The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1856-09-24
House of Representatives.
Monday. Aug. 25. 1856.

But, sir, deem it proper to state that
it is now nearly a quarter Of century
since | was first brought into contact
with tho distinguished deceased We
were brought into relations with each
other, which, to me at least, were most
endearing, and most important to my fu
ture prospects. In these relations | re-
ccivod such constant kindness, such care
md such interest for my future welfare,
in connection with others bearing the
same relations, that have ever felt that
owed to him debt of gratitude which
l could never repay, but which l tho
more cheorfully acknowledge.
will not, as | said before, enter up.
on any extended remarks upon the char
acter of the deceased. The short time
in which VIC have associated here makes
it far more proper that l should leave
this tribute to those who have been long
or CONNECTED with him in this field of ac-
ton, But, sir our common nativity and
tho circumslanc have mentioned, con-
nected with my oorly education, and the
suddeDness Of the announcement which
has been made, have greatly increased
the force of the shock
The last interview 1 had with the
Hon JAMES MEACHAM was scarcely ten
days ago. We were then anticipa ting
meeting to occur this week, in which
both of us we're to miuglo in tue scenes
of our early youth there to seek reposs
and recruit our shattered health. To-
morrow we were to have met under the
very walls of our alma mater. To-day
his voice is hushed in death, and mine
miugle falteringly in the sad cerOm onies
Of the occasion. Surely, " In the midst
of life We are in DEATH"
Mr. Speaker, second the resolutions.
MIR. ETnERiDGE. Mr. Speaker the
marked attention the House has given
to what has just been said, is no More
than might have been expected from
those who knew JAMES MEAcuAM as he
was known to US. When, but recently,
we were summoned to the post of duty,
we did not suppose he was so soon to be
summoned to the presence Of his God.
But, sir, the vacant seat, ana the sad an.
nouncement we have just heard, ningle
our warning with the assurance that lie
as dcad
This Hail. SO often swayed by passion,
so often the iheater Of noble rivalry,
Is now the apartment Of sorrow, Faces
which yesterday beamcd with animation,
show sigus Of grief to day Hearts which
then beat anxiously. while watching the
result of impending struggles, arc now sad
and subdued and | am pleased that it
is so for with all our imperfections, I'M
der the antagouistic influences which
more or less control our actions and opin.
ions, none are to be found who can with
hold the tear of sympathy at an hour
like this
A colleague IS dead Though brief
the announcement, what moro can be
said to impress US with charity and for-
bearance, or teach the folly of ambition
and the vanity of earthly things2 But
that announcement is doubly impressive
when we arc told that. of US all, JAMES
MEAcnAM was the "shining mari: " at
which the shaft of death was hurled
AS he was for many years member
of this body, | have known him during
my brief congressional career. | may
say have known him intimately and
well. and to all that has been so Justly
and fitly said of his personal virtues. my
heart yields willing response. While
his bounteous hand was ever open to
meritorious want, his generous sympathy,
his kindness and gentenoss of DISPOSE.
ton. lent a radiance to tho circle in
which he moved. OF acknowledged learn
ing he was remarkable for his modosty.
Of enlarged public experience, and groa t
abilities, he never sought improperly to
lead his friends, or invite public atten-
tion to his efforts. Whatever he belicv.
ed his duty required he did not hesitate
to perform nor did he stop to count the
cost to himself, or shrink from respons.
bility, because others would not share
it with him. 1t is no small praise to
say that those who placed him 10 public
life retained him there. They never alb.
ated their affection for the man, or their
confidence in the servant A member
of the present Congress, he had been
nominated for the next. Few men of
his years had achieved SO much. None
have left purcr fame, or one more hon.
orably earned. But, sir, rose only to
second the resolutions and to say a word
because of my affectionate regard for the
deceased. need not speak of hs high
intellectual endowments, his many vir-
tues, or his public services to you and
tho people Of his own State these things
are known.
But yesterday, he was here, giving
promise of increasing usefulness with the
advance of years Tc day We offer this
last tribute to his cherished memory.
1t is all we can do To those whose
hearts are broken by this sad beroave.
ment, we can offer no more. Ia this
their hour of deepest anguish. oar con.
dolence, o"r sympathy. must be unavai
ing 1t is pleasant, however, to know
that wounds in the heart of infancy will
not always bleed that childhood may
learn and love forgetfulness But there
is ore to whom no human effort can
bring happiness or peace: she who taught
his children to lisp the name of father"
whose earliest love "made ambition
virtue whose sympathy eheered him
on III every struggle, and share his many
triumphs: it is who must ever be