The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-08-30
Senator Morton.

The serious Illness OF Senator Morton
called forth universal expressions of sympa-
thy. Even his most bitter political 0ppo-
nents pay him those tributes of respect
which superior genius never fails to evoke
from generous adversaries. Whatever may
be the result of his present illness, he has
secured for himself enduring fame as states
man, and whenever he falls it will be with
his face to the foe, like brave soldier.
Although his physical sufferings are nu-
merous and crushing, his intellectual powers
are fortunately unimpaired. The Cincinnati
Commercial gives the following interesting
particulars as to the character of the disease:
The condition of Senator Morton's health
for some years has :been such that intelli-
gence Of his occasional fits of illness has ex-
cited very serious apprehensions. His orig
inal trouble was brought ON by an excessive
exertion through long and desperately
contested campaign. When the campaign
was over he found himself strangely exhaus-
ted. He was not only physically inert, but
his mind was sluggish-did not answer his
willard he wrote even the few lines OF q
private letter with difficulty and reluctance.
This condition of things lasted for a fort
night. At the end of this time he read the
morning papers, as was his habit, before
getting out of bed, and when he proposed TO
get up found to his utter surprise that his
limbs were powerless. He sent for his ply
sician. and lawyer and adjusted his affairs.
At first his hands as well as his feet were
affected by the peculiar paralysis, but the
numbness gradually passed away from his
hands his trouble localized itself in his
ankles, and it was singular feature of the
case that his mind at once. when the physical
disability declared itself, became active.
This was almost as sudden as the rising OF a
curtain or the rolling away of cloud. The
inability of Gov. MORTON to walk or to
stand for any considerable time, owing to
the weakness in his ankles, has prevented
him from taking constant exercise, and this
has sometimes resulted in a torpid condi-
ton of his bowels. With this exception his
health has been vigororous, and his labors
in the Senate and on the stump have been
gigantic. His physical disabilities seem to
have stirred his intellectual faculties to the
highest intensity. His activity has been
sometimes surprising. AS an example, he
has just returned from his second trip to the
Pacific coast, on business connected with Sen.
torial duties since the October elections.
His friends have often begged him to spare
himself and devote the necessary time and
attention to recuperation, fondly hoping
that if he would do SO he might soon be on
his legs once more. He has, however, found
his chief consola ton in his labors. His in
dustry has been incessant, and his will pow
err and brain power, the thorough mastery Of
the detail OF subjects, and his grasp upon
the logic and principles Of public polity, have
with each succeeding year had more ant
| more positive illustrations. Ills intellect
| ual growth since his physical infirmity ap
peared is most striking and yet he was The
great war Governor before that. His Attic
tions have softened his personal manner
and ways, and touched with something o
tenderness his intercourse with his friends
while he has personally WANING way evei
with his enemies-and few men have NOR
of them, or have found them more bitter o
have been more remorselessly assailed il
private affairs for public conduct. The I'm
failing courtesy,the bland temper, the gen
tie consideration that MORTON shows hi
antagonists would be suspected by thos
who read his uniinching and implacable ut
terance as public man and his relentles
perseverance, in spolitical animosities. Th
illness from which Senator MORTON is sui
fering was caused by an indigestion follow
ing all imprudence in diet, and it would nc
have excited so much attention had it nc
been accompanied by the paralysis of tn
left arm. This is very serious symptom
but it may pass off in a flew days, as tn
paralytic affection Of his hands did NOR
than ten years ago. We may say of him. q
DIsRAELI said of DERBY HE is ma
who, for many years, has largely influence
the public opinion of his country"