Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-01-23

u public trust, he understood that be too
il with all the duties and responsibilities
belonging to it. and he was never know
to shirk them. He was 90 wholly de
voted to the public service. so faithful j
the performance Of every duty, that b
. neglected to provide for his coutinuanc
: in Office even BY Legitimate means, ant
. he always scorned to resort to thos'
means too often adopted by public me-
to secure . reelection. When chided b.
his friends for not looking after his owl
interests closer and better, his reply wa
that the proper way to do this wis t
faithfully discharge the duties which tn
position imposed and the succession should
take care of itself.
A marked trait in his character rs Z
public man was. when entering upon .
new position, to make himself Thoroughly
familiar with all its duties, and this was
one Of the causes of his eminent success,
in each and all the public stations he was
called upon to fill. He was good law
yer and an able jurist, and had he chosen
to have continued in the legal profession,
he would doubtless have occupied po-
sition in our highest tribunal. He was
an excellent chief magistrate. and his
Governorship was marked by great exec
u,ive and administrative ability. He
entered the United States Senate at the
breaking out Of the rebellion. He was =
delegate to the so-called Peace Conven-
ton a, Richmond. Va, where he came
in contact with the leading characters Of
the South and became familiar with their
plans and purposes. This was Of great
value to him in the trying years that fol-
lowed. as he well knew that there could
be no permanent peace with slavery. and
none without the entire subjugation Of
the South. His voice was never heard
in favor Of compromise, or OF patching
UP peace with slavery retained.
He liked the service in the Senate and
should have been kept there. He had
become familiar with all its duties, was
one of the most industrious men 10 that
body, and was second to none in inau-
ence. His opinion had great weight with
his colleagues. and his advice was asked
upon all important questions. Though he
labored hard. his health was fairly
good while he remained in the
Senate, and had he continued there in.
stead of entering the Cabinet, have lit.
tie doubt, that his valuable life might
have been spared TO US for several years
longer. When he took upon himself the
position Of Secretary OF the Treasury, our
financial affairs were in mixed condi-
ton. the greenback party was developing,
and the duties Of the Office were uncom-
monty onerous and perplexing. Mr.. Nor
rilrs leading trail, to which have already
referred, of making himself master Of any
situation in which he found himself placed,
was here exhibited in marked degree.
His repor, on the finances made in De-
cember. 1876, was one OF the best ever
made by the head of this department.
Blu. the position involved intense apPli-
cation and he labored day and night to
render himsel. familiar with his duties
and bring the department into proper
condition. 1; was here that his health
was undermined, and the disease con-
'racted which finally eliminated in his
death. /, was overwork in this Depart
men, that did it. He did not desire the
position; it was in measure forced upon
him; he preferred to remain in the SEN
ate. but he had no hope OF reelection to
that body. and so reluctantly resigned
that his place nigh. be given to an
other.
Mr.. Morrill, was one Of the early pro-
hibitionists and was ever a tower Of
strength to the temperance party. When
pe,,ifoggers were opposing the Maine Law
on the ground Of its unconstitutionality,
he took the opposite view and his opin-
ion, early formed. has since then been
frequently sustained BY our highest legal
tribunal. He was opposed to chattel
slavery, and when the Democratic party
declared slavery to be national and sus.
tanned by the Constitution. instead Of
sectional, a creature Of local law, he
could remain no longer in the party. His
views upon this subject were set forth in
his first message to the Legislature as
Governor Of Maine. of which the the fol-
lowing is quotation
while the people OF Maine vii, cultivate
spirit OF kindness and forbearance towards
every section OF the common country. and will
ever cherish sentiments OF devotion TO the I'm.
ion, they will not fail TO utter their solemn aud
earnest protest against the ssumptions Of the
constitutional guaranty Of property In slaves
and the indefeasible rights OF slavery In the
territories and will demonstrate against the
subversion Of the powers OF the national gov
eminent to purposes OF slavery perpe uation,
and will resist, 20 the f,l extent OF their con.
stitutiousl powers, all attempts to force tho