The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1869-11-19
Tribute OF Respect.

At ameeting of the Bar OF Charleston, held In
the Equity Court Room on Wednesday, 17th In
stant, Edward McCrady, ESQ.,, was called to the
chair and N. L. wilkins requested to act as secre-
tay.'
The chairpan stated the object OF the meeting,
with a feeling tribute to the public services and
private virtues OF the late General WILLIAM &.
MARTIN.
Hon. W. D. Porter, after a graceful and touch
ing eulogium, offered the following preamble and
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted:
We are assembled to join in tribute OF respect
to the memory Of brother who recently held
conspicuous place in our ranks, and whom all or
us regard with feelings Of respect and aectionate
esteem. 1t is mournful dn.y, but one that
brings with 1t feeling Of satisfaction to temper
its sadness 1t is at all times good ard profitable
to dwell upon the virtues Of depar "a friends.
General WILLIAM E. MARTIN was oo.n In the
District OF Beaufort, in this State He passed his
life partly In that district and partly in Charles
ton, and died, during a temporary sojourn, at
Baltimore, Maryland, in the 55th year OF his age.
He died surrounded by the wife and children
whom he so dearly loved. and by whom IN turn
he was Justly and greatly beloved. In the domes
tic circle he found his chief earthly delight and he
strove successfully to make his home cheerful and
bright and happy. The light Of that home Is
quenched; but gentle and hallowed memories
will linger around it, and will live as long as the
pulses of life shall beat in the sorrowing hearts Of
the survivors.
General MARTIN graduated at the South Caro-
lima College, at the commencement OF 1884. He
was called to the Bar In 1885, In the year 1889 was
elected Clerk OF the Senate OF the State. This
once had been previously nlled by his distin-
guished father, Judge Martin; and he felt an hon.
est pride in the possession OF 1t. He held 1t for
near thirty years, and until the great political
revolution by which the power and oflice5 OF the
State passed into the hands Of the stranger. His
continuous reelection for so long period OF
time is the highest proof OF the appreciation In
which he was held by those among whom he was
born and nurtured. He was certainly most
courteous, fair and capable oficer-an officer
worthy Of the Senate in the days upon which we
can look back without shame
We all knew General MARTIN at the Bar. An
ardent temperament a manly resoluteness of
purpose and power OF vigorous expression, In
conjunction with strong reasoning faculties, high
ly cultivated by general and professional reading,
rendered him formidable antagonist in the con-
diets of the forum.
He did not AFFECT quickness, and sometimes
frankly said to friends that he knew his processes
of perception were not rapid. But II be took
time, it was that he might get clear insight and
firm and sure grasp OF the subject matter COM
mltted to him. He was too conscientious to act
upon an opinion or judgment OF which he did
not feel sure. But his hold once taken was vigo-
rous and unreaxing. So soon as he felt the ground
beneath him no man stood hrmer or steader.
The quickest apprehensions, although snowy and
brilliant are not always most reliable. The most
solid judgments and the safest c0unsels are those
which come of patient and labOriOus investiga-
ton; for by this means only can clear ana
thorough comprehension be had OF the intricate
and complex questions which are laid before the
lawyer for solution. In this respect General Mar
tin was certainly a true and faithful counsellor
He Thought and examined and studied over his
cases with most admirable industry. He was
anxious, painstaklng, and devoted to the Interest
of his clients. This grew out OF the conscious
ness OF his nature.
General MARTIN had the highest conception of
the dignity OF our profession. He inherited it
from his father, and 1t peryaded the very core
OF his being He had deep scorn OF the little
arts by which petty advantages are secured, and
right and truth are despoled. He loved justice,
and was courageous to assert and defend 1t. He
regarded the law as the proper and chosen guard
ian OF justice, and he was ever faithful minister
at her altars.
In all the relations OF life, our departed brother
was most estmable. In the elements oftrue man.
hood such AZ truthfuIness. probity. candor,
nice sense of houor and personal courage, he wss
beyond exception. His integrity was without
soil or breath OF suspicion; and the heritage
which he received Of fair and honorable name