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

them greatly the advantage. It was
trying occasion,as the time for action drew
nigh. The party leaders were not en-
tirsly in harmony. = to what meanl
should Be adopted. Some were in fase
Of an armed resistance, Others though
the quo ,oarranto would prove effective
and it was then that the Ex-G Governors
were called in Council at Augusta r
consider the situation which was regard
ed a. ono Of great gravity. Mr.. Morrill,
opposed the quo ~aranto. and was over.
ruled, but the Court sustained bis posi-
ton. He utterly repudiated armed re.
sistance in which he was ably sustained
by the other Ex- Governors. He believ-
ed in letting things drift, rather than the
adoption of measures which would Ger.
tainly end in arnachy and blood-shed.
He thought that the Governor in view
of the situation might be induced TO sub
nit the questions at issue to the Supreme
Court, and it was then that he composed
and wrote that mastery letter to Cover
nor Garcelon, in which in the courtliest
Of language, he appealed to his patriot
ism in 4 manner at once convincing and
irresistible. The letter itself WAS re-
markable production, and could have
been written by none but 4 patriot. =
statesman and diplomat. This, coup
led with the high character Of the writer
and the fac. thathe was not then party
leader, brought the Governor to terms.
The questions were submitted, and we
were saved the terrible results which
might have followed resort to the des-
perste means advised by some. l
would not detract = jot or title from
the honor or credit due to any one Of
those called in council to resist the great
wrong about to be perpetrated, or Of
those whose position as party managers,
gave them the right and made it their
duty to resist, but do claim that when
the history of this plague spot shall be
fully and fairly written as it never has
been, after having given due credi. to oil
othes, it will be found and acknowledge.
ed that Lot. NJ. Morrill, was "the noblest
Roman Of them ALL" Governor Cham
berlain held the Fort, while Governor
Morrill, negotiated what proved to be 4
treaty Of peace.
Hitherto have spoken Of Mr.. Morrill,
only as public character, but in private
life hi. character shone with equal luster.
The purity Of his life was such as to
compel the respect and esteem even Of
his political enemies. He va, truly
democratic in all his walks and ways
be had q smile and q pleasant word for
every one, no matter what hi, station in
life. He had an inexhaustible fund Of
humor and anecdote, and before disease
aid its hand heavily upon him, he could
be very entertaining. He remembered
the face he had once seen, and was ever
cordial in his greetings. In his friend
ships he was sincere and true. As pc.
Ii,ical leader, he lacked some Of the ele-
nents of popularity for he could not be
a demsgogue, and be would not assist in
running political machine. When sub
ec,ed to political ostracism in this State,
he felt it keenly, but he did not COM
plain. He was u true man, and goes
down to the grave with no spot nor blem-
sh upon his private or public life. He
was . great man Intellectually and NOR.
ally. and If modern thought and express
sion be correct, that goodness is great
ness, he was one Of the greatest men our
State or country has produced. May our
present and future public men strive to
emulate his example.
w. B. LAPHAN.
augusta, Jan'y, 1883.