Washington sentinel., 1853-12-20

4
| Awhile ago il was TO one who ripe with years and
honors, descended TO the tomb when life had full
4 filled its promises, and seemed 10 have reached
its natural and appropriate close. Now, sir we are
! 10 pay them TO one stricken down in the prime OF
life, with his hopes and aspirations fresh and grow
/ ing around him. He had already won high po-
sltion before the country, and had possessed him.
1 self Of great opportunities for future usefulness.
i which, IN hands able 10 use them are perhaps, 10
/ be reckoned among the chief of earthly blessings
I Trusted by his friends, respected by his oppo-
nents, and honored by his State, thousand favor
/ ing circumstances invited his temperance upon
the political arena, and bright and promising fu-
ture seemed 10 be opening before him. And yet,
in an instant of time, with the untasted cup beside
him, without forewarning foreshadow of the ia
tai event which was coming so swiftly upon him,
he was stricken down in midcareer. The mind
was smitten in its fastness, and the stream OF life
stood still at its spring. The living spirit which
4 sometimes "oer-infuses its tenement of clay had
| loosed the connecting link between mind and body
and the oracle was hushed whilst the earth-built
walls ofits sanctuary still remained. Under such
| circumstances continued existence could have
been no blessing; and our regrets are more due
| 10 the first than TO the second blow, which COM
pleted the ruin after the grace and charm Of life
had fled.
\ Mr. President, my acquaintance with CHARLES
u. ArHERToN commenced in 1885 when first
tered the House of Representatives, of which
body found him an ardent, active, and efficient
member-even at that early day he was a marked
and trusted man in his party. Here, sir, after
wards served with him in the more intimate rea-
tions upon the Committee of Finance, on which
he was chairman | can safely testify 10 his fdeli-
ty to principle, and the efficiency with which he
discharged the duties Of that trust. He was up
right and honorable in all the relations of life As
his colleague has well said, he was an emnently
safe man in council, and one, may add. who pur-
sued his purposes, when once they were formed,
with frmness and ability.
Mr.. President, when we look to life taus cur
short in its midst, were we feel as if we had
heard some haEtold tale and the Imagination is
on the stretch to fill up the vacuum-supply the
loss. What is lost we cannot restore; and yet we
have enough OF his history to warrant the belief
that with the last sight of his physical existence
there passed away thoughts, conceptions, and as
pirations which constituted noble scheme of life
The objects of pursuit of such man must have
been pure and elevated, and we have every reason
TO believe that his expectations were founded upon
a Just confidence in his own high character and
abilities. That he did not live to fulfllthis scheme,
his friends most deeply depore but who sir, shall
undertake to reason upon the DEGREES of Provi-
dence, unless he is also acquainted with his Sc
crets?
Mr.. WILLIAMS. Mr.. President, such has
been my acquaintance with our friend whose death
has been announced by my colleague, that can.
not refrain on this to me, unexpected occasion,
from adding my humble but heartfelt tribute to his
memory My first acquaintance with Mr.. ATHER-
TON commenced in 1890. He was then a member
OF The New Hampshire house of representatives
and was connected with him as member of the
house or State senate for seven successive years.
Three years of that time he was speaker Of the
house, and by dignfed, impartial prompt and
correct discharge Of duty, distinguished himself as
an efficient and accomplished 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. In that body, very few
If any, brought to its service more integrity Of
purpose, more clear and discriminating judgment
to settle questions of difficulty, or more ready pow
ers IN debate, or greater legislative knowledge
skill and ability II was my happiness gener-
ally to concur with him on all important national
questions and to share literally in his personal
friendship, as TO be able to estimate his personal
as well as his public character. He was not only
distinguished for high qualities in the discharge of
public duty, but equally distinguished for his hu-
name, sincere, generous, and kind feelings which
endeared him TO his friends, The perfect respect
and friendship then formed for his character shall
fondly and gratefully cherish for his memory till |
am gathered with him TO the silent tomb.
In his manners, Mr.. ATHERToN was naturally
reserved quiet and unobtrusive, but affable and
courteous, gentlemany and polished. He was
incapable Of deceiving by false or hypocritical
professions, and by keeping his faith with all gave
beautiful exempifcation of the incoyr,4pta fdes,
in life devoted to fidelity justice, and truth,
which left among the living not single resent
ment or unkind feeling to be buried in his grave.
The deceased was graduate Of Harvard College,
literary attainments, possessing mind quick, |
clear and vigorous, highly cultivated and remark
ably well balanced.
Of his eminent talents, public character and SER
vices, II IS unnecessary for me TO add to what has
been eloquenty and truthfully said by those who |
have preceded me. These are the property Of the |
country and belong 10 the bright pages Of its his
tory. II belongs to me now only 10 say, that in /
every position TO which the deceased has been
elevated, he has discharged his duty acceptablv
and with marked fidelity and ability
In ms native State, which he represented here 1
ne shared as he richly deserved, largely IN her
confidence and support, and was regarded BY her
most able lawyers and eloquent advocates His |
constituents admired his high, noble, and patriotic
character, and often felt glow Of exultation and |
state pride in view of the signal ability with which
ne maintained an honorable position here amidst I
the assembled galaxy Of the master minds Of the |
nation He loved his country, and nobly main
tanned those principles on which its prosperity
and security depends, Happy will II be for us IL |
our footsteps are guided by the calm and steady
light of his example, which brightly shines along
the pathway of duty and usefulness
Ills accomplished and worthy partner 10 whom
he was ever devoted in his kindness and affection.
and whose hand assuaged the bitterness Of his
Rartng ilie, lives TO mourn her irreparable loss
To her stricken bosom should our sympathy and
consolation be addressed. Ifher constant abiding.
and self-sacriicng affection, her cares sympathies
and Efforts triumphing over fatigue and exhausted
nature, could have ayailed, her husband would
lohg nave 6een spared TO her and TO his friends,
who now deplore his loss. But, alas he has gone
the road all must once pass, Calcends sepaeT via
leth, Talents and wealth, position and power
could not avert the arrows Of death. In the prime
OF life and vigor of intellect, and mdcareer of his
usefulness, he has been stricken down, and great
light extinguished forever-leaving seat here
which cannot be filed with equal ability and de-
votion TO principle, and q nation to mourn a sad
and melancholy bereavement
t,<e. r. 1
Mr.. NORRIS. Mr.. President, as a further
mark Of respect to the memory of the deceased, /
move that the Senate do now adjourn
The motion-was agreed to; and
The Senate adjourned,
House Of Renres esenf afivao ,