Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-03-05
Alexander HamiIton Stephens.

Alexander Hamilton Stephens.
The life of that wonderful man. who for.
half century has figured so largely on thei
stage OF American politics, was such g,
struggle with death that even though the.
Idread words, "He is dead!' have been,
spoken, il is difficult to realize that theI
,1auntless spirit of Alexander IL. stephens
has burst from its earthly bonds and
SCARED 10 the realm Of rest.
The great Georgian was more than a
wonderful man. He was great in every
aspect in which we may view him. His
physical endurance, despite his fragility,
was heroic. His morality was of the
highest, his integrity spotless, his beneyO1
lence limitless and his charity narrowed
solely by his means. His intellectual
gifts were Of the highest order and devel-
! ped TO a degree of perfection seldom at
tained. Though 50 long in politics,
he was not a politician,
Though master of the re-
sources of the trained publicist, the role
of the office seeker he despised, and though
possessed of becoming pride he curbed his
ambition with the check Of his calm
reason.
The dead statesman long ago achieved
Z worldwide fame, and the sunset of his
life but added to the splendor of his
EARLIER days. He belonged to class OF
men of which but few are left us, if, in
5deed, his peer, in fidelity to what he
1deemed his duty, keenness Of mental
vision, clear perception Of the vital prin-
sciples of our political system-in short,
elevated statesmanship-is left us.
He will rank in history with Clay, Web
ster and Calhoun, for he had their respect
i've moving elOquence, profound compre-
hensiOn and wOndrOus prescience. In
this last gift he was the peer of Burke,
land surveyed the chess board of politics
with a keenness and rapidity of percep-
ton that enabled him to divine with un-
erring judgment the causes and effects OF
the moves there effected.
Though he had legions of admirers, his
&critics were not few. But the sternest OF
his judges could never successfully assai
his sincerity. Throughout his career he
&aimed to do right, and where he failed
Ftwas not through errors of the heart
/ lis needless to recall his great services
Ito Georgia and the Republic. His abiding
faith in the grandeur and utility of the
American Government was shaken for {
time when the sections confronted eacl
other in hostile array, but hi:
trust was regained, and in the closing
years of his career he labored not
unsuccessfully to fire anew the flame Of
4lOyalty in the hearts of his people to the
government founded and illustrated by
their sires.
His private life, despite his wearing in
frmities, was one of beauty and simple
ity. His means were freely given to the
succOr of the needy and the deserving
Though no costly pile bears testimony to
his benevOlence, the benedictiOns Of those
whom he freely aided came to him in
& life and added TO the pleasure he felt in
well doing. Full of years and
4Iignity, he has passed away
5 in the calm consciousness that he served
his people ever faithfully and well, and
with the proud reflection that much that
he did not seek in the way of distinction
was within his reach.
The people of Savannah have learned
the fatal tidings of Governor Stephens
Heath with profound regret, the sad event
&cOming on the heels of the recent joyous
s occasion, upon which the lamented Exec
utive won all hearts by his urbanity and
simplicity. He had ever commanded the
admiration Of our people, but he carried
with him on his return from his recent
visit the esteem, respect and good wishe;
Of all who had met him, and the regard
formed for him will endure while memory
LOT the event that brought him hithel
shall last.
Statesman. patriot, sage, he had faith in
his Maker, faith in his people, he was
true to Georgia and true to himself.
The waters of faction have spent theil
force and soon will have subsidized, bu
nigh above them a they fall, unmOved BY
q their violence and unstained by their pol
buttons, will stand as it ever stood in granC
and reverend simplicity the fragile bu
EherOic form of the 'Great COmmOner.'
Peace TO his ashes, and may the fellowship
s Of the righteous be the portion of the spiri
that has quit its mortal cell.