Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-09-14
The Late Senator Fessenden.

The annexed tribute to the late Sena-
tor Fessenden, of Maine, we believe to
be marked by as just and discriminating
an appreciation of the high character,
abilities and craftsmanship of the de-
ceased as is likely to come from any
other hand. For the author of it had
such association with him through i'm
portsnt periods in the career OF both as
fully qualities him for correct Judgment
and utteranee in the premises, We give
the communication with pleasure, as the
views it takes of Mr.. Fessendep entirely
accord with those which close observa-
ton of his career and bearing in the
Senate. especially during the last eight
or nine years, had inspired in others who
vers nst in party sfjlistion with the dis
tipguishad deceased
Vim. Pitt Fessendea. AT any period
the death of such man as William Pitt
Fessenden would be felt as serious loss
by those to whom he was personally
known. At this time i. is a great public
calamity-his deserved influence in the
sepete of the United States. his con-
servatiye character ana bio veil knovn
ability we're such ss to give TO all pa
triot;c people perfect faith that these
would all be exerted for the good OF the
country. His mind was admirably fitted
for the duties of the Senate chamber 1t
was not rash, but meditative. He ever
deliberafed upon all the measures before
the body with an anxious deeire to reach
a lust conclusion, and one that would
contribute 20 the public welfare. As q
debater he had few equals and no supe-
rior. His style was not ornate, but
studiously simple. Never ambitious of
playing the mere orator, he always ad-
dressed himself to the reason Of his
hearers and OF the country. His propo-
sitions we're laid down in plain language,
and enforced by mastery logic which,
if it did not on all occasions convince,
caused his opponents in the debate the
greatest difficulty. During the several
sessions when be was the chairman of
the Finance Committee, his great indus
try, his perfect mastery Of his subjects,
and his clear calculation of them, were
universally admired, and hardly ever
failed 10 producing their adoption. He
had, however, a fault which, in degree,
impaired his personal influence This
was in occasionally meeting the argu-
ments of those who differed with him with
somewhat of acrimony. In this way he
would plant thorn 10 the bosom OF an
adversary, which, although he would in
a short time do all that he could TO
withdraw it, would leave wound which
never wholly eiostrised, Generally,
however. he had the confidence of the
Senate and of his Stale. This latter was
for q time impaired by the course he
took on the impeachment of President
johnson. His opinion upon that oeoa'
sion, WHICH was in all respects post ad.
mirable, il is believed soon satisfied his
constituents, not OF his perfect integrity
flor that they never doubtedl, but that
he had judged Alright, and saved the
country from the great immediate perils
certain 10 follow the success of the i'm
parchment, and from the consequences
Of an example which in high party times
might be used to destroy the presidential
office. ~
In personal intercourse his conduct
was without fault He was full Of snec-
dotes, which be always told well, and on
these occasions he never wounded. bat
on the contrary, where that was possible,
strengthened the attachment of friends,
Among those the writer Of this notice ia
glad TO remember that be was included,
and shares, therefore. in the deep pain
which bis unexpected death has inflicted
upon them. A MARYLAYDER.