The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-12-18
FESSENDEN.

Senator CattclI's EulORy of the Deceased
Statesman.
The following is a verbatim report of the elo-
quent tribute paid to the memory of the late
William Pitt Fesscnden by Senator Catten, OF
New Jersey
Mr.. President, II ] were 10 take counsel Of my
Judgment rather than OF my feelings, am sure
should remain silent listener throughout these
mournful ceremonies for cannot hope TO add any
thing to the eloquent ana impressive words which
have fallen from the lips OF those who have preceded
me, nor VIII any words Of mine add 10 the justly
high estimate which the people OF this Country have
formed OF the talents, PATRIOTISM and eminent ser
vices Of the distinguished statesman whose loss we
But should do violence to the promptlngs of my
heart il failed on this occasion to offer my tribute
Of respect and affection to the memory OF my de-
parted friend.
1t is part of my purpose to attempt any delicea-
ton Of the character OF Mr. Fessenden, or to speak
OF the eminent services he has rendered to the
try on this floor and elsewhere the most critical
period OF our nations history. His colleague and
others have htly spoken of his public career and 10
may safely be left for the pen OF the historian to
complete the record My purpose is more simple
heart few fresh, modest flowers dripping with the
dew OF Affection TO cast upon the grave of the friend
loved
Mr.. Fesscnden was my friend. When three years
ago ] came to this chamber fresh from the busy
walks OF q stirring commercial life which afforded
htte time for the careful study OF public AFFAIRS
stranger TO most OF the members OF the body, unia-
miliar with the forms OF legislation, deeply i'm
pressed with the responsibilities of my new position,
and distrustful OF my ability to do Justice to my
State, he took me by the hand, addressed me gene
rOus words OF encouragement, gave me his conf
dence, and honored me with his friendship, and with
all the Kindness, decacy, and affection OF elder
brother he continued TO the end 10 be my constant
counsellor and steadfast friend.
AT the very outset OF my Senatorial career he was
kind enough TO express wish TO have me placed on
the Finance Committee, of which he was then chair
man; position which as new member had no
right to expect, but compliment fully appre-
ciated. For more than two years it has been my
privilege to occupy seat by his side in this cham
Der, kindly invited thereto by himself. had there
fore the advantage OF enjoying to large extent his
brilliant and instructive conversation subjects of
public interest, and also ample opportunity to study
the characteristics OF his mind and heart in the
restricted social intercourse which such proximity
naturally begets between friends.
Mr.. President, William p. Fessenden was an honest
man; and, sir,
"An honest man is the noblest work OF God"
He was the truest man TO his convictions have
ever known. He had that combination OF qualities
which alone can make a great statesman-a clear
head ana pure heart coupled with a firm will and a
that he was a man OF the finest sensibilities, the
most tender-hearted and afIectionate OF men. 1
speak OF this because fear in some quarters he was
not in this respect fully understood.
In the heat and ferYOr of current oiI-hand debate
wherein think he was without rival in this cham
ber his keen, sharp, inCsive style and earnest man
ner would sometimes wound an opponent But he
bore malice towards none, and think it may be
truthiully svid of him. as he said OF the lamented
Senator Foot, "Impulsiye and ardent in tempera-
ment, he was generous and forgiving II injury eX-
cited him to anger, it was a generous anger which
could hardly outlye the occasion and persisted Of
itself II left Alone
But forbear. rose only TO speak OF him as my
friend. was on the tar-On shores Of the Pacific
when the telegraph brougn that distant point the
account OF MIR. rCsseaGCn's extreme illness. In
common with other members OF tins body then in
Cah watched with intense anxiety the daily
bulle tin from his home by the shores Of the Allan
tic; and II ever there went up to Heaven from my
heart Of hearts an earnest ejaculation it was that
God would spare his life.
But 1t ordered otherwise. The bolt has fallen
and while we sorrow for the loss OF the patriot,
statesman, and friend, it becomes us to bow sub
missively to the will OF Him 'who dOeth all things
we'll Mr.. President, there are others here who
baye known MIR. Fessenden longer than have, who
have shared with him for long years the duties and
responsibilities OF public life others who respected
| him in his life, enjoyed his friendship, and now
| lament his death.
But no one in this chamber am sure will more
deeply feel the void created by his DEATH miss his
companionship more than |. My heart sinks within
| me At the thought that shall more hear his
kindly merning salutaton, no more look into nil
classic face no more feel the pressure OF his
hand.FAll this is gone and gone forever; but shall
| hold in perpetual and grateful remembrance the
pleasant memories of our friendly relations earth.
1t only remains for me to say farewell, Kind friend,
farewell.