The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1877-11-08
Senator Morton.

Oliver 2. Morton was born in Wayn
county, Indiana, August 4th, 1928. h
was educated at Miami University
Ohio; and was admitted to the bar il
ls47. He was elected Judge OF the Fiji
Judicial district in Indiana IN 1882. Ii
1856 be was the republican candidat
for governor, bat was defeated. Ii
1860 he was ell ected lieutenant geverno
land in 1851 ION the transfer of Gov
H. S. Lane to the United States senate
Morton became governor, and held tina
position six years, being reelected il
1864.
Senator Morton obtained nationa
reputation by his conduct as governor
of Indiana and during the war of the re
bellion. The remarkable energy and
spirit with which be sustained the feder
al government in its struggle won tol
him the highest appreciation OF Presi
dent Lincoln and his cabinet, and the
admiration and applause of all friends
of the Union cause. Under his leader
ship, Indiana promptly and fully met
the immense demands for troops that
were made upon her. No troops went
into the field IN better shape than did
the moro than one hundred regiments
from Indiana-and mono rendered more
effective service in their campaigns
and this was duo in great measure 30
the sleepless vigilance and unwearied
attention of Gov. Morton. Supplement.
tary to that which was done by The gov.
ernEent for the relief of the sick and
wounded soldiers. the State Sanitary
Commission, in which Gov. Morton was
the leading spirit, was unceasing in it's
ministrations TO the Indiana soldiers.
II was saying in the army-"Gov. Nor.
ton takes care Of bis men," Associated
with such noble colleagues as Gov. An
drew, o: Massachusetts, and Gov. Yates,
of Illinois, md others of like ability and
zeal, Gov. Morton was easily the peer
of any of them, and his record in trying
years was one of unsurpassed patriotism
and fidelity. Thousands of Indiana
soldiers, scattered throughout the coun
try, will read to-day with moistened
eyes the intelligence of his death, and
with quiverlng lips they will repeat the
old words-"GUv. Morton took care Of
his men," words flt both for eulogy and
epitaph.
In 1865, Gov. Morton visited Europe
to be treated for paralysis, but returned
without permanent relief IN 1866, and IN
i'll health resumed his duties. From
that time onward, his life illustrated the
power Of proud resolute will compell-
ing the service OF an enfeebled body.
Gov. Morton was chosen u member Of
the United States Senate in January
1867. In that body he at once took
place in the front rank as q man of bus.
Iness, and as a ready ind forCible dc.
batter. In the discussion OF the recon.
struction measures, and Of questions per-
raining to our homo Interests, and TO
foreign affairs, be bore prominent and
an influential part.
For several years past, he has been
tho recognized leader Of tho republican
party in tho senate. MIR. Cohkling, OF
New York, dividing the honors OF that
position with him, in the judgement OF
some. He was the first choice tor nom
ination for president of 81 large portion
Of tho delegates 10 the republican con-
vention which met at Cincinnati, in
June, 1876.
Senator Morton was clear thinker,
and u vigorous, perspicuous writer. As
u speaker, he was logical, dealing in
facts und arguments, rather than IN
lights OF oratory-presenling figures OF
rather than figures OF rhetoric
His discussions OF great questions,
whether in congress, or before tho peo-
pic, we're thorough and exhaustive and
his speeches became the textbooks of
the debators OF his own party, and they
furnished the main points OF attacks for
the opposition. A speech which he de.
livered IN Ices was 90 much IT demand
that it was said that more than one mil !
lion copies of 1t were published in pam
phlet form.
In 1870. the mission to England was
rendered to Senator Morton by Presi-
dent Grant, and declined by him. He
was reelected TO the senate in 1873, tor /
the term ending in 1879.
In addition to his intellectual strength,
and his political sagacity,the distinguish
ng characteristics Ct Senator Morton
were force, tenacity, and courage. That
which he did wac done with his might.
He shrank from no responsibility that
belonged TO him. In the discharge of
ais duty he knew no fear. II he main.
Sined his views firmly, 1t was because
10 believed them TO be just, and not on
sccount OF luminosity toward those with
whom he differed. Standing at the poet
II duty, he could say to friends and foes,
ss did glorious old Gen. Thomas ut
"Howevor the battle may
90, SHALL BE HERE"
The griei of The people at the death
Il Senator Morton is general and pro.
oand. From position Of great inau.
nee he has passed. away In his prime.
70 his honor, be il spoken, as he lies in
lis coffin to day: No shadow of dishon.
II rests upon his public life; no stain
4 corruption attaches to his official
haraoter. The nation mourns the loss
4 ono of the most distinguish and
seful men OF his generation.
Men die, but man still hopes, and
lsns, and tolls. Men die, bat humanity
ndures.-Commonwealth.