The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-01-19
HOUSE.

ElecllODs, pTeSeuLeu u haJoiNJ iNp"is VI
that committee in regard to the contested
election case for the Fourth District OF
California. The report declares that
the Democratic contestant Peter ID.
Wiggiuton, is entitled to the seat.
Mr.. Hiscoek, from the same committee,
submitted the minority report declaring
that contestee Romusldo Pacheo is en-
TITLED 10 the seat. Printed and recon-
mitted.
Mr.. Hanna called up Senate resolu-
tions in regard TO the death Of Senator
Morton, and eulogies on the life and pub
lie services OF tho deceased were pro
nounced by Messrs. Hanna, Browne,
Hunter, Calkins, Wilson OF West Vir-
GINA, ard others.
MIR. Wilson said: Mr.. Speaker, when
my name was announced rs q member OF
the committee appointed TO represent
this House at the funersl OF the late Sen
stor Morton, nv first impulse was TO de-
cline the appointment, in order that some
gentleman whose opinions had been
more in accord with those of Mr.. Morton
than had my own might perform that
office iu my place; but, rejecting that
solemn duty hac been imposed on me,
which | was not at liberty TO decline
without cause, and remembering, too,
that during the last Congress l was pre-
vented by i'll health from serving upon
similar committee chosen to pay the last
tribute of respect 10 West Virginia's late
distinguished sou, Senator Caperton, l
yielded my personal preference and per-
formed the duty assigned to me.
And now, Mr.. Speaker, am gratited
that | did so; am grstitied that was
placed in a position to hear and see
things which gave me better opinion
than | had heretofore entertained on him
whose memory this House and the coun-
try mourn to-day.
The trsity of our nature, when aroused
by the passions of the hour, too often
prompts us to withhold from our oppo.
nents while living the respect we cherish
for their memories when they are no
more, and so it was in the life and death
OF Senator Morton. His career had been
so prominent and so closely allied TO the
legislation which operated harshly upon
the Southern States that he was regarded
BY those holding opposing views as an
extreme partisan.
But there is another criterion by
which to weigh the charscLe: OF the man
and the statesman. 1t is the estimate
placed upon him by his neighbOrs, by
those who see him most and know him
best Tried by this test Oliver 7. Nor
ton was better man, more of man,
than his pubic conduct would Indicate.
On the day of his burial, IN the besuti-
ful city OF his home, there was to be
seen an immense funeral pageant flags
hosted At half-mast almost everywhere;
public buildings and private residences
were draped in mourning; throng OF
| fifty thousand sorrow-stricken people
had assembled from various parts OF his
| own State and from other States 10 be
sent at the last sad rites. Democrats
| and Republicans. white and black men,
ladies and little children We'd with each
other In dong him honor. No man,
| Mr.. Speaker. could be thus mourned and
buried who had not possessed good quail
ties o. both head and heart.
|
stormy sea OF politics, and rapidly sd
vsnced TO the front rank as an orator
and leader In the perilous times OF sec
tiousl strife and revolution. The crown
ing period Of his life was during the late
war, when he acted in a civico- military
capacity IS Governor OF lndlsns. he
soon became the most distinguished Gov
| ba min nj - fAY n m
self the reputation OF being the great
! War Governor OF America.
When the policy of the Government
was not we'll def ned in the prosecution
Of the war, snd even, then whe Executive
seemed to be wsvering, Governor Nor
ton delivered upon that subject 81 the cap
itsl of his State n speech which fell like
| a fssh OF lightning into the gloom. His
positive eout sci was speedily followed
up by energetic action, and be surpassed
| All other men IN zeal and efficiency in
the prosecution of the war; was foremos;
AMI fe.cest in the effort 10 overthrow
the rebellion. Apparently losing sight
! o: everything else, tn this one idea be
devoted the wonderful powers OF his
| mind snd the best days OF his lie. Ii
was the dream Of his existence, which
he followed:
With an eye that never sleeps,
! And a wing that never tires.
His political opinions were strong snd
extreme, and were pressed by him with
out regard to opposition. This chsrsc
! taristic led many 10 Consider him cold
snd even harsh and bitter, in his feel
/ ings toward his opponents; but thos;
more familiar with his life clsim that hi
interc purse with his fellow men was kinc
snd courteous, AMI thsL his devotion x
his family Wss the strongest snd mos
beautiful manifestation OF his chsrsc.er
The future historian will sscribe 4
him inconsistency upon currercy, negrt
suffrage, and, perhaps. other questions o
principle and policy.
From the time be entered upon his leg
islst,ve career be contributed largely L
the policy pursued by the governmen
towsrd the Southern States yet upon tn
adoption of President Hayes Southern
noIicy. he Welded his opposition and sc