Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1883-03-09
THE LAST RITES.
The Funeral OF Hon. Alexander n.
Stephens.
The Citizens of the State Of Georgia Pay
Their Last Tribute to Their
Distinguished Fellow
Citizen. ~
GENERAL NEWS FROM ALL POINTS.

ATLANTA, GA, March S.-The funeral ser
vices over the remains of Governor Steph-
ems began ct 10 o'clock. Senator Coiquitt
presided. The catafalque stood in front OF
the Speakers desk, in full view OF the au-
dience. Chairman Colquitt, in voice
husky with emotion, introduced the orator
of the day, Hon. Robert Toombs. The
silence which prevailed was death
like. After a pause, the speaker
looked long at the coffin before
him and in panegyric rarely heard eulo-
gized the dead Statesman, his early friend
and lifelong political associate. For him
self his impetuosity had often led him
ahead OF his judgment, while Mr.. Ste-
phens was cautious and always hesitated at
the brink of danger. In the presence OF
death, who would not acknowledge
that he was the wisest of counsellors'
The speech was chaste and appropriate
throughout. Senator Brown then ad-
dressed the meeting in hearty eulogy OF
Mr.. Stephens before, during aud after the
var. COL Charles C. Jones, OF Augusta,
and Gen. H. r. Jackson, of Savannah. also
spoke.
The citizens committee presented the
following resolutions of respect:
Resolved, that the death of Ale xander
Hamilton Stephens, Georgia has lost her
best beloved and foremost citizen; the un.
ion one of its most able and enlightened
statesman. And the world an example OF
beneyolence and humanity.
Resolped, That his Catholic sympathies
embracing as they did all classes, coiors
and conditions of the whole family of man
render his life an inspiring example for
imitation, by ourselves and those who are to
come after US.
Resolved, That not only with admiration,
but with astonishment we contemplate his
life long struggle against adverse circum-
stances beginning with his career at col
lege, and ending only with repose on his
bier; he conquered poverty, debility, dis
ease, and with a skill unsurpassed and
courage invincibe, he gathered imperisha'
bic honors in almost every sphere of intel
lectual activity, and fell at last a hero in
full panoply on the field of his fame at his
post OF duty.
Resoy,ed, That the readiness with which
he broke with political parties, when in his
judgment they had wandered from the
VI anu Oio'S
support of the rights and privileges as he
conceived them of all citizens, whether col
ored or of his own race, native or foreign
born, illustrate his courage OF conviction
which never failed him and which is
worthy Of emulation.
Resolucd, That while we do not present
Mr.. Stephens as infallible, We do point
with sincere pride to the many-sided intel
lect of this remarkable man, and to his vast
and varied requirements, all disciplined to
usefulness by superb practical wisdom,
and sanctified by the virtues OF everyday
Christian life; TO his preeminence every
where in speculative as well as practical
life at the bar or the hustings, in states
manship and the wider field OF letters as
rendering him match for the mightiest-
an accomplished man. His fame will take
care of itself. He built his own monument
In the heart OF every Georgian, and his
name will be canonized on the hearthstone
of every house in the State.