The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-01-15
IN MEMORY OF MR.. COLFAX.
A Meeting of Citizens and Fitting Tributes OF
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS for the Funeral.

gentlemen at the federal courtroom last nleht, TO
take someaction regarding the death of Hon.
Schuyler Colfax. Governor Porter was called
upon to preside, and brief remarks were made
by number of gentlemen
Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks said: at seems
peculiarly fitting that the citizens of the capital
of his State should make some formal expression
of respect for the memory of Mr.. Colfax, for he
was no common man in relation to the affairs
of the country. / knew him first
of the constitutional convention. 1t was there
that formed his acquaintance, and think may
say. contracted friendship which continued
until the day of his death. At this time shall
not attempt any lengthy description of his
character. / wish simply to express my pro-
found sorrow and my appreciation of the public
loss. He was remarkably successful man, and
l think that to say, that man achieved such
success as he did, is to say that he was man of
great ability Success does not come by chance.
When he was member of the constitutional
convention he was regarded as a scholar,
thinker and a strong and excellent writer. Soon
afterwards he became member of the national
House of Representatives and was soon recog
nized there as one of the leaders of his party
and gentleman of decided ability. He was
elected Speaker of the House, and l think no
other man ever succeeded in giving such gen
eral satisfaction III that position as did Mr.. Col
fax. There have been greater speakers, greater
men in the chair, but he gave to the body.
unity of thought and purpose which was remark
able He was afterwards called upon to preside
over the United States Senate, the second posi-
ton in the government, and he gave equal salts
faction there. | think can truthfully say that
in all the positions which he was called upon to
fill, he succeeded entirely. He succeeded be-
cause he brought 10 the support OF natural a6ll-
ity the aid of thorough training Mr.. Coltax
great and good man. | respected him
when he lived, and l lament him since he is
dead
Hon. w. Fl. Calkins said: first knew Mr..
Cofax in 1856 when he making his second
race for Congress in the Ninth district. He was
both my political and personal friend. For
many years lived in an adjoining county, and
knew him as Familiarity and we'll as any man in
the State. His congressional career was marked
by interchangeable industry and the closest atten-
ton to the interests of his constituents He
never allowed private letter to go unanswered
or public business unattended to- During tie
fourteen years he represented that dlstrlct IN
Congress he had a remarkable held on his party
friends and he enjoyed the most profound re-
spect of even his political opponents. | need not
speak of his public record. 1t is enough to say
that he filled many prominent positions in the
service of his country, and he filled them we'll.
He was identified with many measures that will
last as long as the Republic stands. When he
left public life he adhered so strictly to his reso-
luton to remain private citizen that have often
heard him say that he frequently declined to IN
terfera 10 rsduests tor advancement or pre-
ferment, even when maue =.
need not give the reasons for this, but the I'M
partial pen of the truthful historian will say
that his motives were always honorable. AS a
husband and father he was kind considerate and
q cit h.. was cho ifahl Yl11hli
spirited and enterprising. He did not escape
calumny, it is true, but that he was guitless of
the charges made, firmly believe
Governor Porter said: Il was in Congress
four years with Mr.. Colfax. and for greater
part of that time l boarded at the same house
with him, and / think that | understood his
character. 1t might be said that he started Quit
in life under great disadvantages, because he
the of widow, and was poor and friend
less but think that he had very great advantages
in the shape of kindly feelings, sincere respect
for the people, particularly the poor people, and
strong faith in the right he understood it.
He believed firmly that the right though bafied
IN the start, would surely triumph in the end.
l never knew a man of such a sweet social ma
ture-who so loved his fellow men. He seemed
to live to do kindness to them, and in this he
knew no party or faction He was universally
popular at Washington He was man of pro-
digious industry, and his only recreation was in
changing from one kind of labor to another. He
arose early and spent the morning around the
various departments learning all the details of
the work of each He literally knew everything
about Washington, and it was this that brought
him so near MIR. Lincoln, for he was of great as
sistance to him. The Presidents door was
always open to him-not his office door alone,
hut that of his private apartments. He was also
very intimate with Mr.. Lincons family, and
they loved him as they loved but few others.
He bore no malice toward his fellow men. He
told me once that he believed true happiness
could only come to a person through the hap
nfn fh hot tnfh ~
Brief remarks of similar character were
also made by Representative Smith, of. Tppe-
canoe county; Representative Mauck, of Wayne
county; E. w. Halford Charles Draper and
others, and the meeting adjourned after appoint
ing committee consisting of Messrs. Porter,
Hendricks, Calkins, Turpie and Halford, to draw
up suitable memorial to Mr.. Cofax
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUNERAL.
Senator Campbell, of st. Joseph county, last
night returned from South Bend and announced
that Mr.. Colfaxs funeral would take place Sat
urday afternoon at that city. Governor Hen
bricks, Governor Porter, and numerous other
prominent gentlemen from this city will attend
and it is requested that all others who desire to
GO will report their names to Postmaster Wild
man either to-day or tomorrow morning A
special committee from the Legislature will also
attend.
SOME TRIBUTES TO MR.. ooLFAx
Jap Turpen in Evening News.
In the course of conversation with Judge
David Turpie, some weeks ago, he observed:
''Colfax was the readiest man ever met All
that he knew, and his knowledge was wonder
full, he could bring forward like flash His
pausibility of discourse as well as ability to re-
pei an assault in debate, has rarely been equaled
by the public men of the State.
Do you believe" asked, that Mr.. Colfax |
retired from official life on his7swn free will and
accord 2"
Yes he deliberately chose to retire His |
tastes were decidedly literary. The lecture |
field, l am told, proves very profitable to him. |
and the full measure of his ambition is satisfied
Those people who think he was forced out of |
politics are not acquainted with his resources:
they are terribly mistaken"
After touching on number of incidents |
connected with the three races they made |
tovether for Congress along in the s;xtias |