Washington sentinel., 1855-01-13
GGnqressI0mal.
THIRTY-THIRD CONGRESS.
senate-FrIday, January I2, 1853.
SECOND SESSION.

Senate-Friday, January I2, 1855.
Mr.. ToUCEY, rising in his place, addressed The
Senate as follows:
| Mr. President, ii falls TO my lot 10 perform the
melancholy task of announcing 10 the Senate the
death Of one of its members. The Hon. Mr.
NORRIS, Senator from New Hampshire, is nc
more. He died al his lodgings, in this city. of an
affection Of the heart on Thursday evening, al
half past eleven o'clock Three days ago we saw
| him in the midst OF us, in the fulness of life and
| health; but he was struck down in a moment
without consciousness; and, though he revived
for time and was restored to the full possession
of his faculties, yet recurrence OF the attack
proved fatal. He has left wife and family OF
children 10 feel bitterly their sudden bereavement.
MIR. NORRIS was the son OF revolutionary sol
dier. He was born at Pittsfeld, in the State OF
New Hampshire, in the year 709. He graduated
at Dartmouth College with high reputation for
scholarship He commenced the practice OF law
in his native town, and. soon acquiring the repu-
tation OF a sound lawyer and able advocate, he
rose 10 eminence in his profession. he took a
deep interest in public affairs; and, from early
life, adhered to those political views which he
ever afterwards maintained In 1889 he was
elected member Of the legislature from Pitts
field In lS40 he was chosen Speaker Of the
House, and presided in that body with disin-
guished ability and success In lo4l he became
member of the State council. In 1S4l he was
elected 10 Congress, and served in the House of
lS47 he was again a member of the Legislature Of
New Hampshire, and again Speaker ofthe House !;
and, while serving in that capacity he was elected
TO the Senate of the United States for the term Of
six years from the fourth of March, lS49, and the
same year took the seat which he occupied al the
time of his death
Such record expresses the confidence reposed
in him by the people of his native State better
than any words of mine.
While he was member of the House OF Rep
h..t ALL lAk Lie
leading speeches in that body were upon the great
subjects of the tariff, the admission of Texas as
State, and the contested seats OF the members
from New Hampshire, and other States, who had
not been chosen by districts, in conformity with
the act of Congress. All these speeches were Of
marked ability, but that delivered by him in the
Senate, upon the bill providing for the organization
Of Kansas and Nebraska was, perhaps, most dis
tngushed In that respect and attracted the largest
share of public attepton. In the great contest
which resulted in the compromise measures OF
1850, he was the firm and consistent advocate of
those measures, and he was never known 10 flag
or 10 faller in their support. His views were
enlarged and LIBERAL not limited 10 the State or
section in which he lived, bnt comprehensive
enough 10 embrace the whole country and all It's
interests, He was open and manly in his course,
true TO his principles and TO his friends, reliable
under The pressure Of difficulties, firm in the
maintenance Of right, greatly beloved by his family
and by those who knew him best and will be
lamenled by all. When such a falls, his
death is public calamity.
In conclusion, he submitted resolutions appro-
pirate TO the occasion.
Mr.. CASS, Ia native of New Hampshire,) in
seconding the resolutions, said
Mr.. President Another solemn warning has
come 10 annouce 10 US, that, in the midst OF life
we are in death. Another member Of this body
who, but few hours since, was among us, en-
gagged in all The busy occupations of life, has been
suddenly called from the service of his country TO
the bar OF his God. The emphatic words, BE We
also ready" are written upon all the shifting
scenes around US, and meet US day by day, from
the cradle 10 the grave. Happy will II be for us,
il the lesson they teach teaches US so 10 believe,
and so to conduct tha, the shadow OF the dark
valley through which we must pass, may be illu
mined by the faith and hope which the Redeemer
has promised 10 all who call upon Him through
the Gospel.
did not rise for the purpose Of pronouncing a
eulogy upon our departed friend Here, where
he was known and appreciated, no such words
are needed. ] merely rose 10 offer my feeble tes
timony 10 his worth, and my tribute OF sorrow for
his loss. He was the sole representative of his
State upon this foor the State of my birth; and
the land 10 which grateful memory often reverts
with pride and affection. This circumstance seems
10 render it not improper that should take part
in the ceremonies upon this melancholy occasion.
Ii is not in my power 10 relate the incidents OF his
life, nor, indeed, is it necessary, for the Senator
~
remarks to which we have just listened, has said
all that was necessary, and has traced the course
Of this lamened citizen from his earliest career 10
his latest showing the energy, and intellectual
power, and moral worth, by which he reached his
high position, without any OF those adventious
circumstances which sometimes supply the want
OF merit
was in The habit of constant and friendly in
tercourse with him while he was member Of
this body. Nc one could hold that relation with
out the most favorable impression Of the qualities
of his mind and heart. He had a native vigor Of
intellect, improved by study and reflection, which
failed TO exhibit itself in his action and con
versation. He had looked upon life with a careful
eye, and his judgment was refined by much and
varied experience. He had a most commendable
frmness of purpose which never gave way before
danger and temptation, when his convictions were
once formed aud TO this he joined probty Of in
tention which gave weight TO his opinion and the
force Of example 10 his authority.
In this high depository of national power, he
was national in all his views and votes. Not cir.
cumscrbed by local considerations, nor infue
by local preiudces, but looking TO the rights Of all
and TO the goood OF all.
But he is lost 10 his State and 10 his Country;
10 his bereaved family and his mourning friends.
In the Providence Of God he has been taken away,
while yet in the strength Of manhood. As men,
so distinguished aud so useful, fall one after
another, we may humbly hope, that He who
calls them hence will guide others in the path Of
duty TO serve their country and TO promote the
best interests OF society.
The resolutions were adopted, and a committee
consisting of Mr.. FooT, Mr.. ToUcEY, Mr.. FISH,
Mr.. DAwsoN, Mr.. JAMES, and Mr.. SEBASTIAN,
was appointed TO superintend the removal of the
remains Of the deceased this afternoon, for inter.
ment IN New hampshire, and the Senate adjourn
ed 10 attend the ceremonies.
The Senate adjourned till Monday
uauSa af Danrasantafivpc
message was received from the Senate, an
nouncing the death Of MosEs NORRIS, late mem.
Der of that body, and communicating its proceed
ngs thereon.
Mr. MORRISON, who had long been acquaint.
ed with the deceased, pronounced a euloey on the
r,nhlic and nrivafe characier of his friend and In