The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-03-13
the waters Of the Potomac river 70 the

the waters of the Potomac river to the
citizens of Westmoreland.
The committee on agriculture reported
against the petition of citizens OF Loudoun
county asking a repeal of the fence law.
Z A resolution to vacate the chair on and
after Monday at q o'clock o. M, and re-
sumo the same at u o'clock p. m. on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, was
referred to tho committee.
Mr.. Syphax, of Alexandria, offered the
following preamble and resolutions in rela-
ton to the death of Hon. Charles Sum-
ner:
Whereas, 1t has pleased almighty God
in his providence to remove from this life
Charles Sumner, late United States
Senator from the state of Massachusetts,
aud whereas, the principles of Christianity
and enlightened civilization commands re-
spect and reverence at the brink OF the
grave; therefore, be it
'- Resolved by the General Assem-
bly, of Virginia, That all the people
through their representatives in this
Capitol assembled, do express their
deep sorrow for the loss of q states
man, q philanthropist, a patriot,
true expounder Of the principle OF Re-
publican government, the Declaration OF
Independence, the constitution of his ooun-
try, and martyr to the cause OF human
freedom. 1911. AfA
Resolved, That copy of these resolu-
tons. properly authenticated by the proper.
officers of the General Assembly, be trans
United to the Legislature of the common
wealth of Massachusetts,, as token OF
sympathy in this the hour Of general mourn
ing; also that they be spread upon the jour.
nal of the two houses OF the Legislature OF
Virginia. -
Mr.. Syphax then said: Mr.. Speaker. if
the circumstances under which rise upon
this floor at this time may appear extraor-
d nary, can only say that the occasion is
extraordinary, and, sir, that shall be my
apology. But few hours ago the dis
tingushed member from Augusta rose
from his seat and announced the death OF
an ex-President of the United States, and
this house, by unanimous consent, paid
proper tribute of respect to his memory.
Following swiftly upon his heels it is my
unpleasant and melancholy duty to an
nounce the death of Charles Sumner. MIR.
Speaker, Charles Sumner IS dead. stall
saw but few words about him. l ask o
Phidias to perpetuate his memory IN pa
rian marble no Angelo, with artistic
genius, to quicken upon canvas his MINOR
tai fame. No, sir, deep. in the
hearts of free people, and all lovers OF
right and true glory, his name will be hon
ored wherever civilization exists, and where
reason is not warped by passion and pref
udice. Sir, may appear extravagant, pat
| in INV Judgment the only man who, ike
the great Edmund Burke. knew the constl-
tuition of his country, who comprehended
the true spirit of the Declaration of indie
pendense as taught by Jefferson, that
all men are created free and
equal, and are endowed by their Creator
with certain inalienable rights, among
which is life, liberty and the pursuit OF
happiness, and that governments derive
their Just powers from the consent OF the
governed, is now dead. Match HIM II you
can. Washington won the independence
of America from the proud Electol
of Hanover. Sumner has died II
the harness battling to perpetuate thu
victory which he achieved. He is not dead
no sir, he is not dead, but only conversln:
with the great Washington wrapped IN
blaze of immortal glory. When Alexan
der was born, Philip of Macedon said VI
thank God not so much that he has givel
| me son, but that he has given him me a
an age when Aristotle lived.' The Arts
totle of America is dead. Distinguishes
gentlemen upon this floor may be sur
prised when tell them how often hav
|, listened to his golden words in the interes
of liberty and his country's cause, an
. more surprised, perhaps, when l tell tina
in his own private chamber | hav
listened to his rich philosophy, a
he lead me in the misty paths {
legislation, and how to understand the cor
stitution of my country. l am nc
ashamed to drop tear here and now t
his memory. Mr.. Speaker, this, perhaps
will be the last request that shall ask
this house, and since there is brlghte
: day dawning upon our commonwealth,
: ask that those resolutions be entered upo
: the journal of this house.
? A motion was made by Mr.. Bagwell,
n Accomac, to lay the resolutions on II
Il table. but which was afterwards witt
! drawn in order to give Mr.. Page, OF No
o folk, a chance to speak. They were ate
|. wards tabled.
J. MI. Page then spoke as follows:
,e Mr.. Speaker cannot let this occasit
pass without giving some expressions
t, the deep sorrow and bereavement tn
It surrounds me on account OF the death
le Massachusetts great Senator. The trleT
/ of humanity, the friend OF a4erty, I
IN friend Of the oppressed and mine has go
70 forever. vr r,
Words are not at nv command, in J
I'd estimation, that are necessary to 90 u
~ subject justice; and those that do L
n. are far inadequate to convey my feelin
IN relative to so great loss.
at While l feel it my duty. sir, to spe
re- with regret concerning the death
y. Americas great statesman, know
of is unnecessary-regrets at the downfall
O. SO great man are worldwide. Not or
d. will the great American nation bow
mourning at its great loss, but the 9th
an nations Of the earth the being persona
en- acquainted with many Of them will VIC
tie with us and the expressions that
he shall read of from them will tell
OF that freedoms friend is go
res This great mans requirements are u
versally known. Truly there was moth
to great, grand, virtuous and good that
of was not a friend to. The historian, the pr
tx, the antiquarian, the scholar, the artist,
ng even the oppressed, all found friend
the companion in Mr.. Sumner The time OF
ass graduation from Americas ancient coll
=" Seems but to have been the commencem
as OF his life of study. However great