Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1876-02-12
DEATH OF REvERDY JOHNSON.

DEATH or BEVERLY JOHNSON.
Our centennial year has as yet but
two deaths OF men of national reputa-
ton to record, and Death has dealt
gently with them both; for they have
alike passed away while on duty, and
full of years and honors. But a few
days ago we received the news Of the
death, at the Brooklyn navy yard, of
Admiral Stringham, of the United
States navy, in the seventy eighth year
Of his age; and last nights dispatches
announce the unexpected death OF
Rsverdy johnson, of Maryland. The
death Of Admiral Stringham severed
a tie which connected us with a past
generation and with almost forgotten
Glories. He was a midshipman in the
war of 1912, held an important COM
mand during the conflict with Mexico,
and served, always with honor,
throughout the rebellion. He was in
command of the naval force in 1861
which secured possession of Hatteras
Inlet.
BY the death Of Reverdy johnson
the country suffers even a greater loss.
Mr.. johnson was born in Annapolis in
1876, and vas consequently in his
eightieth year. He came Of a family
distinguished IS jurists in his native
State, and has added to their honors.
He was admitted to the bar before he
came of age, and his early manhood
was devoted almost exclusively to his
profession. With the exception Of
two terms Of service in the Senate of
Maryland he took no active part in
public life until his fiftieth year.. In
lS45 he was elected to represent Mary
land in the Senate Of the United States.
Before the expiration Of his term he
was appointed by President Taylor
lin March, lS49) Attorney General of
the United States, and resigned his
post in the Senate. He served in the
Cabinet during Taylor's incumbency,
and upon Fillmore's accession retired
to private life and the practice of his
profession. In 1862 he was called upon
by President Lincoln to visit New Or
leans a. q Government Commissioner
to investigate certain matters connected
with General Buffers administration
Of affairs in that city. His return upon
his commission was accepted by the
Administration and his recommends
tons acted upon. The press and PEG.
ple at the time attributed General But
ler's removal to this investigation. In
1863 Mr.. johnson was again chosen to
the United States Senate from Mary
land. He remained in the Senate
until 1868. In the latter year,
upon the resignation of Charles
Francis Adams, he was ap-
pointed Minister to the Court Of st.
James. While representing u Gov
eminent in London he negotiated with
Lord Stanley, the British Minister OF
Foreign Affairs, the first alabama
Treaty." The basis of this treaty was
an arbitration similar to that suisse
quently provided for by the Treaty OF
Washington, and which was carried
into effect at Geneva; but the details
were conceived by many to be unfav'
orable to the United States and the
treaty was not ratified by the Senate
Since his return from England Mr.
johnson has not been prominent In
political lie. MI. Johnson's entire po-
litical career has been marked by a
consistent conservatism and devotion
to country. He was . warm Wing in
1874, but on tho breaking out of the
Mexican struggle warmly supported
the war Isl o the Polk Admins
tration. He was a Crittenden compro.
mise man in 1850 81, but in view of &C
tual war with the South, he, while op'
posing the arming Of the negroes, the
refusal OF the Administration to ex'
change prisoners, and other measures
he regarded rs injudicious, earnestly
advocated the exercise Of all Legitimate
force in compelling . return Of the 70
'beilious States to thYir allegiance. The
Glory of Mr.. JohnsAn's career, how.
ever, was in khA Profession Of his
choice. He ~ @eea@kyer, a weigher o.
facts and precedsnts, by nature and ed
ucation; and, placed by fortune above
the necessity ofthe drudgeries ofthe law
he was enabled to devote half . century
to the expounding and illustra'
ton of the principles upon which
is based "the perfection Of hui
man reason" His memory will
live long among his brethren, and the
barrister Of the future will quote his
opinions as OF equal weight with those
Of Mansfield and Of Eskimo, Of Mar
shall and Story.
His private life was quietly happy
and digni6ed. He married carly in
life the woman of his choice. She lived
IN baar In him n large family Of davotad