The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1856-09-13

Marsh, who had re i'ed thc spr'intmcnt Of
Minister to Con,'.n,i' ,,.le Ate, fsur sue
res.ive elections h. was again c"1d' ste ny
Oh. unanimous nomination Of bis party for a
f.r.h term Of serve - this body.
For the past four years, and until the com
m.ncement ofth- present session OF Congress,
when his failing health almoni,hed him to
dcclir.e il. honors and ito lahors, he was an
intelligent member of the Regency of the
Smithsonian Institution. where he was recog-
ni.ed Nv his associates a. a man Of superior
mind. who not only appreciated the objects
of that institution, but had an enlightened
comprehen, ion of the scope 4 utility OF the
varion. means adopted by the board to carry
out the design of ;'s beuefcent founder. II
snv difference as TO measures arose, he show
oil that il was not blind and unreasonin9
difference, and exhibited, by bis Independent
course OF thought. the full strength Of his po-
yi.ion. liz took manifest interest in this IN
s,itu,on " for the increase ard diffusion OF
krowl~,ye among men, and gave puncfual
and careful attention to all its business.
In the present Congress he filed the i'm
por.ant post Of Chairman Of the Committee
or the Ds,rict Of Columbia.
MY ms. acquain'snce with Mr.. Meacham,
commencing when We met here 10 December
Last, affords me little knowledge Of
That best portion of a good mans life
Hi little, nances., uiremembered act,
Otknlne-> and Of love-
50 that have been compelled to confne my
selfto hi. public character and 10 the dry de-
tail Of facts, though may say that in my per-
sonal intercourse with him. while he was a
man OF decided spirit, and while hi. disease
tended 10 fold him in the genus irritable. ]
have found him gentle. kind, and touchipsly
grateful for any solicituJe manifested in his
behalf
liz was man of marked ability, ripcncs,
Of Judgment. indOmiable will, and unwaver
in. integrity. Ills scholarship. never osten-
ta,io,,s, was varied. solid and useful. As a
debater he appeared perhaps to" rarely, new
er except to 'ii@u~.s some question imme'li-
ately before the House, and Thea always
commanded the most respectful attention.
His arguments we're clear and eoeent. Ills
liction, distinguished for its terseness anil
purity. was enforced by an earnest and ener
setic delivery. But, with so many qusli6ca-
tions for usefulness to his country and for in
creasine the brightness of his fame, his ca
reer is closed forever. and We have only to
express the brief tribute of our grief for his
lO.s.
lie leaves TO dsploro his fate devoted
wife and interesting family, whose grief will
suffer no diminution because large and in
tellisent circle Of acquaintance are touched
With kindred sorrow, nor because his district,
alive with thousands of unfatering friends,
10 suddenly canked as chief mourner.
In our brief career this 10 the third instance
where We have eeen the ambition Of one Of
our fellow members forever extinsuished, the
hope of families crashed. and the pride Of
States ohscured. Such lessons 40 these
should lead us to l:.use and review our &C.
tions, abate our heated strifes. and teach the
real value of,he transitory thirgs which now
% wholly engross our passions and affections.
Are We ready to bear the great final ordeal
to which our brothers have been subjected
only in advance {
"'1is greatly wise "a talk with nnr past honr.S
And ask them " :, sport they Hle 70 Heaven
Mr.. Speaker, l.. we the s,.optpE OF the
following resolutions:
Realized, That THIS House no, h. ii with
deep regret thu an-ouI"nme c. ,nc death
Of Hon JAMES MEACnAM, me:.b5- ofthi.
House for Vermont.
Resolved. Tha: This fio,se tenders g sym
pathy to the wiinc -r'i G"ily of IT,. ;."aas
FL, and. as testimonia! ct 'asCe"t, tha' thu
members and officers Of the House AL 20 in
to a,ourning b. wearing Grape on the;. lei
arm for thirty days.
Reso'r.d. That copy Of the foregoing res
olutions be communicated to the widow Of III,
deceased.
Resolred. That. a. further mark Of re
spect. this House do BOW adjourn.
Messrs Howard, Of Michigan, Etheridge
Of Tennessee. Dirkson, Of New York, an,
Giddings, of Ohio, seconded the resolution
in appropriate remarks when the question
was taken, and they we're unanimously agree
10.
And the House adjourned.