Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1866-04-06


From uyuec Of tie character, illness
ami death OF the late Senator Foot, publish
eL in th, Wa-lingtan Chronic'e of Thurs
day, We take tie following deeply interest
Ing account:
Few living men have for 50 long period been
identified with public affairs. Nearly quarter
Of a century in the national councils, As Repre-
sentative all Senator from his State, he sus-
taiusd the same principles from the first, and
diet. as he hai lived, su incorruptible and con
sistert patriot. A true type Of the oil Wing
party IN Us beet days, he never mingled with
any of the temporary political organizations.
Always opposed 10 slavery, II was not until the
Democracy began &c prepare for secession, that
he connected himself with those strong men Of
New England, who, early anticipating the de-
signs Of the Southern traitors, had long before
resolved TO watch. to resist, and to defeat them
His high moral tone gave unusual force TO his
opinions. Sensitive Of bis personal hOnsr, be
protected with Jealous care his honor as a Sena-
tor. The friend and confident Of many Of the
public leaders who hourished in the generation
that began when Jackson's Administration
ended. he accumulated much valuable expers
ence, and acquired the hest habitudes Of thought
y
his association with such opposite and command
ing minds as Webster, Clay, Van Buren,
Wright, Benton, Calhoun, and their numerous
c5jemporaries. Il may be said Of Mr.. Foot that
he represented the characteristics and reflected
opinions Of the most worthy Of the departed
Statesmen. That he earnestly responded to the
progressive doctrines born Of the great rebel
lion is keenly and gratefully recOlccted. lie
was 50 scrupul0us in regard to his votes and
bis wOris as sometimes 10 seem 20 be almost
fastidious. 4 gentleman "in the grain, AMI
emineuuy senatorial in appearance, he was SO
tolerant Of the opinions and 50 careful not 70
wound the feelings Of others, that he became.
and was always quoted as, model Of courtesy
and uprightness. He was probably the best
parliamentaIian in the Senate. For many
years. as well before as during the period when
the Republicans attained aseeHdeucy in that bo-
dy, he frequently acted as President pro ten
pore, and here his exemplary peculiarities were
best exhibited Accurate, quick, urbane, he
was at once an impartial, agreeable, aud reso-
lutte moderator simplifying the most difficult
questions, Tepressing the acrimonies Of debate,
and preserving throughout the decorum that
has made the American Senate one Of the most
dignifei Legislatures in the world. There was
eomething * his erect figure. his intelligent
countenance radiant with manly beauty, bis
strong musical voice, his clear and distinct ar
ticulation, that made him the beau ideal Of a
Republican Senator.
HIS patriotism was more than an example
to his counhymen; for he idolizod his country.
Naturally conservative in all other things, he
was radical in his hostility to the rebellion, and
human slavery, the cause Of the rebellion
Among those who Worshipped his country was
Solomon Foot, Of Vermont. Even as he lay
stretched on the bed Of death, calmly antici-
patng his final call, conscious that his hours we're
numbered, all prepared to meet the final Judge,
has patriot sensibilities were ever on the alert
Within sound Of his voice stood the Capitol Of
his country, and from his couch he could almost
see the American flag floating over the Senate
chamber. Keenly alive to the great qu6s'ions
at issue in the National Legislature, and ab-
sorbed in hearty sympathy with the loyal ms-
jorities in Congress, he spoke incessantly Of the
dangers Of the State and of the duties Of the
statesman. Preserving his faculties to the last,
be knew the football Of every friend, and forgot
his own Affections even while announcing the
certainty Of his death and his readiness TO meet
his Maker. With his clear voice, that did not
fail him IN his sickness, he questioned each and
all eagerly as to the progress Of the public
business, and more than one who needed
strengthening in his just purposes, and counsel
in this dark hour Of national tribulation, found
both in the last appeals and prayers Of the illus
trious patriot whose loss we mourn.
At the opening Of the present Congress, on
the 9th Of December, 1865. a joint committee
was raised for the purpose of providing proper
Congressional testimonial to the lamented Pres
ident, Of which Senator Foot was appointed
chairman on the part Of the Senate He had
ever loved Abraham Lincoln. There was some
thing in the simplicity and truthfulness of the
great President that touched and attracted the
great Senator. They were much together; and
it is not invidious to say that when others halted
or doubted in regard to Abraham Lincoln, and
east about among other candidates for the Pres
idency n 1864, Solomon Foot held fast to that
which he knew to be good. and without ming
ling in party caucuses, earnestly and everywhere
insisted that the denomination Of Abraham Lin
coin was essential to the best Interests OF The
country and the Republican party. Having
great respect for parliamentary usages. and for
the forms which confer dignity upon a delibera-
tive body, he seemed ANXIOUS that the unspeak-
able loss Of the nation should be commemorated
with fitting ceremonies, and that nothing should
be left undone to show that as the whole Ameri-
can people mourned with unceasing grief at the
tomb of their slaughtered sage, their represent
stives at Washingtop, in Congress assembled.