Smyrna times., 1856-12-17


ments. Indeed, one of his most striking cha
racteristics was the intense nationality of his
feelings; and numerous. instances might be
cited from his public life, in which, where the
honor or the interests o. his country, or the in
tegrty OF the Union was involved, he broke
those letters with which the spirit of party but
too often trammels the minds of even the most
distinguished public men. s. -t.''-
Asa statesman, he was the pride of his State,
and cherished leader of one of the great po-
lltica parties of the country whilst the national
organization was maintained.
Il As lawyer, he was necessa riy less known
to those around me, the sphere of his foren-
sic action, with few exceptions was within the
limits OF his own State. 1t has been my for
tune, however, to have frequently witnessed
and felt his powers both as an associate and
opponent; and though have heard very many
OF the most distinguished lawyers Of our coun-
Try, IN cases calling for the hghcs; exercise of
thelr capacity, and may have thought a few
possessed greater powers Of discrimination and
others more playful fancy--in the combina-
ton OF all MS faculties. i have yet to meet his
superior, if indeed have met his equal, as an
advocate before jury. | will not pause DOW
to analyze the peculiar powers which rendered
him SO effective, formidable and successful in
his forensic pursuits. 1t is sufficient that he
was so successful in profession in which merit
alone can command success.
TO his greet mental qualities he added host
OF virtues. Atcctlonate as a son, devoted as a
husband, almost too indulgent as a father be
was kind and generous friend Of exceed.
ing lIberality, his purse was open to those he
) loved and esteemed with an almost ca areiess
confidence. Little conversant with, and some.
what needless of, the mere conventionalities of
society, there was charm in the cordiality of
his manner which endeared him to his friends
and attracted and fascinated even his ordinary
acqualntances But, Mr.. President, successful
; as was my friend in all his pursuits there were
shadows cast upon the pathway Of his life, and
he had more than an equal share of the SORROWS
and dlsappOntments inevitable to the lot of
man. He achieved fame and acquired fortune,
and his checks in the pursuit Of either were
: but few and transient. This is the bright side
> of the picture. The reverse presents the af-
J hctIons to which, in the dIspensation of an all.
: wise Providence, he was subjected in his do
u nestle relations. .a. -.
: In September, 1922, he married the daughter
lot DR.. James Fisher, of Delaware, an accom-
: plshed lady, and object ofhs affections. After
= little more than two years Of domestic happi.
= ness, she died in February, 1925, leaving him
u two sons, and TO him her loss was a lifelong
e sorrow. He cherished her memory with al
e almost romantic devotion, and though unusua Il
: demOnstrative as to his ordinary emotions a nd
L feelings with has deeper affections it was other
u wise. His was grief which spoke not; ana
J. even the observant eye of friendship could only
: see, from momentary glimpses, how mmedlca
y; BILE was the wound which had beeu inflicted
III Of the two children which she left him, the eld
Ie est, who was of great promise, both luieiiectu
"a ally and morally died in January, IS49, in hi
ie twenty fourth year, and the other two year.
10 afterwards. On the death of his youngest ant
ls favorite, child, there was a desOation of thu
le heart which, though ii courted relief in the ex
ie cltement of public life, could scarcely be real
oi lied by those who have not suffered under th,
, pressure of a similar sorrow. Perhaps it il
T. best pictured in the melancholy reflections o
e W4lensteln:
~ {" / shall greye down this blow; of that lin cen
4 scious .. ~
- = What does not man grieve down!
- :; ~ "'i. r. - From the highest,
" AS from the viest thing Of every day,
~ He learns 10 wean himse.f; for the strong hour
= Conquer him. Yet feel what have lost
In him. The bloom is vanished from my life,
i, For o he stood beside me, like my youth,
" Transformed for me the reaftoa dream,
- Clothing the palpable and the familiar
- With golden exhalatiOns of the dawn. .,,..
-, Whatever fortunes wait my future tolls,
- - The Eeadtifat is vanish'd-and returns not"
air Sdch. Mr. President, was my colleagues ca
reer and such his sorrows He stood isolate
r.. IN the world, for, though there remained atfrC
eli tionate relatives and kind friends, they coul
ed not satisfy the longing Of the heart for thos
RIM nearer and dearer who had passed away.
TO. cannot doubt that the corrodng effect OF tn
in great grief, and the indisposition TO physct
90. exerliOn, which it naturally produced, unde
r.. mined very vigorous constitution, and tort
nd Eshortened his life, at an age when ripened e.
ms. perienee and undecayed mental powers wou
in have rendered his services most valuable TO b
lb- conntry. s..8q sss4I 'sa.s&e .''+ ts.--..
his Among the graves Of the last century, NJ
es President, in an old church-yard at New Ca
s.. tie there is an epitaph upon the tombstone of
eaI MIR. Curtis, who died n lT53 after having fllt
of man ~ public offices in the then colony of Il
be /" Three Counties upon Delaware" attribui'
10 T believely correctly to the pen of Benjam
IA. Franklin. 1t might, with change of nam
ent be most appropriately inscribed upon the ton
,ri- Of my lamented friend: y.@i "a."" ''''"'.'
ys.Ifsto, be prudent in council, 7ai o'''.
ion -, =, Upright in Judgment, lq91g sf' aw
ril, E., Faithful in trust sss.a 8 - Np'v
N v a. Give value to the public mans Ia, 4,
aty II TO be sincere in friendship,
the eiAffectionate to relations, 1"N t-''
lat, And kind to all around him, 'i' 70 !"
ain Make the private man amiable,
ave Thy death, o, Clayton, 49,
D in | AS a general loss we -"
lea, Long shall be ilamented. .'oagnpssao9
mic / will but, further add. as the last and crow
nee ing act of my ,colleaguels, life. that he died
ow. The faith and with hopes of Christian. "a i,
on i Mr. President, offer the following resol
due tons s9iSq sd saaaid a1l '~e0 ''' go" E'YA
i'm, - Resolved dsanasimoas That the members
IT'S the Senate, ,trom "a sincere desire of shown
,ort every mark, of respect due 10, The, memory
AIRY the Hon. John Nj. Clay ton, late 9 Senator tre
oa the State Of -Delawafe, viii 60 into Ipournil
hen by wearing pc on che lefann for thirty day
him bResolusd unanimously That, as an addition
die, mark of respect for, the memory OF The lao
Iers John M. Clayton, the Senate do now adlourun
ave m THE resolutions were adoPted9 .,.asS \