The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-01-12

cleaning, as valnly looking for lost hope. As
he disappeared into the darkness he reminded
me- of "A walking monument of grief.
saw him no more. until we met, one beauti-
ful afternoon in March last, in the delightful
park of San Pedro Springs, at San Antohia
Texas. His changed look then betokened that
his life's sun was going down. He talked, how
ever, more freely than usual, and more kindly
of the world Inan had ever known. Particu-
larly did he dwell upon his work in this body
which he regarded as laborious and thankless
task, wherein he used his best abilities and dill
gence act wisely upon ali quRstions-freeng
them from partisan qualities. But his humble
efforts he thought, had frequently been mis-
construed by many whom he regarded as friends
l saw him but once alter HIS return home; then
came the startling news that he was dead,
Examine the life and character of Senator
Chapman closely as we may, and all will con
elude that he was good citizen, brave and
skillful soldier, wise jurist, able statesman,
and an honest man. Than this, no higher eulogy
can be spoken.
SENATOR sPANN's REMARKS.
Senator Spann followed, saying:
Mr.. President-Thi hour being set apart for
the purpose of pawn tribute TO the memory of
distinguished fellow-senator, George II.
Chapman, so recently deceased, l one of his
intimate associates during one session of the
General Assembly, feel as if could not allow
the occasion to pass without a word of sympa-
thy and regret at the untimely death of our fell
low-seuator and friend. The life and career of
George Fl. Chapman was an unusually busy and
earnest one, commencing life in 1S47 a mid
shipman in the United States Navy, where he
held an honorable place, until the year 1850,
when he became the manager of paper which
made for itself name which will live in the his
tory OF the State so long as the name OF the
State of Indiana shall be known. From that he
occupied the responsible position of assistant
clerk in the House of Representatives
OF Indiana during the session of 1857. From
this position lie obtained under the late John
W. Forney, of Pennsylvania, TO an assistant
clerkship in the National House of Representa-
tlves in 1859 60. In October, 1861, he was ap-
pointed major the Third Indiana Cavalry
Immediately on his entering the service he ne
came CONSPICUOUS for his ability and courage, so
much SO that we find this honorable mention of
him by General PeasantOn, his superior officer
at the skirmish near Poolesvile on the Sth of
September, 1862; "MajOr Chapman, with a
squadron of the Third Indiana Cavalry, deserves
great credit for his bravery in charging battery
which was in position 10 the north CT the viii
lage, IN which charge the Third Indiana lost
two killed and eleven wounded" Mr. President
quote this as an incident to show that when
duty led George Fl. Chapman was as fearless
and brave AS the "bravest and the best,' his
whole career and history shows, not only be-
cause lie loved his country and home, but on that
high ground of principle that 1--WE few, we band
or orotlIers-for he who this day sheds his blood
for liberty with me shall be my brother, be he
never so vile" Senator Chapman randy rose
In the line OF promotion until at the close of the
war lie WAS mustered out of the vice as a
ma1Or-general. When the closed he was APP
pointed judge of the Marion county Criminal
was chosen by the people to serve a fun
term, making in all five years.
Of active service on the bench. After that he
held many responsible trusts by appointment,
all of which were honestly aud conscieHtously
filled. In the stirring campaign of 1880 he was
elected TO the Senate of the State of Indiana
from Marion county, and served during one
sion. Lutte did we think, Mr.. President, when
we saw him In his vigor and usefulness, as a
senator on this floor, tn he would he
called rom labor TO reward" But sucn IL Is,
my fellow-senators, "In the midst of life are
IN death" But stun there are many rainbows
in our sky but his has vanished.
Mr.. President. Senator Chairman was arni-
nentIy practical and thorough in everything he
undertook; there was nothing superficial about
MIN; there was no effort made display. He
was seeker after truth, and was q man who
made patient Investigation on every subject on
which he was called to act. He was logical
reasoner, good thinker. He cared nothing for
popular applause, and il could not change
or sever him from his just convictions. He
practiced on the theory that "tme would make
all things even," rather than the momentary
qualification Of IN idle reputation, gained by
denagogue at the hands of mercurial constit-
uency He had the courage of that which he be-
lleved to he right under all circumstances,
though he differed from his best and most
trusted friends. Nevertheless, he accorded to
others the same liberty of thought and freedom
OF action that he claimed for himself
He had all the rODdness for social enjoyment
and recreation that any gentleman should have,
to which was added ready viii, all OF which
rendered HIM most agreeable COMPANION and
safe counselor and friend In all the relations
of life, public or private-as husband, father.
neiGhoor. cirIzen, soldier, judge, and legislator
he came up to the full measure of noble man
uOou, ana IN MS death the county of
Marion and State of Indiana has sus-
tanned an irreparabe loss. He devo-
ted the best years of his laborious life
to their service, for which he deserves credit and
applause. To his family and friends we can say,
mo stain rests on his character" And in my
Judgment his most violent political opponents
will accord to him fidelity and strict integrity
He commanded the respect of all who knew
him. His life work was well done, vet it was
but half finished He died in tile very riDeness
of manhood. He was fun of life, full of hope
and ambition, and had before him, to all appear
ances long, eventful and honorable career
but the invisible hand beckoned him away
Shall only add that, from this sad event, those
OF us who are left to utter and hear these
last tributes to his memory should take heed
and learn for profit the lesson it teaches In
conclusion MI President I may say OF our friend
the late Senator Chapman:
Many, my friend, have mourn'i for thee;
And yet shall many mourn,
Long as thy name earth shall be
In sweet remembrance borne
Short and appropriate remarks were also
made by Senators Bundy, Graham, Willard,
Brown, Ristine, Henry, and ex-senator
Grubbs, the latter by invitation. The reso-
luton was then adopted by standing vote,
and as further tribute OF respect the Senate
adjourned until this morning
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS