaxy OF the master minds of the
nation. lie loved his coun,ry, and nobly maintained
those principles which lis prosperity and security de-
pend Happy will il be for If our footsteps guided
by The calm and steady light OF bis example, which
brightly shines along the pathway OF duty and useful
His accomplished aud worthy partner, 10 whom be was
ever devoted in his Kindness and affection. and whose
hand assuaged the bitterness OF his parting ie lives io
mourn her ireparable loss. To her stricken bosom
should our sympathy and consolation be addressed. II
her constants abiding, and self sacrificing affection, he
cares. sympaihies, and efforts Irumphing fatigue
and exhausted nature could have avsed her husband
would oog have been spared to her and 10 his friends,
who deplore his loss. But, alas he has gone the
road all must pass Cacsnda um ria leih Talentt
and wealth, position and power could the ar
OF death In the prime of life aud vigor OF intel
lect, aud mid. career oil his usefulness. he has been
stricken down, and great light extinguished forever
leaving seat here which cannot be filled with equal
ability and devotion 10 principle, and nation 10 moarn
a sad and melancholy bereavement.
The resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Mr. NORRIS. Mr. President. AS a further mark oil
respect TO the memory Of the deceased, that the
Senate do now adjourn.
The motion agreed TO; and
The Senate adjourned