The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-11-29
Death of Col. A. p. Bennett.

Death of Col. A. P. Bennett.
We publish elsewhere sketch of the
life of Col. A. p. Bennett, one of the
editorial staff of the Richmond State,
who died in that city, on the oath. The
sbrevities; column of that paper had
made the public familiar with the learn
ing. wit and genius of the deceased. He
was gentleman Of rare mental endow-
ments and accomplishments, and one of
the most thoroughly equipped journalists
in this country. The role of the success
full paragraphist is the most difficult to
fill in the field of journalism. 1t requires
quick perception, a vast range of knowl-
edge, ready wit, and comprehensive APP
probation of the tastes of community and
the emotions and thoughts of men. Few
men have measured up to this character as
did Col. Bennett. His CHEEKY humor
tempered the keenest sarcasm, and made
the victim to feel that although the
wound might be mortal the golden blade
had so effectually done its work as to rob it
of its sting. His mind was store-house
of knowledge which always responded to
his ready pen, and was so administered to
the public that the most exacting critic
could discover no trace of pedantry.
Not only as brilliant paragraphist was
Col. Bennett distinguished, but as a
learned and argumentative writer. There
were few subjects his trained and compre-
hensive mind was not capable of grasping
and presenting to his readers in an attrac-
tive and impressive manner. His judg-
ment of men and questions of public in
terest, was more than usually accurate
He was capable of weighing both sides of
issues relating to State and Nation, and
with rare sagacity discussing them so as
to instruct and entertain, if not convince.
Few men, indeed, of his day, have brought
to the laborious profession of which he was
an ornament, and to which he was so de-
voted, nobler ambition to elevate its
standard or richer gifts to embellish it's
labors.
1t was not our fortune to share the
pleasure of an intimate acquaintance with
the gifted genius whose loss the press and
the public Of Virginia are called upon to
mourn. We had met him frequently in
the seclusion of his sanctum, but only for
few moments at time. But an Incl
dent in his life drew the writer of these
lines to him in the warmth and tenaeity of
IA personal friendship that is fondly cher
ished and will never be forgotten while the
beating pulse tells of the f1eeting life. When
the terrible scourge of yellow fever visited
New Orleans in 1852, and swept off its
hundreds and thousands into unmarked
graves, an only brother of the senior edi-
tor of this journal fell victim to the
black vomit and breathed his last in the
arms of Col. Bennett. Both were engaged
on the Picayune. and between them a sin
cere and devoted friendship existed, which
was sadly and serely tested in the con-
slant ministrations of the one upon the
other in that trying hour. 1t was friend
ship that dared to face death in its most re
pulsive form and welcome its embrace rath
er than fOrego the duty of ministering tt
the wants and soothing the last hours Of his
dying companion. 1t was courage as ex
allied as ever faced the lannon's mouth OF
the martyrs stake, and showed the wide
compass of the human heart, when moved
by the magnetic power of genuine friend
ship and brought to encounter the direst
danger.
Brave, generous, gifted Bennett, we pay
this last sad tribute to thy knightly spirit
and drop tear of unaffected sorrow ovel
thy untimely death. Church canons ant
rituals and ceremonies may teach the way
to better life, but the noble spirit thai
stirred thy humanity could have ne
other congenial association beyond the
grave than in the abode of the pure and
gentle. Canting Journalism cannot reach
up to that sublime philosophy which floods
the soul with a love that runs out after
suffering humanity in deeds of kindness
and eases to the portals of the dark valley
the spirit of the distressed and afflicted
'Inasmuch as We did it unto one of these
ye did unto me, - is "A broader christianity
than can be extracted from ceremonies
and lifts the soul to companionship will
Him who went about doing good.