Wilmington daily gazette., 1872-12-20
Death Of Hon. Garrett Davis.

In the Senate Of the United States, on We'd
nesday, Mr.. Stevenson, of Kentucky announced
the decease, of his late colleague. Hon. Garrett
Davis. Among the Senators who followed Mr.
Stevenson in brief tributes to the memory, worth
and abilities of the departed, Senator Bayara
spoke as follows:
Mr. BAYARD. Mr. President, my personal
associations with our late friend, the deceased
Senator from Kentucky, date but comparatively
few years back and in view OF the just ctlosa,
and full interesting. and discriminating sketch ot
his career by his distinguished colleague, to which
we have Just listened, approved as II has been
alike by those who were his party allies and op
popents in this Chamber, might well hesitate TO
detain the Senate by any reference to the snort
period covered by my personal acquaintance-
bat that PERIOD although short, has been full OF
occurrences deeply significant and important in
the history Of our country, and the part borne by
Mr.. Davis so useful to his fellow-countrymen us
well as honorable to his name and memory, thai
I conceive it proper upon this sad occasion TO
make brief mention OF II.
- No period in the political history of the United
States has been more pregnant with the spirit Of
transition and change, tnot to say revolution
than the past four years. And measures oil the
arayest and most far preaching influence, in the
heory and pnetce of our system ofgoytfnment,
have been under consideration, and Tor better OF
for worse, Incorporated with our institution.
Not upon this occasion, sir, do propose TO dis
cuss the benefit or the contrary to this Union ol
states, or their people, of these profound altera
tions in our political structure Behind the ven
of the future and in the verdict OF later genera
tion must he found the truer answer. tut when
the actors of the period to which have referrc.
come to be reviewed, aud the several responsible
Ties Of each to bc considered and adjuged, an
among those who believe that the fame OF tiarrtl
Davis. of Kentucky, will gain an increased lnsle
when the record OF his earnest, able, unfnching
and SO Otton eloquent efforts IN this Chamber, II
favor Of fixing and retaining contitntional lim'
tations upon governmental power, shall he rea'
- and appreciated .
able constitutional aud common lawyer and h's
a. was his intellectuallr frank, still higher was hi
moral grade Of thought and action. lie love
truth for her own sweet sake, and the person;
iutrenidity which 30 characterized the man ncv.
,srmittci him to wander from her paths ii
rood faith was kept alike with friend and foe an
40 clear was he IN Office, as to be not only a'
CHARGED with moral delinquency, but even hy II
worst foo unsuspected.
courtesy, which so mark his friendly intercoars
And however prompt was his recognition and III
mediate his response to anything that sivored
Il deAance, equally lrcady was he 10 y'e,' " u
softer touches OF reconciliation.
Mr., Davis intellectual yigor was constant
outruunipg his physical powers, and sitting
his side In this Senate Chamber was frequeh,
made aware of the painful conditions under "h'
his duties were performed.
a,#5 His WAS
&. 80 ..AH&y ioul, which. working out its way.
e IfsetA the pigmy body to decay. n
s't 50 And er-infOfD'd the tenement vi clay.
s#5 4Apd,tn BOW Mr. President, in the hurried maj
oI events. In this Chamber the scenc OF busy =
xrAnlemt, is Is not we'll that We should pause a
.s rsAect how fhr the moral life Of man exceeds
i'll influence and its importance his highest IN
tai resvlts, and that In our struggles here
great truth should not be forgotten posf Jun
u. isWtss.