The Daily clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1866-1888, 1877-02-02
MEMORIAL SERVICES.
The Late VIM. R. Barksdale.
En the House of Representatives
Wednesday .gan. "a, 1877.
Remarks of HON. EH. G.. Garter, of
Warren
CONCLUDED.

Mr.. SPEAKER:-I feel that | would be
doing an injustice to the memory of my de-
parted friend as well as myself if | allow ell
this present opportunity to pass without
adding my testimonial as to his virtues
and his high moral standing as a gentleman.
Mr. Speaker. memory calls back the mo-
ment when first [ met William Russell
Barksdale. 1t was during the stirring cam
vass of 1869 when, as yon know, the polit-
zeal fever was at its height. 1t was at
Grenada, where | had an appointment to
address the Republicans of that locality.
Fifteen hundred people surrounded me of
both parties, and in the midst of my address
[ discovered that | would need protection
and friend. | cast my eye over that vast
crowd and discovered the calm, impassive
face of the departed Representative, and
felt that that man among them all would be
be my friend, notwithstanding our political
differences. After the speaking had ceased
[ saluted him and stated my case and found
him 60 be 2entleman-a man who could
rise above political differences and lay
aside the prejudices OF the times and be
man. Since that time | have closely OBJ
served his actions up to the time met him
as member of this House. During our as
ISOLATION here he did but excmplfy my
former opinion of him and the words that
fell from those lips that are now chilled
with death will remain with me forever
The remarks made upon the Lien Law
come to my mind. Standing upon this
floor, upon the space now occupied by the
gentleman from Marshall. he plead before
the House for the passage of that bill. and.
in his appeal TO this House, lie uttered these
words: First let US secure the honest re-
pect of the negroes and how Is this to be
done? lie can be accom- Rishcd by only one
process, that is TO deal fairly, honestly and
truthfully with them in all our transactions
which | regret to say has not been done in
all instances These words coming from
the man they did fraught with experience
OF good years impressed themselves upon
me as 1 trust it did Upon the other m embers
OF this House, to be carried through them
10 their constituents to be acted upon.
Surely we should all wish this, and endeav-
or TO not only carry his request to our re-
spectlve homes, but eudeavor to act upon it
ourselves, and to produce fruit from the last
injunction of this statesman, and in this
manner secure TO the State of Mississippi,
tnat peace. prosperity and plenty which was
his paramount desire.
lie was man who passion nor prejudice
could not sway from the path of justice. If
IN MS advocacy of measure the House ap-
plauded, he was unchanged the calm
dignified gentleman. Ii solitary and alone.
ne was still William Rus sell. Barksdale-tle
same calm smile lighting his face, feeling
secure in his position as his concience die
tated to him what was right, and not his
prejudices. Is this not an example for ia
to emulate? Ought we not to follow in the
footsteps of one who we were so proud 70
honor? Yes; let us each aud all study to
become more like him in his discharges of
duty. and to carry out the many wise in
functions he has given US, so that at the
last day, when it will be our time to Law
aside the cares and trials of the world. we
may leave behind us as bright record. as
pure character, as unbemished honor as
our departed co-worker.
n In yx-farN hos falvr Fr<>,,
midst so bright a jewel, and who tempers
the wind to the shorn lamb, give to those
he has left for while that comfort and res
ignation, which He alone can give.