The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1878-08-10


make arrangements that would insure
cheap books for his new-found friend.
The young Kentuckian was extremely
grateful for this proffer of aid in lust
the direction he most desired. After
breakfast the traveller took leave of the
family and went on his way. He did
not forget his promise to intercede with
the Philadelphia booksellers, to let his
Kentucky friend have the ADVANTAGE of
cheap books.
Years rolled on; the country pros
percd for a time, and after many Years
it was scourged with civil war, lasting
for four years. The young men whose
acquaintance was made as above relat-
ed, had never heard of each others
operations. Both had prospered; the
young Pennsylvania had become
wealthy and prominent. He was hon
ored with position and influence; had
become a member of Congress, and oc
cupied high position in that BODY.
Indeed, he ranked among the ablest
and best men in Pennsylvania, honored
and respected wherever known. One
evening in 1870, while at his room in
Washington, card was handed to him
by servant. On looking at it, he did
not recognize the name as being that
of any acquaintance, but the stranger
was invited into his room. There was
no recognition between the two men
then both past middle age. The visitor
inquired of the Congressman if his
name was --. The answer was in
the affirmative. The visitor then hand
ed the Congressman an old card, and
asked if he recognized that On look
ing carefully at the card the Congress
man did recognize it as the identical
one he had given to his backwoods
Kentucky friend more than thirty
years before, containing the names of
the firm OF Philadelphia booksellers be-
fore alluded to, and the visitor proved
to be the young bed-fellow of the Ken
lucky log cabin. The old friends of a
night had met; the incidents of the life
of each were briefly recited; the trials,
the successes, the mishaps and the honors
received were talked over most freely
The position of the PENNSYLVANIA has
been described. OF the Kentuckian,
we will say a few words. He awaited
himself of the offer of cheap books, and
was successful in procuring them from
time to time, as means would permit,
and he attributed his future success in
life largely to the effect of the card.
He became well educated, studied law,
and was admitted to the bar; took prom
inent position in his native State; ad-
vocated the abolition of slavery; was
recognized as one of the ablest LAWYERS
in Kentucky, and became one of the
prominent Republican leaders of that
State. In 1861 he was appointed by
President Lincoln as Minister to New
Granada, where he remained several
years, and gainedfo for himself an enviable
rank as a diplomatist. In 1871 he was
appointed by President Grant Secretary
OF the San Domingo Commission, pO-
sition for which he was well fitted by
reason of his accomplishments as lin
guist. A few weeks ago the degree OF
LII. ID. was conferred upon him by
Centre College, Kentucky. For sever
al years he has been in poor health, de-
voting his leisure to study. He was a
man of incorruptible integrity, possess
ing mind of great breadth and COM
pass, ttIb OllC CdplDlc Vi SIdS ping anu
mastering the most intricate subjects.
With such men the pleasure Of the
meeting in Washington, after separa-
ton Of more, than thirty years-and
with an acquaintance of only one brief
night, when both were struggling with
poverty in youth-can better be i'm
agined than described. Another night
passed quickly in the recital by the par
ties of their life's adventures. The
story of each was of thrilling interest
to the other.
These incidents were related to us
by one of the parties, and we had the
pleasure of an intimate and agreeable
acquaintance with both of them. They
were brought to mind when noticing
the death that occurred on the 18th
inst, at Forest, H., of Hon. Allan A.
Burton, who was the young Kentuckian,
seeking knowledge under difficulties,
as described in this article. The Penn
sylvanian still lives and PERHAPS his
name should not be mentioned. Since
his meeting with his old friend while in
Congress, he has served on the Centen-
NAL Commission; was of essential serv-
ice on that body, and now represents
this country at the Paris Exhibition
He is the soul of honor, and bears the
name of Daniel j. MOrrell. -MadiSOn
Wis. Journal.