Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1883-02-22
He had one session of the present Con-
gress before him assured and whole

He had one session of the present Con-
gress before him assured and a whole
Congress besides.
He had already left his mark on the
legislation of the country. On matters
relating to agriculture he was authori-
ty. While his past Congressional life
had been largely probationary, TIE COM
ing time was the promised years of fru-
itiOn.
Touching his life-work do not in
tend, If could. to deal in glittering eu-
logism, but simply to state the facs as
they appear to me.
He was industrious and faithful to
his noble profession, with q conscious
regard to his duties and responsible
ties.
When he entered politics he pursued
a like course. He faithfully conned
anew both the fundamental and statute
law Of his country. He earnestly stu
died the philosophy of proposed legisla-
tion. In the discussions of the last ses-
sion on the tariff question, physician as
he was, a comparatively new member
as he also was, he so treated and dis
cussed this important but threadbsre
of the country. 1t vas q manly,
noble, earnest, and eloquent effort. 1t
displayed deep thought and great pow
or of penetration. As old as the subject
was, as much as it had undergone dis
cussion by the master minds of the rip
est statesmen of the werld in some points
of view and in some of its phases at
least, it seemed clearer by bis discussion
of it. Certainly no better exposition of
the question from. his standpoint was
ever addressed to or more fully brought
within the comprehension of the COM
mon, unframed mind. Its clearness of
statement and its lucid logic contributed
largely to that end. ea
l believe our deceased brother to have
been thoroughly honest and incorrupti :
BILE. Although his very antipode on
most political questions, always be-
lieved his real power as a speaker arose
largely from the thoroughly honest con-
victicn he bro't to the discussion of all
questions. He always spoke and acted
from what to him were the very prompt
ings of truth.
Mr.. MCKINLEY. cannot permit this
occasion to pass without arrestihg the
attention of the House to bear testimo-
ny to the worth of my departed friend.
l will not detain the Honse with
a history of his early life and public
achievements; these have been fully
recited by his successor Mr.. Taylor and
Others who have preceded me, more in
n nd L In
do. l shall content myself with a brief
statement of some of the features of
bis personal character which impressed
me during an acquaintance of many
years.
In public station, whether in State or
national affairs, he was respected and
honored; in private life, beloved by d
large and influential circle Of friends.
He was simple in his habits and tastes,
strong in his friendships, tender and de
voted in his family relations, generous
and confiding in his nature, firm and un-
yielding in his convictions of duty. He
hated shams and despised pretensions,
and his simple nature esteemed candor
and sincerity above everything else. He
regarded any labor or sacrifice for prin.-
ciple religious duty. and he would go
out of his way to help a friend.
He had the advantage of early and
thorough instruction, and through his
whole life was an apt student of men
and affairs. He was literary in his
tastes, fond of the best books and best
thoughts, old and new, and his library
at home evidenced the discerning hand
of man of cnlture. He was interested
in general education; not the technical
merely, bat that broad and enlightened
instruction which makes good men and
intelligent and self-respecting citizens.
He was well equipped for the trust to
which an admiring people elevated him
in 1878. Possessed of great intellectual
force, ripe attainments, experiences in
public matters, and integrity of chsrac-
ter, he was sPlendidly prepared for pub
lie life and official trust. He was a pos
tive mana nature full Of convictions
and with courage to utter them. He
therefore had his antagonisms, and was
not without opposition in his own party
ranks, but these were fully compensated
BY the devotion and steadfastness of
friends by whom he was always sur
rounded, and whose loyalty to him never
Jagged and whose devotion never abated
In this House he was careful, studi-
3us, painstaking, intelligent Representa-
i've, seldom if ever absent from his post
If duty, watching with interest and in
,elligence the course and effect Of legis-
atiOn, and while he did not often parti-
,ipate in debate, he never spoke without
adding something to the subject under
He was staunch friend and an earn
,st advocate of the agricultural interests
If the country. and to him we are in
iebted in large degree for some of the
pest legislation of the past four years
that interest. A farmer him.
Ielf, he knew their needs, and never
lesitated to advocate and enforce them.
BE was closely identified with the agri-
cultural interests OF his State, and his |
'requent addresses upon that subject
made him well and favorably known,
ind gave him high place among that |
arge and intelligent class of citizens. |
His most notable speech on the floor of |
his House during his four years of SER
rice, and the one which will be most re-
rendered, was made at the first ses-
ion of the present Congress on the gen.
'ral subject Of the tariff. That speech
vas comprehensive and statesmanlike,
md ELECTED deserved applause from his
ssociates and the country at large. 1t
vas circulated in large editions in many
It the States, and proved a valuable /
contribution to the volumes of tariff de-
'ates.
Large-minded, unselfish, and generous,
10 commanded the respect and esteem
f both sides of this Chamber; men of |
il parties believed in his honesty of
urpose and fidelity to convictions, and
We all miss him from these Halls.
Mr.. WILLIS. Mr.. Speaker, we pause
o-day in the midst of busy duties to
BY the laurel wreath of memory and
Election upon the grave of departed
olleague.
Half year ago. at our midsummer
djournment, l parted with DIR. Upde-
raft in this Hall. Erect in form, of
trong physical constitution, and the