New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-09
OBITUARY.
WILLIAM PITT FEsSENDEN.


States Senator "a man who brought into the pOti-
cal arena the dignity of Cato and the bitterness of
Junius:-who through q long career in stormy times
often evoked envenomed hostility from his Oppo-
nents, and sometimes harsh censure even from
his political friends but forfeited the respect
of eitAer-whO to the full hight of great
craftsmanship, yet never sank to the level Of the
mere politician, and was on the whole adjudged by
the safe test of deliberate popular estimate,
shrewd, practical far-eeing upright. and generally
safe public servant-ded yesterday morning after
protraoted and painful illness. at his residence III
Portland, Maine.
Mr.. Fessenden was born in Boscawen MeTi-
mack County. New-H Hampshire, Oct 16, 1906. His
father was the Hon. Samuel Fessenden, who, with
many OF his other relatives did the State good service in
is earlier history Always fond OF study, he entered
BOwdOn College at the OF Is, graduating with high
hOnors In 1928 Choosing his profession, he began
his studies and admitted to the bar in
He opened an office BridgetOn, Me-, but, two years
after moved to Portland where he afterward resided
until his death. Chosen member OF the State Legisa-
ture I'm 1881 he at distinguished himself, both
legislator and orator. and Of his speeches the
Bank question long remembered as "a most
full effort
Returning 10 his profession in 1882 he devoted himself
70 for years rising the highest rank both
counsellor and advocate He offered nomination to
Congress in 1891 but did not accept It, In 1889 he was
Democratic. but Mr. lFessenden a thorough Wing, was
made Chairman the House Committee TO revise the
statute Of the State Inll5O he received the WING nom
natiOn Congress- by acClamatiOn and was elected by
large majority IN district hitherto Democratic His
record in Congress brilliant one and his eoquence,
logic and clears ghtedness attracted much attention He
spoke the loan BILL the army appropriation Dill against
the repeal Of the bankrupt act and in reply TO Caleb
Cushing on his (CuShing's) personal position. He
nominated for reelection in 1s3 but preferred to return
10 his profession l85 the Wings in the Legislature
avo him their for the seat in the L. g. Sen
ate but they in the minority. Considerations
growing Of the position of parties the temperance
question induced him to become candidate for the State
Legislature 1885, and he elected. but declined TO
serve second year While there he again received the
Wing for T. s. Senator. The next seven years he
devoted hisconstauy increasing practice, in which
he built up national reputation During this time he
was associated with Daniel Webster in a very important
case before Supreme Washington involving
legal question before discussed in that Court,
How far the fraudulent acts Of aucuoneer, In
selling property should affect the OF the property
sold he being party to the fraud. Although he had
90 contend against the weight and influence Of Judge
stoys decision the Court below he successful,
and the former decision was reversed Mr. Fessendens
argument this occasion the highest praises from
the most able judges for its logical force and legal con-
cseness.
In 1850 he was elected to Congress- but through
error in the returns his seat given to his competitor
had in advance expressed to the nominating conven
tons Of the Wing and Soil parties his unwingness
10 the Congress- and accordingly he refused TO
contest the seat In 1910 he member Of the con-
vention which nominated Gen. Harrison for the Presi
dency and in OF the by which Gen. Taylor was
nominated. he advocating the claims of MI Webster
Again, In 1852, he member OF the nominating con-
vention this time supporting Gen Scott in opposition to
Mr.. Webster. He, however one OF the 81 who
opposed against the platform then adopted by
fba pOrt1a o
ture In 1885, and the Senate him its vote for United
States Senator but the Democrats had majority OF
four In the House he not elected So high did
he stand however lawyer that the same house as
ISOLATED him with the Hon. .Reue Williams in purchas
ing the wild lands Of Massachusetts, lying IN his own
State; and this was successfully accomplished. The
Kansas Nebraska question now began to assume lis
greatest Importance. Old party lines were lost sight or
and new formed the better to ward OF that more
serious issue only realized when civil war was
upon us Returned again TO the Legislature In 1874, MI
Fassenden was chosen u Senator by both branches on
the first ballot. the Wings and Free Soil Democrats
uniting to effect this result Here in reality dates the
birth Of the Republican party in Maine for although Mt
Fessenden refused be elected except Wing be was
one Of the rs to realize and advocate the necessity for
the new organization.
He took his seat In the Senate the 23d Of February
1854 and Oh the night of March made OF the most
eloquent and effective speeches delivered against the
Nebraska bill He reviewed the whole history OF the
n bearings
that the South already received her full dues and the
whole oause OF dssenson was deare the part OF the
South to rob North Of the little left her This effort
made him at once leading member Of the Senate and
bis voice was heard whenever any important question
was In order Thus find him introducing the french
spoation bill opposing bill to increase the army us
sussug bill TO protect United States officers speaking
on the relations with England on Kansas affairs, on
the Iowa Senatorial election, etc. ETC. He reviewed.
idept Buchanans message the Kansas question IN the
most scathDg charging not only that lte tone
was partsan and partial but that ignored well known
facts stated things that could not DC true during
all this time ne doing his share OF the business OF tie
ssna,a and Was leading member Of the Finance Com
nttee. .. -.
Returned to the Senate for six years In 1882 ana that
4ithout the formaty Of previous nomination ne was
az once made Chairman Of the Finance and Library COM
mtees and appointed Regent OF the Smithsonian ln'
.ttutlon Bowdoin College had conferred on him the
degree Of LID in 1858, and Harvard paid him the same
.mn,,ment In 1864 He was one Of the members OF the
Peace Conference which met February 1851 Through
ant the war MT Fessenden in his character OF senator
gas firm friend and ally Of the Union cause giving IL
the assistance Of his logic elOqueDce and counsel aho'
"a Chairman OF the Finance Committee aiding the secre
trv of tho Treasury maintaining the national credit
Mr. resigned his secretaryshp the Goth OF June
se1 An instant panic ensued and god that subtle In
ocx of public feeling, from % premium On June ~
20 1sS premium July H. The new secretary Wouu NC
sxpeoted to quiet this Storm and MT Fessenden war
chosen by President Lincoln the new Secretary. lie
,eitated TO accept health delicate and the re-
,ponsibilty difficult and overwhelming Senators ana
cabinet officers urged however andahe entered on Die
.iea on the 5th OF July. The whole country looked 10
MIN for aid The paper dollar was worth Only thiyIou
.ents The sale OF newoans had been PROVIDED foi, Ou
.bey found comparatively few purchasers germany
Holland and Switzerland were our only Foreign
ana National bankruptcy seemed at least possible MI
the