The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-06-14

dtOuuu tuc grave, Wituiu WHiCu HouC uuI
the immediate friends of the family, the
clergy, the pall.bearers, and the committee
of arrangements were admitted.
The remains were taken from the car and
placed in the box stationed TO receive them
over the grave. This done, the Right Rev.
Bishop Duggan, clad in the robes of his Of
fee, advanced, and with uncovered head
pronounced the following funeral Grafton !:
GRAFTON OF BISHOP DUGaAN.
We are assembled beloved friends and
fellow citizens, to pay the last tribute of
respect to all that remains to US Of the de-
parted statesman, Stephen A. Douglas. The
sorrow visible in every face, this imposing
and universal display of sympathy and grief,
the cordial union of all parties and classes
in this magnificent demonstration, in his
own home and throughout the land, all
speak more forcibly than any words, how
ever appropriate, of the irreparable loss
which the country has just sustained.
Trusted, esteemed and honored as he was
in lie, never was he more necessary to the
nation, than when it lost his distinguished
services forever. To the mysterious decree
of Providence, which has so Unexpectedly
summoned from amongst US our singularly
gifted and honored friend, we must submit
with pious resignation, prostrated as we
are by this sudden stroke, we can only bow
down and adore. What contrast the
scene of to-day presents to the universal ac-
clamation with which the citizens of Chi
cago hailed his return amongst them a few
short weeks ago! Then all classes We'd,
in demonstration of love and honor to the
illustrious man, vino, without ceasing to be
the chief of great party, appeared amongst
US in the character of the uncomprOmising
patriot. In the darkest hour of our distress
and gloom he arose, the star of hope to a
distracted nation. Of the perfect sincerity
of his burning words, none who knew the
man will for moment doubt.
But his eloquent and patriotic voice will
prived US of his exalted wisdom. His
memory, however, will live; and "though
dead be yet speaketh." 1t is sad, indeed, to
reflect that we lose such man at period
of life, when long and useful years would
still seem before him, cut down in the very
prime of his existence, and when bis coun-
sells were most needed; but we must be re-
signed to the voice of Him who has sum.
mOned him so soon.
Death is no respecter of persons, and in
the instance before US impresses the solemn
lesson, that neither the most comprehensive
wisdom, nor the most devoted earnestness in
the nOblest of causes, nor sincerity of soul,
nor rectitude of heart, neither vigorous
frame that seems to set disease at defiance,
not the most devoted attachment of loving
friends, can be shield against the fatal dart
of the Destroyer. However, though he lived
not long enough for his country-(and ah !
how may l even allude to the sacred grief
of the bereaved ones Ito their hearts God
alone can speak9 yet it is consolation that
he was called from us in the full noon of his
fame; that in this tribute of regret all,
without distinction, cordiolly unite; and that
all the asperities of party strife are buried
in his grave.
Never, perhaps, was public man so uni
versally wept, or more sincerely mourned.
Yet, universal as is the grief OF the city and
State which be so specially loved, and of
the entire country which he so faithfully
served, it is but just to the memory of the
illustrious deceased to observe that is only
what bis merits claim. 1t is but fit tribute
to the country to his worth. 10 bis duty
as statesman he sacrificed even domestic
repose, for which he never ceased to pine.
For the interests of his country he entirely
neglected his own private concerns; and
with shattered frame, but undiminished
zeal, regardless of self, he again rushed forth
to use, for the salvation of his country, every
effort of his well-stored mind-all the resour-
ces of his splendid genius.
1t is the result of this generous spirit
that we mourn to-day be paid for bis fdel-
ity with the sacrifice of his life. In return,
grateful country weeps over his remains
and contradicts the oft repeated statement
that Republics are ungrateful."
10 the noble minded of our and everv
other cline, this will ever be hallowed
spot. Here they will come to learn the
lesson OF unselfish patriotism at this tomb
the heroic will nerve themselves for every
generous sacrifice. To the public he was
known merely as the brilliant orator, the
iervent patriot and pure statesman. All!
how must they feel in this sad moment who
knew him in private life whom he received
in the circle OF his friends who knew the
generous heart, the open hand, the warm
affections How poor are words to express
their feelings! They can be only silent and
weep!
And what are the feelings even of warm
friends compared with the anguish of those
who stood to him in the endearing relations
OF wife, of children, of relatives? They
alone can feel the full force of the stroke
that has fallen upon all. Others regret the
effective orator, the profound statesman, to
whose words of wisdom they listened with
wonderful reverence in the Senate Halls of
his country, or in the stormy debate but
they will miss the heart ever overfowing