Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-01-11

VI SASos ohu anu
requiring severe labor. The fidelity and
| strict con.cientionsnsss with which he dis
charged the very important, exacting and
| trying duties of that position. made a heavy
draft upon his strength and no doubt
weakened his system so as to hasten
his final sickness. In 1875 he was also
q member of the Committee on Naval Affairs
and the Committee on Indian Affairs. While
upon the latter committee he exerted himself
in favor of peaceful and just measures in
dealing with the Indians. believing that
course the most Christian and best for all
concerned
In THE CABINET.
In July, 1876, Mr.. Morrill, resigned his
seat in the Senate to accept a position in the
Cabinet, as Secretary of the Treasury. He
had previously been offered the post of Min
lister to England and declined it, This
acceptance of Cabinet position
closed his career in the Senate, in which he
served nearly fifteen years. He was first
elected in 1861, to fill the unexpired portion
of Mr.. Hamlin's term after the resignation
Of the latter to accept the Vice Presidency.
He was reelected in 1868 for a full term.
In 1869 he failed of an election by the legis-
lature, but in December of that year, upon
the death of Senator Fessenden, he was
appointed by the Governor and afterwards
elected by the legislature to fill the vacancy
caused by Mr.. Fessenden's death. In 1871
he was again elected for full term, but re.
signed in 1876, as previously stated.
COLLECTOR OF PORTLAND DISTRICT.
Mr.. Morrill, continued Secretary of the
Treasury until President Grants administra-
ton closed, enjoying the full confidence Of
the people as long as he remained in office.
Soon after the administration of President
Hayes was inaugurated. the position of Col
lector of the Portland customs district was
rendered him and accepted. That place he
held until the day of his death.
AN HONEST MAN.
In closing the record of Mr.. Morrill's
official life it must be said that he was honest
and faithful from the time he was first elected
to the legislature until his death. There 10
not stain upon his character. His hands
were clean. He was true to mis- immediate
constituents and the country. He was never
suspected of dishonesty. If others were
corrupt he was not. His vote was unpur-
chasable; his integrity always unshaken.
What he considered right, just and proper,
he did, without fear and without expectation
of other reward than an approving con-
science. He made mistakes, as does every
man. yet there are few observable on the
page which contains the history of his life.
He was temperate in all things, free from
extravaganza of all kinds, and his household
affairs were prudently and economically
though generously conducted. and yet his
accumulations incomparisoa with the arduous
service he did his State and the Nation were
small. 1t was said of him while living that
he could not make money from Office, and
now that he has passed life's boundary it
will be remembered and often mentioned to
his honor.
RESPECT FOR Mr.. MORRILL, AT HoME.
In this city, where Mr.. Morrill, had his
home almost forty years, he was universally
respected and esteemed. He had no enemies;
even his political opponents regarded him as
honest and trusted and respected him. He
took a hearty interest in the prosperity of
the city, lending an able and willing hand,
according to his means, to all measures for
the citys advantage. He was the first person
in the city elected Governor of the State.
Speaking OF his first election as Governor,
"North's History of Augusta" says: This
"was the first election OF citizen of Augusta
''to the highest official station in the State,
land the evening of January s, 1858, the
''day of his Inauguration, was observed at
augusta with becoming festivity. An inau-
"gural ball was given at Meonian Hall in
"honor of the event, and at the Stanley
"House, George w. Kicker provided supper
''of rich and rare viands for joyous COM
"pany. During the evening the novelty of
s'an illuminated balloon, bearing the name
''of Gov. Morrill,, was sent up" The same
good will then manifested followed him to
the close of his life. He was popular be-
cause he deserved it. He walked uprightly
and decently always in all places. He
was a regular attendant upon church
services and q firm believer in the
final salvation of all mankind He was
kind and generous. His heart was warm
The latch-string of his modest man
sion was always out. Nobody was turned
away from his door. He was social and
without a drop Of aristocratic blood in his
veins He was republican by instinct a.
well as by training and association. Though
strong and decided in his political opinions
he carried no bitterness against those who
opposed him politically. He was courteous,
amiable gentleman, true friend, a loving
husband and father, = good citizen, whose
example was of sterling value to this COM
munity and worthy to be followed by the
youth of our city and country. His death 10
q great loss to our city. II comes home to
all as q personal bereavement. Other places
mourn him as . senator, q tried and
honored statesman, but we lament his death
~ that of a kind, sympathizing neighbor.
friend and noble citizen ~ we'll a. because
of his distinguished public worth and the