New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-03-24
OBITUARY..
JOHN HICKMAN.

Tho Hon. John Hickman died yesterday at
his late residence III West Chester, Penn Mr. Hickman
was born near the historic field Of BrandYwine Sept H.
1870 He was carefully educated by o private
tutor ard studied medicine, law, and divinity
in turn. Determining finally to become lawyer,
he devoted years legal studies and was admitted
to the bar of West Chester Hs became in
time an eloquent pleader, and was regarded
as at the head OF his profession In Ches-
ter County. In 1851 he accepted reluctantly the
Democratic inclination for Congress, and was elected
by majority of 1856 in the With Pennsylvania District
which was deemed OF the Wing stronghods In
1885, and again 1885, he elected on the same ticket
by purlllies OF and COL respectively Refusing to
act any longer with the Democrats he became an indie
pendent candidate the election of 1862 and defeated
both his opponents During the four terms which he
served in Congress, Mr. Hickman took leading part
in the business OF the House, and was consid
cred one OF tho abcst debaters. He supported
Mr. Banks for Speaker during the prolonged contest
which followed the opening OF the XXXIvth Congress-
and being appointed Chairman OF the Committee on
Elections, had leading part in initiating the inquiry
into the Kansas troubles. Daring his third and fourth
terms he presided over the judiciary Committee, tho
duties OF which at the time onerous and i'm
portant.
HIS course In the early part OK the entities him
to grateful remembrance. He the first to formu-
late tho opinion that President was invested with
was also the first to advocate the enrolment OF negro
troops His bill for the latter purpose introduced
early as December, 1862, had then fewisupporters.
One of the most remarkable incidents In his Congress
sona career was his reply to Mr. Curry OF Alabama
who in the discussion which preceded tho election Of
Mr. Pennington rs Speaker OF the XXXYIth Congress,
declared that tho election Of Mr. Seward, Mr. Chase
or any such representative or tho Republican party,
ought resisted to the disruption OF every tie that
binds this confederacy together" Mr. Hickman, who
mad not formally left the Democratic party replied In
a speech of great force and eloquence. wherein he
answered the threats of secession with language equally
strong. Concluding amid profound silence he said:
dissolution means that there IA be division Of terri
tory by Mason and Dixon's line, or any other
line l say No. that win never be. I express my
opnlou-and that opinion may 20 before the country
whether false or trae--when say No. sho North will
never tolerate division OF the territory" Mr.. Gartre
OF Georgia having here remarked, scientifically "
should like 10 know how you are to prevent II - Mr..
Hickman affirmed In forclble language his belief that
the North possessed the power 10 maintain the Union
aud helped to the sumberng patriotism Of the
Democrats.
Mr. Hickman declined reelection In 1867 and did not
again hold Office until 1862 when he served In
the Pennsylvania Legislature Possessing abundant
means an elegant residence, with a valuable library, be
devoted his time hencef0rth 10 tranquil pursuits with
however losing hs interest In current events Inc
Liberal Of 1917 alone served 70 rouse his DOR
mant energies He attended the Cincinnati Conyenti9n
election OF Horace Greeley for whom no sno
sincerest personal regard