The independent. (Harrisonburg, La.) 1853-18??, 1858-03-24


the character and learning of this emir,en
scholar was paid by Mr.. Dixon, one Of tn
Senators from Connecticut, in late speecl
in the United States Senate :-eas.-y.ss-g-rza
"And now, sir, who is Benjamin Silliman
that he should be assailed by name in the
Government organs, as it he were not emit
tied to address respectful message of ex-
postulation, or, if there were need, of reprooi
to the President of the United States! One
of the great lights ofmodern science-known,
celebrated. distinguished among the few
who have adorned the arts, and shed new
light on the studies most cultivated by civ
ilized man; the peer, the friend of Hum
boldt, of Davy, (while he yet lived, of Ara
90, of Agassiz, of Chevreul, Of Gotta, Of De
La Beche, of Jean Baptist Dumas, of Fara-
day, of LIE Verrier, of Brogniart, of every
great contemporary name made iAustrious
by devotion to science-known all over the
world, where many of our distinguished
countrymen are still unknown the instruc-
tor of three generations of young men, in
that far famed university beneath whose
classic shades he is passing his last days ;
the guide, the philosopher, the friend, whose
teachings and whose counsels have been en-
joyed by more of our public men than those
of any man now living; the honored profess
sor, at whose feet your own Calhoun sat for
many years, when he, young man, went to
New England, as the young men of Rome
went to Greece to learn philosophy. There,
sir, under the instructions of Silliman, and
Dwight, and Kingsley, his great intellect
was cultivated adorned and strengthened
There he learned to WELD the invincible logic
which enabled him successfully to encounter
the giants of other days-the Websters, the
Clays, the Bentons-in this Senate, with
constant victory or, if not with victory,
without ever having been compelled to &C
knowledge defeat. | know not, sir, how
many members of this body were trained by
the same men or their successors. But this
with Difference say, that whatever honors
may be in store for any member of this body;
whatever just claim to undying fame the
talents, the requirements, the eloquence, the
public service, of the most distinguished
here many be give him: there is not one
among these honored Senators who may not
deem himself satisfied, all the hopes of his
youth more than fulfilled, all the labors of
his manhood ore than rewarded. if Re may
finally reach the measure of fame enjoyed in
his ripened years by Benjamin Silliman. No
Office could elevate him; no honors could
extend his reputation. His name is inscribed
in the immortal records of learning, and can
never be forgotten till the knowledge of hu-
arts and sciences shall fade from
the memory Of mankind.
will say more, sir: if the President of
the United States, with all The honors he has
received from his country, including the
added distinction of being enrolled in that |
list Of eminent mea who have held the high |
office he now occupies if he may believe
that when he is at last summoned to his re-
ward, his name shall be as well known to the
educated minds of Christendom as that of
Benjamin SilIiman, he may well be satisfied
with the anticipation. Far off, trust, is the
distant day when Professor Sillman shall
be called from among men; but when he
shall have entered into the fragrant laurel
grove through which the ancient Eridanus
rolls its ample tlood-if may borrow the
beautiful al!usion of the Senator from Ohio
on another occasion-the civilized world will |
lament his departure, and acknowledge his
services to the cause Of popular science
His fame is of no country, but of the world.