The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1881-04-29
GEN. JOSEPH LANE.


heads this article, which occurred on
the 10th inst, ut his home in Roseburg,
Douglas county. BY request Of the
editors of the DEMocRAT will offer
brief sketch of Gen. Lanes life and
public services--partly from written
history and partly frem what / learned
from him In conversation at my own
tireside. And let mo say here that as
an entertaining conversationalist, as an
animated encyclopedia Of American
history, l never knew his equal. His
memory Of incidents, dates and events,
and power of portraying them in wsrds,
were most remarkable.
Gen. Lane was born in Buncombe
county, North Carolina, December IA,
1901, consequently he would have boen
eighty years old next December IL the
measure of his days bad been extended
to that time. In his fifteenth year he
became clerk in a mercantile house in
Indiana, and in 1922 was chosen Q
member of the Legislature of that
State, at which time he was only twen-
ty-one years of age. There is quite
family coincidence in this incident.
His son, Hon. L. 4. Lane, was elected
to the Oregon Legislature from Una
tilla county, if I remember correctly,
when he had just reached his majority
SO as to render him eligible to u seat.
Gen. Lane continued as Represents
tive in the Indiana Legislature, with
occasional intervals, until 1916, at
which time the Mexican War brought
his soldierly qualities into reqaisition,
and at the head of an Indiana regiment
he hurried to the scene Of action, and
his heroic participation in the various
conflicts Of that war are 80 prominent
in the pages Of history as to require no
rscapitalation here. His pre-eminent
military achievement was perhaps lead
ing the storming hosts at Buena Vista
Heights, and securing the pivotal vic
tory of that war, although on other
fields he distinguished himself by his
superior skill and valor; and for his
valuable services President Polk com
missioned him Brigadier General. In
lS49 he was appointed Governor of the
then Territory Of Oregon, without any
solicitation on his part and even with
cut his knowledge that any such ap-
pointment was to be made. He, how
ever, accepted the appointment, and,
Notwithstanding the hardships and diff
fculties of the long journey at that
time, he came here and promptly or
ganized Territorial government. Hew
and jndininnsly that duty was
performed can be best attested by older
settlers than myself.
In 1851 Gen. Lane was elected a
Territorial Delegate to Congress, where
he continued until Oregon was, through
his own unaided exertions, admitted as
q State, when he was elected to the
United States Senate, in 1859. In
1850 he was nominated by the Demo
cratic National Convention at Charles
ton, South Carolina, as candidate for
Vice President, with John c. Breckin-
ridge for President, but owing TO the
unfortunate belt of tho Douglas wing
Of the party the Republican ticket,
headed by Mr.. Lincoln, although fail
ing to receive one-third Of the popular
vote, was elected, and Gems. Breckin-
Inridge and Lane were defeated. After
his contest Gen. Lane retired to his
home in Douglas county, since which
lime he has seldom appeared in public
luties, although he has always evineed
l deep interest in the affairs of lis
AT the battle of Buena Vista where
he was severely wounded), and where
ne commanded the left wing of the
American Army, the report shows that
ne defeated the Mexican army and put
zen. Santa Anna to flight. That was
IN the 9th of October, lS47, and no
'nly had 5000 men for the conflict. He
pursued Gen. Santa Anna TO Huaman-
,ula, and there defeated him again. On
he 18th, with his gallant brigade, he
,ook Atlixo, losing only one man, while
she enemy lest FIVE hundred.
Afterwards Gen. Lane took the
strongly fortified town of Matamoras,
with a large quantity Of military muni-
lions, after which he took Orizaba, and
and on the Oath of October he met and
defeated Gen. Jarauta at Tebaultapan.
Gen. Lane was in many ways man
of peculiar power and greatness. A
hero, soldier and a statesman, as we'll
as an active pioneer, he combined quail
tiles that are seldom equaled and prob
ably never excelled.
OF course I have no words that would
be balm to his kinsmen. Their loss is
too great to be lightened by ordinary
of coincidence, and yet 1
cannot but hope that the heartfelt SYM
pathy of sincere friend and an humble
admirer of the great and good man will
not be deemed an intrusion on their