The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-04-30
O n + q U A r Y.
james VI. MASON, Of yirsiri,

james u: Mnspn, Of virsirin.
The telegraph this morning brings us heVs OF the
death OF James N. Mason OF virginia, an event
which took place at his residence at Clarens, near
Alexandria, aud which had been expected for some
time past, owing to his feeble health. Mr.. Mason
was one OF the real f. f. VS. that we heard so much
about In ante-beuum times. George Mason, one OF
his ancestors was an English gentleman OF large
wealth, native OF the county OF stafrordshre, where
his estates lay, ana the time Of his emigration
member Of the English House OF Parliament He
was one OF the stanchest supporters or Charles |.
against the Roundheads, and fought with the Cava
iers under Charles but after the defeat Of the roy
aists near Worcester, in 1861, he disguised himself
AZ a peasant and fed to America to escape the pous
and merciful clutches OF the victorious Puritans.
Landing at Norfolk Mr. Mason established plan
tation on the Potomac river IN Westmoreland
county. Here he passed the remainder of his days.
leading the life OF an English gentleman; and here
also lived his immediate descendants, including the
subject of our SKETCH The deceased gentleman
born on the Sd Of November, 1897, on Analostan
Island, then part of Fairfax county, and the
dence OF the Mason family He was educated In
the primary schools OF his State and In Georgetown
District OF Columbia. While a lad he frequently
visited Washington ami was q frequent visitor TO
the Capitol, paying mucn attention TO the debates.
Leaving the South he went to Philadelphia,
where he entered the University Of Pennsylva
MIA, pursuing thorough course OF study and
graduating with credit In 1918. subsequently
he attended the law school ut William and Mary
College IN Williamsburg. Va. and from thence en-
tered the Office OF Benjamin watkins Leigh, Of
Richmond, where he completed his legal studies,
ana 10 1920 was admitted the bar Mr.. Mason
then moved to Winchester, and settled there, prac
Using his profession with marked success. He
gagged actively in politics, and 1926 elected to
the Virginia House of delegates, representing Ere
derrick county. His career In the Legislature was
most successful, and so well appreciated by his
constituents that they twice reelected him, and
would have elected him for fourth term had he not
peremptorly declined becoming candidate. He
had meanwhile served as G member OF the Vlr-
gina Convention OF 1929, summoned TO revise the
constitution OF the State.
Mr.. Mas0ns popularity with the people continued
steadily increase. ana IN 1887 he elected .
Representative in Congress from the district COM
posed OF Frederick aud shenandoah counties. He
served but one term, declining reelection at its
expiration; but his brief career IN the House had
added greatly to his reputation aud had placed him
prominently before the public AZ one Of the aDest
leaders OF the democracy. For several years Mr.
Mason remained out of Office, though he still con-
tiuued 10 participate actively IN politics. In ls47
however, he was elected TO the senate of the
| United States by the Legislature OF Virginia to
Pcnnybacker, VINO died during the Congressional
session OF that year. In December, l849, he was re-
/ elected for the term commencing In March. 1851,
and IN December, 1855, was agaln elected for the
term ending In 1853. These successive endorsements
| of Mr.. Mason Dy the people vi virginia, through
| their Legislature, were well deserved. for he GER
/ tainy represented the Old Dominion with marked
| ability and dignity. He was for ten years Chairman
| OF the committee on Foreign Relations, holding That
position until he resigned to join the rebellion In
1850 he lent ms influence to the administration move
| ment for the admission OF California, winch finally
| resulted In her admission ~ free state. Mr.
Mason, however, was intensely pro slavery in his
| political opinions. He opposed the Kansas Nebraska
hill and all other anf-slavery measures. and no was
| the author OF the famous Fugitive Slave law. His
| speeches In support OF this most unwise law were
| the sensation OF the day. However mistaken or
| erroneous his views might have been II Ia beyond
denial that they were able forclble and eloquent.
| Indeed, an crater Mr. Mason held high position
the Senate although ne was inferior 10 such men
| an benjamin. Sumner &c Ills delivery was easy
| anu natural, and his manner grave aud dignned
| when speaking.
| Fairy In 1851 Mr. Mason resigned his seat IN the
Senate and cast his lot with the rebellion. He was
| and was consequently secessonist. nevertheless,
IL would not be difficult 70 show that ne mad enter
tanned the deepest veneratOn for the Union. Ills
| speech ut Bunker Hill. In Boston, In 1905 at the
Warren, proves that he cherished sentiments
Of devotion for all parts Of the country. H."
said he, IN his address, which was lmprOmptu,
that great and gallant man (Warren) could have
urned from the battlefield, and told Massachusetts,
to hand down the memory or tnat DAY from genera
tion To generation postcrlty would have found his
request fulfllcd Four generations have passed by;
we are here In the ffth now. shall tell II IN old
Virginia, when return To her ha0wed land, thar
found the spirit Of Massachusetts a. buoyant IN
patriotic, completely filed with the emotions that
should govern patriotism. when visited Bunker
Hill. a. IL was when that battle was f0ughtN
hut Mr.. Mason was Virginian, who believed that
Virginia made the Union and not the Union Nif-
error arose rom CONSCIENTIOUS motives We have NO