Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-06-10

triumph Of his viewe- But, although
not distinguished as q speaker, The soundness OF
his Judgment and the unshakon fidelity Of his
those cherished principles of representa-
tive government in which his section Of the State
took so deep an interest, gave value 10 his coun-
sells, and caused them 10 be eagerly sought after
by those associated with him in action aud his
friends may proudly point TO the record of his votes
in that body as evidence of the just discrimina-
ton, the cIear-sghted sagacty, and Of the index
ible adherence TO the principle which marked ~
opinions and conduct during all the trying scenes
ofthat protracted and exciting struggle.
In May, 1853, Mr.. SNoDoRAss was elected re-
preventative in Congress from the eleventh dis
trict Of Virginia He reached this city al the open
ing Of Congress in feeble health, which caused
him TO be much absent from our deliberations;
and il was only few days ago; before ne LETT TINS
city for Virginia, that he seemed 70 realize the
prospect of speedy restoration 10 his usual state
of health
AS member of this body, his course is familiar
10 all who hear me. No one could fail TO have
been favorably impressed by his modest and I'M
obtrusive department, by his courteous and gen.
tlemanly bearing, and by the uniform kindnessof
his manner. Ifhe has added nothing TO the fame
Of Virginia by intellectual exhibitions upon this
floor, he has detracted nothing from her pure and
lofty escutcheon by his conduct in this hail. or
elsewhere. If not a conspicuous, he has, SO lar
as his health permitted, been useful and atten-
tive member; and if Virginia holds within her
limits sons of higher eloquence and genius, she
can point 10 more true and loyal 10 all OF her
cherished principles than him whose loss from her
public service we this day deplore
Mr. SNoDGRAss was@not brilliant man. His
friends would scorn to dishonor the memory of
one so distinguished for truth, by undeserved
praise after his death, such as would not have been
held TO have been just, if pronounced while alive.
But although not brilliant man, he was emin-
emily good man he was an honest man, scru-
pulous in the discharge Of all of his public and
private obligations, charitable and benevolent in
his feeling, firm in his friendships, and faithful 10
all his associations. And, sir, when the places
which know each and all Of us now, shall know
US no more, forever, ON this earth, it will be
source Of proud consolation to our children and
friends, if we shall leave record as free from
bemsh and reproach, as that which will univer-
sally be accorded the late representative Of tho
eleventh district Of Virginia.
Mr.. Speaker, offer the following resolutions:
Resolved That the House has wthdeep regret the
announcement of the death Of the Hon. JOHN FRyAyT
sNoDoRAss late member Of the present Congress- and
to his memory will wear Grape on the left arm for thirty
days
copy Of these proceedings to the family OF
the deceased and that further mark Of respect this
House do now adjourn. t9 @.f "a
Mr.. LETCHER said: The cordial intimacy and
sincere friendship and confidence which base
listed between my amented colleague and myself,
will prove sufficient excuse, if indeed any be
necessary for adding few remarks TO the elo-
qnent, appropriate, and deserved tribute which
has Just been paid to his character and his vir.
tues.
Our acquaintance commenced in the year 1850,
when we met in Richmond 10 enter upon the dis
charge of the important public duties which had
been assigned TO u.s. as members Of the Virginia
reform convention. In that body as in this we
sat side by side there as here we formed part Of
the same mess, and the acquaintance then formed
soon ripened into an intimacy and cordial friend
ship that has strengthened with each successive
yer. s-s.s .,...,i
The sad news Of the death Of our colleague
came upon us almost unexpectedly. Though
he had been in ill-heath for some time past, yet
he had recently improved SO rapidly that we cher
ished the agreeable hope that he would soon be
restored, and that his friends, and family, and
judgment and practical wisdom for yearsto come.
When he left this city, on the 30th of May,
know he fond.y anticipated speedy restoration
to health, and an early return to his public duties
with renewed vigor. When we parted, it occurred
to neither Of us that il was final separation in
this world. There was buoyancy of spirits, and
gaiety and sprghtiness in his manner and con-
versation, that had rarely seen him exhibit be-
fore in our intercourse. Little did then think
that these indications were the bright flashes of
light so soon to be extinguished in death. But
alas such they were! sss 1s as, IN
He was a man Of great purity of character and
singlencss of purpose. There was nothing ofthat
selfshness and cold calculation about him whchs
O1en, 100 often, visible In cOn0uct Inc pup
lie men of our day and generation. Principle
was the chart which regulated and governed his
conduct and controlled his action. No man, either
in his public or private action, was less Influenced
by what the cold, selfish, and calculating world
has been pleased to designate as expediencyAor
policy. III lGa 81
Among all my friends there was not one who
possessed nobler traits Of character. He was u
man Of generous and manly impulses--the stern
est integrity, personal. professional, and political
In his friendships he was ardent faithful and sin
cere. In all the relations Of life as citizen, hus
band, parent, he was true man scrupulously exact
in the discharge ofthe obligations due his coun-
try, and the duties due TO family, friends and
neighbors. He enjoyed in most remarkable
degree, the confidence, respect and esteem Of
all who knew him, and particularly of that
community in which he lived; as is strikingly
illustrated in his professional and political sue
cess. He has never, / believe, been candidate
for Office without being successful %
feel that have lost devoted friend, whose
confidence e. oyed, and whose sound judgment
and practical advice has often been of the greatest
service TO me in times Of trial and embarrassment.
No one can regret his death more sincerely than
/ do, and no one outside OF his immediate family
circle will feel his loss more sensibly But he is
gone, and we must bow in humble submission 10
that Providence which dsposes all things wisely
and well.
This sudden and unexpected death Of one 50
universally esteemed, should admonish us Of the
uncertainty VI ana bnouiu icau our 10
solemn reflections
Passing aacay" is written in strong and legible
characters upon the world, and all the world con-
iains Look around you, and wheresoever the eye
rests, those startling words attract the vision,
and admonish man that his days are few We
see generation follow generation in the sad and
solemn march to the tomb. How quickly, how
unexpected, the spell is dissolved, that binds us
10 those we love, respect and admire for their vir
tues, their intelligence, their patriotism. Tho
beauties Of the year fade, and its bounties perish
The Ioveliest scenes Of nature lose their powerto
charm and TO delight. The religions Of one age
pass away. and are succeeded by others entirely
differentin character in form, and in belief. The
human governments Of one day are exploded by
others in rapid succession:
q Like bubbles on the sea Of matter borne,
They RISE they break, and to that return
We feel, therefore, that those solemn words,
passing array" are stamped with fearful distinct
ness upon everything around US, and upon all of
us. Each day impresses upon our minds the stern
reality, that there is but q step between us and
the grave, yet we live, we move we act as if the
services in which we are now so busily engaged
were never 10 have an end. We stand upon The
grave Of our fellow, and yet we seem not TO rea-
lie the great truth, that we too must,in brief
space, slumber beneath the same sod. 1900
Let us then strive TO profit by the lesson which
he sad. sudden nd solcnn afh of our coIloaUue