Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1873-10-14
The Late Hon. John B. Baldwin.

B. Baldwin.
The Press, Throughout the State, has publish
ed just and handsome tributes to his memory
We have room only for few of them which
we publish below.
From the Gordonsuille Gazette.
The telegraph brings US to-day the sad intel
ligence of the death of this great man-for great
he was in the highest and best sense of the
term-ard pure as great.
Mr.. Baldwlns death will give shock to ev-
cry true-hearted Virginian-for though our
worst fears had been aroused by the rapidity
and severity of his recent attacks of illness, we
could but indulge the hope that one who was
yet In the prime of life, of robust habit, and of
exceptional temperatures in all things. might
yet rally and fulfill the high mission which SEEM
ed assigned to him. But he is gone, and We
have only the mournfu privilege of paying a
tribute In which strict truth will be the highest
praise.
Mr.. Baldwin has borne himself so nobly in
every position that it would be difficult to in
dictate his peculiar excellence-as lawyer he
has stood in the front rank where Niche and
Stuart were his living competitors, and in re-
gion where Chapman johnson had left the
measure and model of excellence in the profess
sion. As legislator he was abreast of the first
men Of the State, and when elected to the
Speakership of the House of Delegates, he presi-
ded with a. promptness, grace and dignity,
which elected the admiration of those who
judged him by the standard which John Wins
ton Jones and Andrew Stevenson had establish
ed and illustrated.
Mr.. Baldwin had what the Germans so felic-
itously style ''many-sided" mind Masculine
in its essence, broad liz its grasp, deep in its
analysis and research, it was no less remarkable
for the richness of it's genial humor, and the
keenness of its trenchant wit.
Before the people, Mr.. Baldwin was an es-
pecial favorite. In the glow and excitement of
a general contest he seemed to develop his
brightest and fullest powers. The nervous ar
gument. the clinching statement the memorable
logic, were Illuminated and carried home" by
an aptness of illustration and fecundity of point
ed anecdote which we have rarely seen equal
ed, and never surpassed.
For many years past, Mr. Baldwin had with
drawn himself from political life. and had con-
centrated bis great powers upon his profession.
As the chief legal adviser Of the Chesapeake &
Ohio Railroad, he displayed a foresight and
wisdom which was of inestimable advantage to
that Company in the intricate questions which
so frequently presented themselves and we
can but remember the Joy with which he hailed
aud announced the completion of that great
work with which his name and fame are now
inseparably linked.
In the grave questions which yet remain for
Virginia. it is sad to think that she cannot have
the sage counsels of this devoted son. He leaves
a rich memory and high example, and the
day WILL indeed, be dark for Virginia when she
ceases to cherish the one aod hallow the other.
From the Central Presbyterian
The death of this distinguished son of Vir-
GINA, which occurred at his home in Staunton,
Va, Sept. both, has left deep impression Of
the public loss sustained by the mournful event.
His robust constitution Of body and mind, gave
promise of long as well as useful life; but un-
TO dust we all must return. No man 10 Virgin
ia stood higher for sterling integrity and gem
eral excellence. He was in the front rank of
his profession as lawyer, and had lived to
render services Of great value to the Common
wealth, for whose welfare he ever cherished the
mos fervent devotion. La all the relations Of
life he was exemplary and happy, and was
cherished by the community in which he lived
with degree of affection which falls to the lot
Of but few.
From the Leesburg Vashingtonian.]
By a telegram 10 this issue, 1t will be seen
that the Hon. John B Baldwin died 10 Staun-
ton, on Tuesday last |, would not be extrava-
this State, and with but few superiors 10 the
country. To his splendid intellectual attain
lnents, he added the purest character, aud
evinced the most earnest desire Tor the prosper
ity of his State. He vas true Virginian, and
true man IN every sense OF the word.
From the Rockingham Register.
Col Baldwin was unquestionably one Of the
first men of the State. He was as true to Vir-
GINA as any man that ever breathed the pure
air of her native hills Possessed of a splendid
ly cultivated intellect and of untarnished hon
or he held the first place 10 the hearts and atfec-
tons of the people amongst whom he was born
and raised. He had filed numerous places of
honor aud distinction at the call OF his fellow
citizens, and never was known to betray any
trust confded to him. As legislator, member
of Congress, advocate at the bar, or as comman-
der of troops raised for the defence OF his State,
the same fearless, high and eunobliog attributes
were invariably displayed. With his noble
character developed and matured, it was not to
be wondered at that he was popular with his
felloH-citizens. They may we'll mourn, for they
have sustained an irreparaba loss. The whole
State will feel the loss his death has occasioned.
From the Charlottesville Chronicle.
Virginia may we'll mourn his loss, for la him
she loses lawyer of eminent ability, an orator,
statesman, an untriog friend of the Uaiver-
sity and Of State education, and an honest.
courteous gentleman, without fear and without
re proach 10 all his relations in life.
From the Warren Sentinel
He was greatly beloved for bis many sterling
qualities, and his was certainly one OF the finest
legal minds In Virginia. AS an advocate at the
bar, and popular speaker, be had no superior
anywhere. The whole Commonwealth sincere
X, mourns the death of one of her most distiu-
guished sons occurring too at a time when his
splendid abilities were greatly needed.
From the FncaStle Herald
The death of Col. John B. Baldwin, of Staun-
ton, is public loss. felt by the whole State. =
her of the bar, fac orator. and Influential cit
izen of the Valley ofVirginia. During the war
he was member of the Confederate Congress,
and since the close of that struggle had devoted
his best energies to the restoration and re es
tabishment of his native State upon sound
basis, and the development of her varied mate
rial interests.
From the Scottsville Courier.
In the death OF John B. Baldwin, the State
has lost one of her abest statesmen, and purest
men; aud the legal profession has been depriv-
ed of the services Of one OF its most eminent and
honored members, Wherever he Went he made
many and lasting friends. He was honored and
as we'll as for his distinguished ability, and his
devotion to his native State under the most
trying circumstances. Few men possessed, to
greater degree, the confidence Of his fellow
men, and we are seldom called upon to mourn
the loss of one of greater worth.
From the abingdon Var0inion.
A. n he Rnr If MoO