Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1878-01-24
Mr.. Ednunds, of Vermont.

Mr.. President. the tribate I offer TO the NOM
DRY Of the late Senator from Indiana, flows from
a personal intercourse of good will and general
sympathy covering the period Of his whole ca
reer IN the Senate. from 1867 to the time OF his
death. and also from the high estimate have
formed of his extraordinary ability aud the
purity and breadth Of the purposes OF his polti-
cal life.
However much he differed with his political
opponents. and not infrequently with some of
his political associates the warmcst controversy
rarely if ever interfered with the kindness of
his personal relations with his fellow Senators.
His was one Of the natures not too common in
the world, that could without animosity receive
rs well rs give hard blows in debate. that with
men differently constituted would long rankle
in personal bitterness and dislike. But in the
time allotted to the occasion, I must speak Of
his relations to public affairs rather than of
those felicities Of character that made his in
tercourse with his felow-men in the eommuui-
cations OF private life pleasure to all who
knew him.
The qualities that command the largest meas
urc OF material success In affairs are clearness
of understanding that brings into view from the
beginning the definite end and the most avail
able processes by which il is to be reached, to-
gether with that force of will which il tireless
in its persistence and that quicknesss of decision
which utilities instantly the commanding points
in every crisis, that never leaves an enterprise
waiting upon doubts until the tide that might
have borne IL on to fortune has reeeded and left
the naseent victory helpless wreck. Men with
such qualities become the founders or saviors of
states and systems and policies: and they are
the leaders Of men. not from the intrigues OF
craft aud cunning or the power of wealth or
rank or tue traditions of family but from
an innate and rightful sovereignty in human
nature.
Perhaps the most remarkable period in his ca
reer was while he was Governor of Indiana
during the darkest days of the rebellion. This
is not the proper occasion TO describe In detail
the almost insurmountable dangers and difficult
ties with which lie was surrounded dangers and
difficulties before which the hearts of many
would have sunk. and the efforts Of many would
have failed. But his brave soul seemed 10 grow
stronger perils increased, and his quickness
Of perception and fertility in expedients gener-
ally frustrated the plans of the enemies Of the
republic, aud stimulated TO greater activity its
weak supporters and its ukewarm friends.
He was q man of strong passions and great
talents, and was rs consequence, devoted
partisan. He had no faith in that philosophy OF
government imputed to Louis Napoleon when
President Of France, which led him 10 suppose
that he could dominate all parties by taking
ministers who represented none. He did not be-
lieve that the present ~ curity or the permanent
peace of the country could be obtained without
inscribing the results Of the war in the sacred
pages OF the constitution itself and in enaeting
and enforcing of legisl alton that if oh
served, should make liberty aud equal rights ne
great Q benehcence as without such protection
they would be To the poor and downcast mock
cry and a snare. So believing aud 80 acting he
WAS consistently conspicuous in his devotion Ia
the ends he had in view. In the fields in which
his patriotism was excrted IL may be said of him
~ il was OF the knights Of ST. John IN the hol
wars
.In the forefront of overy battle was seen his
| FURNISHED mail and i'm the gloomy Of every
retreat was heard his voice. Of constaacy aud Of
courage"
| Now when his labors are closed and he has
departed from among Va. this high body rightly
sets apart day Of solemn memorial TO his
memory that, more lasting than monuments Of
bronze marble. will remain as long as the
records of history endure