The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-14
NEW SERIES-NO. 1893

with the kindest affections, the loving voice,
the unceasing kindness. A nations SYM
pathy may with the, aid of time tend to
blunt the edge of grief, but the hand of
Him who has, for His own wise designs,
inflicted the wound, can alone effectually
heal it.
All! what words can now be addressed
to her, who was linked to the ilustrious de-
ceaked by the most enduring of all ties; to
her who shed an addition glory and grace
round the triumphs Of her distinguished
husband who attended him through life,
and in his protracted agony especially, with
devotion and tenderness impossible to
excel, and is now dissolved in sorrow over
his grave? 1t is God alone who can sus-
tain her under this overwhelming calamity,
and the spirit of faith which taught her
beloved husband to endure his pangs with
wonderful Christian fortitude and to offer
his life to Him who gave it. Through the
suGerings that Frustrated bis vigorous frame
and piercing the gloom which clouded his
noble spirit, the light of faith frequently
broke and lit up with its heavenly spendor
the last moments of the Christian stateman.
To the last expiring pang. the prayer of
faith," coupled with wishes and prayers for
his beloved country, issued from the quiv-
ering lips of the expiring patriot. Let US
trust, beloved friends, that those prayers
were heard /; and that his hope is full of
immortality.
But may dwell no longer on the merits
of the deceased history will do justice to
his services, now that the grave shuts out
all envy, and that the din of political strife
is heard no more. cannot, however, con.
clude, without drawing attention to the ap.
propriateness of the resting place of his re-
mains. It was here, as he himself assured
me, that he resolved to pass the calm and
honored evening of bis days. 1t is melan,
choly to recall bis purposes now, when this
loved spot has become resting place of a
far different kind. His bones repose in the
State which honored him in life; which
honors he repaid by long years of faithful
| service. His tomb looks toward the mag.
| ni6cent lake which washes the State he
loved, and the great city, so often the scene
of his triumphs, where in life he was well
coined with demonstrations that monal chs
might envy, and which he in turn illumined
by his genius. His memory is indelibly
connected with this city and state; and as
they were united in life, it is but just that
in death they are not divided.
There is another reason to be assigned
for selecting this site as his burial. Two
years ago, he would commemorate the an.
niveasary of the happy day which crowned
his political honors with the charms of
perfect domestic bliss. On the return of
that happy day, he presented the ground on
which we now stand, to the devoted part
ner of his joys and sorrows. 1t was beau.
tiful tribute of affection, which is now all
beautifully returned. It was the last re-
turn, save that of undying affection, which
the faithful wife could make to a devoted
husband. This place then is doubly hall
lowed by conjugal affection. With these
observations, let US consign the remains of
our illustrious friend to the last earthly
dwelling place. 1t is the house destined
for all living.
l need not dwell on reflections that
naturally arise for the occasion speaks for
itself and impresses on all who witness it, a
most memorable lesson. We shall ever
fOndly cherish the memory of our ilIustri.
GUS friend. He shall live forever in our
grateful affections. May those who enter
his career, and seek to rival his fame, imi-
tate him in his sincerity and devotion.
Into the merits of that career, it is not
my province to enter such discussion
would be unsuitable IN me at any time and
not appropriate on the present solemn oc-
casion. In that regard too many will be
found to do justice to his merits. l can
only bear testimony to the sincerity, noble
mindedness and independence of the man.
His worth is best attested by the sorrow of
all for his loss. Such universal grief is the
surest evidence of his merit. May that
blessed peace which be so ardently desired,
soon revisit our beloved country May the
great Consoler comfort her who was short
time since the cherished wife of his bosom,
but now desolate widow! May our Fa-.
ther in Heaven protect the orphans to
whom he bequeathed so touching legacy,
and may they walk worthy the fame of
their illustrious father The honored name
is now written in indelible characters in
the councils of his country. 1t is forever
blended with the fame of our own State in
particular. He was the last of the great
band of veteran statesmen, on whose like
we shall not soon look again, and conspicu-
Gus amongst the names Of those patriots and
sages shall ever shire the honored name of
him whose loss nation deplores to-day
the orator, the patriot, the statesman,
Stephen Arnold Douglas
At the close Of the Bishops grafton, the |
remains were deposited in the grave, and |
the immence assemblage slowly retired.
From the death of Judge Douglas, his |
body was placed under the charge of the
committee of thirty,-who for four nights
and days kept guard. Their duty was an
important and laborious one, and they dis. |
charged it faithfully and creditably.