Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1861-11-27
Baker and BrOderick .

A strange and melancholy comparison
| isays the Philadelphia Press may be
drawn between the character of David
G. Broderick, and the character of Ed
ward d. Baker; and we cannot better
illustrate this thought than by reprinting
the following paragraphs from Bakers
magnificent eulogy pronounced over the
dead body of his friend at San Francisco,
on tho 18th of September, 1859. His
delination of Broderick may be used as
picture of himself
A Senator lies dead in your midst !.
He is wrapped in bloody shroud, and
we, to whom bis tolls and cares were
given, are about to bear him to the place
appointed for all the living. 1t is not
| fit that such a man should pass to the
tomb unheralded, it is not fit that such n
life such steal unnoticed to its close; it is
not fit tina. such death should call forth
no rebuke, or be surrounded by no pub
lie lamentation. We are here, of every
station and pursuit, of every creed and
character, each in his capacity of citizen.
to swell the mournful tribute which the
majesty of the people offers to unreplying
death. The hopes of high-hearted friends
droop like fading flowers upon his breast,
and the struggling sigh compels the
tear in eyes that seldom weep. Around
him are those that have known him best,
and loved him the longest; who have
shared the triumph, and endured the de-
feat. Near him are the giavest and the
noblest of the state, possessed BY grief
at once earnest and sincere; while be-
vond, the masses of the people that he
| loved, and for whom his life was given,
gather like thunder-cloud Of swelling
and Indignant grief.
And now, as the shadows turn tow
ards the east, and we prepare to bear
these poor remains to their silent resting
place, let us not seek TO repress the gen.
erous pride which prompt a recital OF
noble deeds and manly virtues. He rose
unaided and alone; he began his career
without family or fortune, in the face
of difficulties; he inherited poverty and
obscurity; he died, Senator in Con
gress having written his name in the
rights of the people against the despotism
of organization and the corruption OF
power. He leaves in the hearts of his
friends the tenderest and the proudest
recollectons. He was honest, faithful
earnest, sincere, generous, and brave
He felt, in all the great crises OF his life,
| IL - l. ,xoa q, Ioo1ar bo roplS and fof
the rights of masses Of men, and he
could not falter. When he returned
from that fatal field, while the dark
wing of the Archangel of death was cast.
ing his shadows upon bis brow, his
greatest anxiety was as TO the perform
ance of his duty. He felt that all bis
strength and all his life belonged to the
cause to which he devoted them. I" Ba-
kerr" said he-and to me they were his
last words-'' Baker, when was struck
| tried to stand firm, but the blow
blinded me, and | could not" | trust
it is no shame to my manhood that tears
linded me rs he said it.
But, fellow citizens. tho voice of lam
entation is not uttered by private friend
ship alone-tbe blow that struck his
manly breast had touched the heart Of
n people, and as the sad tidings spread. q
general gloom prevails. Who shnll now
speak for California? Who be the inter
prefer of the wants Of the Pacific coast
Who can appeal to the communities OF
the Atlantic who love free labor? Who
can speak for the masses of men with q
passionate love for the classes from
whence he sprung? Who can defy the
Establishments Of power, the insolence Of
office, the corruptions of administrations
What hopes are buried with him in the
| grave!
"Ahl who that gallant spirit shall resume,
Leap from Eurotas' bank, and call us from
| the tomb?"
But the last word must be spoken, and
the imperlous mandate of death must be
fulfilled. Thus, oh, brave heart! we
bear thee to thy rest. Thus surrounded
bv tens Of thousands we leave thee to
the equal grave. AS in life no other
voice among us so rung its trumpet
blast upon the ear of freemen, so in
| death its echoes will reverbrate amid our
mountains and our valleys, until truth
and valor cease to appeal to the human
heart.
Good friend. true hero, hail and
/ farewell