Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1854-06-13


and referred to by distinguished parties
abroad, in connection with public works of
great magnitude.
Surely, none win deny that faculties and
capacities thus applied, are, in the truest sense,
devoted to the welfare Of the human race
and this fact becomes still more palpable.
when, as in the case of Mr.. Degrand, those
faculties have been exercised, and his time and
money freely expended, in behalf of such OBJ
jects, with no other reward than the satisfae-
ton hoped for and experienced in their sue
cess, and the inseparable connection of his
name with one OF the grandest results of hui
man genius and skill. No shafts of granite
or marble will be needed to commemorate his
deeds and embalm his name in the memory of
future generations. His monuments hori-
sontaI oae-is already built, in noble and
solid proportions, reaching iii its heightened
grandeur, from the queenly metropolis of
Massachusetts to the capital Of the Empire
State, and the inscription it bears is-not
"Reqaiescat IN Pace but an ever accumu-
lating record of subserviency to the wants of
people, happy and prosperous above any
other upon whom the sun shines.
of Mr.. Degrand personally, aside from his
public services, we have not taken up our pen
to speak, nor would we feel competent to say
sessed of mind of the highest order, enriched
by diligent study and observation, as well as
by most extensive contact with the practical
affairs of life; liberal and comprehensive in
his views; with an extraordinary faculty for
grasping and understanding whatever presents
ITSELF it were quite impossible but that, in
| one or another sphere of action, he should
make a notable impress of his Character
| Though of foreign birth, he speaks the Ian
guage of his adopted country with singular
| purity, and, by constant practice, has acquired
one of the most difficult accomplishments
which stranger TO that language can at
tempt, namely, that of public speaking-an
art which he has used with great effect. In
his speeches and writings, he deals in no fam
tastic imagery nor seeks to cucumber his
subject with the gloss of inflated rhetoric, but
at once lays it bare, in its true and solid as
poets, appealing to the common sense of his
hearers, piling fact upon fact, and argument
upon argument, and enlivening the gravity of
his statistics by flow of inimitable wit and
humor, so that he rarely, if ever, fails to make
| the desired impression.
If we felt at liberty to trespass on the pri-
| yacy of Mr.. Degrands domestic life and char
| acter, we might repeat many well known
facts and incidents, which would place him in
no position of bass-relief, as one, who, amid
the countless cares and responsibilities of an
active life, possesses the disposition aud gladly
! greets every opportunity to practice those viz
tues which are crown OF honor to all who
cultivate them. Venerable and dignifed in
his appearance he is yet approachabe to the
hunblest as well as the most atHueIlt, and his
exceeding courtesy and amenity of manner
invests his presence with that peculiar charm
which at once impresses all who see him. His
impulses are strong, and his sympathies ex-
pansive; and, to his generous and painstaking
labors in behalf Of enterprises designed to
promote the public veal, he adds many an un-
ostentatious effort to minister to the comfort
and happiness Of those about him, furthering,
to the extent of his ability, all enterprises pro-
motive of the fine arts, rational amusement,
and true philanthropy. His industry, too, is
untiring and to this fact may we attribute, in
large degree, his varied attainments and ex
cellent business success.
Mr.. Degrand, as all who are acquainted
with his long and active life are aware, is a
| genuine American patriot, and, though in no
sense Of the word boisterous politician, or
partizan zealot, has, in times past, done ef-
fective service in the political arena He was
an intimate friend and valued confidant aud
adviser of the late John Quincy Adams
| Through long succession of years, covering
one of the most eycntful periods i'll our coun-
try'S history, that distinguished statesman and
the subject Of this sketch were united in the
strongest bonds of mutual friendship. The
former, after a series of services to his coun-
try, illusrious and honorable without a stain,
has passed away the latter, ripe in years and
wisdom, with countelance genial with the
| glow of health and benignity; and his hands
yet skilful in tracing the lines of territory,
over which the abundance of the soil, the
treasures of the sea, and the handiwork of
man, may be conveyed, so that time or dis
| lance shall interpose no obstacle to thrift,
commerce, or competence, ''still lives, his
lite constantly expanding record of useful
| ness and honor.