The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1860-05-29

DEATH OF VIM. c. PREsToH.-This distin-
gufshed orator and statesman of South Caro-
lima died at Columbia on the 22d, as the tel
egruph advises US. MIR. p. was for Il long
number OF years a member OF the United
States Senate, and no one in that body ever
possessed higher reputation for true elo-
quence. He was besides a learned scholar
and polished gentleman. Several years ago
he was stricken with paralysis, and since
then has been retired from public lille, al
though for some time President of The Col
! lcee of South Carolina Mr. p was born
| December 9Th, 1894 at Philadelphia
| where his father was temporarily sojourn-
| iug as a member of Congress from Virginia
! His material grandmother was the sister Of
! Patrick Henry. He was educated at the
! University of North Carolina, and studied
/ law in the office OF William Writ at Rich
mOnd. From 1916 to 1919 he Travelled in
! Europe, visiting England, France SWlrzei-
| land and residing for time at Edinhure
! where he attended, with the late Attorney
! General Legare, the philosophical lectures
| Of the University. In 1927 he was admit
ted to the Virginia bar, bnt removed TIE
next year to Columbia, S. C., and soon be
came engaged in political life. In 1924 he
| was elected to the Federal House of Rep
! resentatives and in 1882 10 The L. S Sen.
ate. After ten years service in The latter
! position lac returned TO the practice of law
/ of his adopted State. Daring the six years OF
! his Presidency OF the College OF South Car
/ olina he impaired Ia that institution the in-
! huence of his refined scholarship elee ant
/ tastes, and winning manners, aud only left
| in on account Of increasing i'll health
Mr.. Preston was personally and intellect
ually, magnificent gentleman. He was Il
| Wing of the old school of Henry Clay IL
| devoted adherent 10 our Kentucky states
man. and one OF the most brilliant OF that
galaxy of talent which adorned the Senate
during the administrations at jackson, Van
| Buren, and Harrison, the golden days 0fIhe
reputation of that body. We have heard
| many eloquent speeches in the course OF our
! somewhat extended editorial and political
| experience, but his effort at Baltimore, W hen
| Gen. Harrison WAS nominated has ALWAYS
! fingered in our memory as the most tascin-
ating effort of oratory To which We ever
| listened. The fire oi his grand uncle the.
| purity OF Washington, the Sagacity of Ham
! iIIon, and the indomitIblc energy Of old
| John Adams SEEMED concentrated in him.
Born amid statesmen and educated in the
| highest schools and the most polls shed socie-
! ty, William G.. Preston was Il connecting
! link betW cen the integrity Of the reVolu-
/ tiOnary era and the Vigor OF the exciting
| days when JacksOnlsm swept the country
with irrepressihle enthusiasm. Few men
| in the history of the United States have
achieved higher reputation, though he ett
| public life before he was fifty Years of age.
! His glorious presence, his melliiuonS volrr
! his tervid eloquence, and his genial manners
! have always been remembered by--ns rs
''thingS OF beauty, Joys forever, to lie trc.,Snr-
ed amid the most delightful rtcolle,'tions
of our life. No more manly heart ever
pnlsAted, and no more accomplished gentle
man ever dIgnihed official position in our
country. HIS DEATH though not nne Npecl-
ed, awakens bitter regret 10 think how
worth aud talent and godlike eIoquence
must all yield before the inevitable fiat OF
the great destroy tr.-Lou. tour