Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1869-09-16

SATURDAY, SEPT II. 1859.



william Pitt Ecsse0&cn.
The nation has scarcely recovered from
the shock that tho announcement Of the
death Of the Secretary of War caused, and
ere the grave had resolved al that was
mortal of him whom the people honored
and its chief magistrate loved as brother,
before the sad intelligence is sped with
tightening pace over the land that the
honoredand gifted Fessenden had passed
to that bourne from whence no traveller
returns.
The announcement Of the death OF the
distinguished Senator coming as it does,
Immediately after that of the illustrious
soldier, has added to the feeling of gloom
and sorrow by which the country is OPP
pressed, and creates genuine and wide
spread grief. The nation mourns one of
those choice statesmen who while they
keep abreast in the march of progress,
never suffer themselves to be led away
by passion or enthusiasm beyond the sober
bounds of reason and right. It is
the universal expression that another
strong man has departed, who leaves q
void that can scarcely be filled. His as
sociates in the Senate will miss the tall
form of the grave, and dignifed Senator,
for they valued his opinions highly, and
were accustomed to lean upon his judg-
ment. His loss will be severe in that arena
of high council, where his logical argu-
ment, his trenchant criticism, and his
sound judgment, have so often been heard
and demonstrated. Nowhere was this
distinguished statesman more highly ap-
preciated, than among those with whom
his public duties brought him in frequent
contact. He leaves good record behind
as learned and able debater, a clear
headed and independent thinker, an indie
fatigable worker, a statesman of high cul-
ture, an earnest politician, and an honest
man. He was particularly distinguished
in the financial department of public at
fairs while on the Committee offFinance,
and Secretary of the Treasury, in very
critical period under Mr.. Lincoln's admin
istration, and it was a source of fregret
that his health compelled him so soon to
resign the high and important duties that
devolved upon him in the latter position.
No man in the Senate had greater in
fuence than Mr.. Fessenden, or was more
distinguished for sound craftsmanship,
high character and Independent judg-
ment. Naturally of cold and cautious
disposition, he demanded of himself a
reason for every step he took, and, prov
ing his convictions for himself, he ad-
hered to them with tenacity and courage.
This popularity was evidenced in his
courage through the impeachment trial
of Andrew johnson. He took ground in
this case against the majority of his par
ty, and in spite of denunciation in the
Senate, and indignation meetings at home,
he cast his vote for acquital. Amid the
storm of obloquy that followed, he stood
firmly up with courage that would have
been grand if shown in favor of more
worthy object. The country soon for
gave him the mistake he had committed,
and he speedily regained his influence in
the Senate. There will be no divided
opinions as to the great loss the country
suffers in his death. He was statesman
whose calm judgment we shall miss from
our national councils; an upright man,
whose personal influence was never more
needed than at this hour; patriot, who
loved his country fearlessly and devoted
ly, and above all thoughts of himself.
Mr.. Fessenden, though so long identifie d
With the State of Maine LoIn III DOS
cawen, New Hampshire, Oct. 16, 1906,
and was therefore at his death in his
sixty-third year of his age. His father
was Hon. Samuel Fessenden, q distin-
guished lawyer in Maine, who preceded
him to the tomb but few months. He
graduated at Bowdoin College in 1923,
studied law, was admitted to the bar in
1927, opened an Office in Bridgton, Cum
berland county, Me, and in 1929 removed
to Portland. In 1881 he was elected to
the State Legislature, and though the
youngest member he soon acquired mark
ed distinction as a debater. From 1882
to 1889 Mr.. Fessenden devoted himself
exclusively to his profession, in which he
very soon rose to the first rank, both as a
counselor and advocate. In 1888 he de-
clined to become a candidate for Congress,
The next year he was again in the Legis-
lature, and, although Wing in o Demo-
cratic body, he was made Chairman Of
the House Committee to revise the Statu-
ties of the State. In 1910 he was nomi-
mated by acclamation as the Wing candi-
date for Congress- and was elected, out
running the strength of his party. AL
though he was then but thirty five years
of age he made very favorable impression
by his speeches on the loan bill, bankrupt
act, appropriation bill and other measures
He declined denomination in 1913, and
returned tile his profession In the same
year he received the votes of his party in
the Legislature for vacant seat in the
United States Senate. For the two years
following he served in the Legislature.
While member in 1915 he again receiv-
ed to votes of the Wings of the Legisla-
ture for seat in the United States Senate.
From 1S45 to 1852 he was in private life,
devoting himself to his profession with
constantly increasing Practice and repu-
tation.
During this period he attracted great
attention in legal circles by his argument
before the Supreme Court at Washington,
by which he succeeded in reversing de-
cision by Judge Story. In 1859, in a
contest for Congress, into which he had
been unwillingly constrained, the seat
was given to his competitor, but he de-
clined to contest tho decision, although
his claims were believed to be valid. He