The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-06-10

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Ia May 1883, Mr., SsoDGMAss Was elected rcpresenta
i've In Uongress from the eleventh district Of Virginia
lie reached is CITY a. The opening of congrces IN FEEBLE
health which caused him 10 be much absent from our Dc
beratons and II only few days ago before he lef,
this city for Virginia that be seemed 20 realize the pros
pect OF speedy restoration 20 his usual state Of health
As a member OF this body, his course Is familiar 10 all
who hear No could mil TO have been fayorably
impressed by his modest and unobrusve dcportment BY
his courteous and genemaniy bearing and by the uni
form kindness OF his fhe has added nothing 10
the fame Of Virginia by intellectual exhibitions upon this
floor, he has deraced nothing from her pure and lofty
escuteheon by his conduct in this hall elsewhere III
conspicuous he has far his health permitted been
useful and attentive meuber and II Virginia holds within
her limits sons Of higher eloquence and genius she
point TO and loyal 70 all OF her cherished
PRINCIPLES than him whose loss from her public service
this day deplors
Mr.. SSoDoaAss was not a brilliant man. His friends
would scorn to dishonor the memory Of one disn-
gushed for truth by undeseryed praise after his DEATH
such would have been held have been just if pro-
nounced while alive. But although brilliant man,
he cminently good man; he was an honest man,
scrupulous in the discharge OF all his public and private
obligations, charitable and benevolent in his feeling firm
in his friendships and faithful all his associations And
when the places which know each and all of shall
know forever this earth IT viii DO
Of proud consolation to children and friends If
shall leave record free from bemsh and reproach
that which will universally be accorded to the late repre-
sentative of the eleventh district Of Virginia
Mr. Speaker. offer the following resolutions:
Reo,red That the House heard with deep regret the
announcement of the death of the Hon. JOHN faYATr
ssoDcnAss, Of the present Congress- and
memory will the for % days . h'
Resoed That the Clerk Of this House be directed TO
muncae copy Of these proceedings the family the de-
and that, further mark of respect this House do
now adjourn.
Mr.. LETCHER said The cordial intimacy and sincere
friendship and confidence which have existed between
lamented colleague and myself will prove sufficient
cuse indeed any be necessary for adding few remarks
to the eloquent appropriate and deserved tribute which
haai iusth hpen tn 1is oh nd btQ
Our acquaintance commenced in the year 1885, when
met in Richmond to enter upon the discharge Of the impo
tan public duties which had been assigned us as mem
bcrs Of the Virginia Reform Convention In that body as
in this sat side by side there here formed part
Of the same mess and the acquaintance then formed
rpened into intimacy and cordial friendship that has
strengthened with each successive year.
The sad Of the death Of our colleague came upon
us all most unexpectedly Though he had been in health
for time past yet he had recently improved rapid
that cherished the agreeable hope that he would
be restored and that his friends and family and country
would enjoy the benefit Of his sound Judgment and prac
cal wisdom for years to When he left this city
the 3oh Of MayI know he fondly anticipated speedy
restoration health and early return to his public du
ties with renewed vigor When parted occurred to
neither of us that it was final separation in this world
There buoyancy of spirits and gayety and spght-
illness in his and conversation that had rarely
him exhibit before in intercourse Little did
then think that these indications the bright flashes Of
light so soon TO be extngnished in death But alas
such they were!
He was man of great purity Of character and sngenes
of purpose There nothing of that selfshness and
cold calculation about him which is often too often visible
in the conduct of the public day and generation
Principle the chart which regulated and governed his
conduct and controlled his action No man. either in his
public private action less inhuen, Ell by what the
cold selfish and calculating world has been pleased to de-
signate as expediency or policy.
Among all my friends there was not who possessed
nober traits of character He of generous and
manly mpulsesthe sternest integrity personal profes
sional and political In his friendships he ardent
faithful and sincere. In ell the relations OF eas ct
gen. husband Parenthe was true man, scrupulously
the pcofthp obl
and the duties due to family friends and ncghbors He
enjoyed in most remarkable degree the confidence respect
community in which he lived strikngly illustrated in
his professional and political He has never be
leve been candidate for Office without being successful
feel that have lost devoted friend whose confidence
enjoyed and whose sound Judgment and practical advice
have often been of the greatest service TO in times of
trial and embarrassment Noone regret his death
sincerely than do and no one outside OF his immediate
family circle win feel his loss sensiby. But be ID
gone, and must bow in humble submission to that
Providence which disposes all things wisely and we'll
This sudden and unexpected death OF universally
esteemed should admonish Of the uncertainty OF life and
should lead our minds TO solemn reflections.
Passing array is written in strong and legibe char
upon the world and all the world contains Look
around you and wheresocve the eye rests those startling
words attract the vision and admonish that his days
are few We generation follow generation in the sad
and solemn march to the tomb How quickly, how
pecedy the spell Is dissolved that binds to those
love- respect and admire for their virtues their intel
gence their parosm The beauties Of the year fade and
It's bounes perish The ovees OF Nature lose their
power 10 charm and TO delight The religions OF age
pass away and succeeded by others entirely different
in character in form, and in belief The human govern
OF day exploded by others in rapid succs
sion 8
f" Like bubbles on the Of matter borne,
They rise, they break and to that sea return"
We feel therefore that those solemn words passtng
d,cay stamped with fearful distnctness upon every
thing around us and upon all Of Each day impresses
upon minds the stern reality, that there but step
between and the grave yet we live we move we act as
II the services in which 30 busy engaged were
never to have end We stand upon. the grave Of our
fellow and yet realize e great truth, that
We too must in brief space slumber beneath the same
sod
Let us then strive 10 profit by the lesson which the sad
sudden and solemn death OF colleague teaches Let
admonsh
That mans uncertain life
Is like the rain drop hanging on the bough
Amongst ten thousand Of it's sparkling kindred,
The remnant Of passing thunder shower,
That have their moments by one TO fall
And which shall soonest lose its perilous hold,
We cannot guess.
The resolutions were unani nimously agreed TO.
And at halfpast IL o'clock the House adjourned