Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1857-10-29
Vermont Legislature.

Tuesday, Oct. 20.
SENATE-Mr Cahoon arose to Announce the
melancholy news of the death Of the Hon.
Reuben G. Benton Senator elect from the
County of Essex Mr. Benton died week
ago last Sabbath, at Rockford, Illinois. From
the information thus far received, we learn
that he had been sick some three or four weeks
He was confined to the house some TWO weeks
His remains we're brought home to this State
on last Friday. 1t is known that Mr.. Benton
occupied highly respectable position in the
State-a position which he gained by no adven-
titous aids Of fortune and birth, but solely by
his own unaided efforts and endeavors. Mr..
benton during his last sickness rocoised all the,
attention that strangers could bestow yet
there were no friends near to smooth his pillow
and 10 light up with kindly sympathy the dark
passage to the grave. 1t is another solemn
lesson that in the midst of life we are in death.
1t is lesson that we should heed. Mr. Benton
was possessed of remarkably healthy and
vigorous constitution, and no one seemed to
hold longer lease on life than did the de-
ceased.
Dust to dust, ashes to ashes, are everywhere
written on the walls before us, vet we heed it
not. Only when Death darkcns by its shadows
our very threshholds and makes its unwelcome
appearance in our own immediate circle, is it
thut IVA haad its unlau,r odn
Mr.. Cahoon offered the following resolutions
Whereas, intelligence has been received of
the death of Hon. REUBEN z. BENTON, Senator
elect from the County of Essex, who died at
Rockford, illinois, on the llth day of October,
lS58-TherefOie,
Resolved, That the Senate mourns the death
of Hon. REUBEN G BENTON, late member OF
this body, and tenders to his relatives the as
surance of sincere sympathy in this aflict-
ing bereavement.
Resolved That the Secretary of the Senate
be directed to transmit to the family of Mr.
Benton a certified copy of these Resolu tions.
Which resolutions were unaniu ously adopt
ed
Mr. Hunton said, we have seen a strong, Wig
oroLs man taken away, while the weak and in
firm remain behind. In this mysterious dis
pensation of wise Providence we are all indi
vidually called upon to realize the certainty O
death. We are called upon to be also ready
Here we see the vacant seat There tn
aged parents are mourning the loss of son
taken in the vigor of his strength the wido,
grieving for him who was her support childre
weeping for father. 1t is eminently befittin
that we should mingle our sympathy with til
bereaved. Many are present of those VIII
knew him we'll. Of ose we all remember h
kindliness of manner, his courteous bearing an
good feeling. We may well ask why we al
left! why he was taken But we must M
question the DEGREES of God.
God alone must administer consolation an
support to those who mourn.
Mr.. Pierpoint could speak of him only ae
Senator. In that capacity he could speak tt
sentiments of all present., in attributing to hi
, those qualities of heart and mind which mari
ed him as an able, energetic Senator, and a
honest man. Mr.. Pierpoint concluded by olfe
ing II resolution directing the Secretary of IL
Senate 10 notify the House of tho death of IL
Senator from Essex which was adopted.
Mr.. Cahoon offered u resolutioe that as
: mark of additional respect to the dead, Il
Senate adjourn; which resolution was adopte
HousE-Bhls introduced and referred. i
!. Mr. Randall of Roxbury, taxing Washingt,
I County for a new Jail j; to members Of Il
County. BY Mr.. Mather of Malboro', relaiil
y to trials before assistant county judges, judg
. Of probate and justices Of the peace to col
k mittee on printing. By Mr.. Strickland
Bradford, to incorporate Fairlec Slate Comp
10 ny; to committee on corporations. BY M
I. Merrill Of Montpelier in relation to fenc,
"a (amending act OF 1853 y to committee
). printing BY Mr.. Hubbard of Guildhsll, la
"a ing l-2 cent tax ON Essex County to mel
bers Of the county. BY Mr.. Keam Of Ira
a burgh. laying cent tux On Orleans count,
to q select committee of three. By Mr.. Fie
Of Cornwall, authorizing associations for :