The Portland daily press., 1886-01-07

the executive char by Mr.. hayes, Nlr. Morrlll
was appointed collector Of customs OF the port
of Portland He held this office until his
death. This occurred January 10th, 1888,
after protracted and painful sickness, during
which his sufferngs were mitigated as far as
possible by the assiduous attention of his de-
voted wife and children. His public life was
largely in troublous lines. Sectional strife
ripened into civil war. He vigorously sup
ported the war for the preservation Of the
Union. In this cause he was heartily sustained
in all constitutional measures, not only by his
own party, but also by the great body OF his
political opponents in the North, who with
like devotion to the Union, realized the danger
that if State or States were allowed to with
draw under claim of constitutional right to
do So the Union would be broken into frag
ments and lost, and the hope of republican
government throughout the world also be ex-
tinguished by its failure here under the most
favorable circumstances. The question in its
results was one of the most momentous in
human history. Its successful termination was
fortunate for both sections of the country, for
the Union is alike valuable for both.
For opportunity for distinction and impor-
tant public service the times were propitious,
and Mr. Morrill, achieved character for which
his friends and the State may find a just pride
No man is perfect; and to claim perfection for
him would be to place him above the plane of
humanity. But this is not the occasion to in
dulge in criticism. De n,0rtuis aatL a,iSi bonuna
1t is Justice to say that he had high ideal of
public office as a sacred trust for the public,
and that it was his aim in every official posi-
ton to execute that trust with absolute fidelity
In this brief glance at Mr.. Morrill, as pub
lie man, have already alluded to those traits
of character that endeared him most to those
who met him in the private walks of life. 1t
was there that he appeared to the best advant-
age. His nature was kind, sympathetic,
benevolent. He loved to do kind things, and
say kind words. His conversation was directed
to give pleasure as well as instruction. Cen
seriousness and harshness he avoided himself,
and disliked to hear from Others.
He was liberal, public spirited citizen,
ever ready to encourage and aid whatever
promised to be of public utility,-a sincere
and warm hearted friend, and in the family
circle, most affectionate son, brother, hus-
band and father. His early example OF IN
tegrity crowned with such success, we would
hold up to the vie of the youth of the present
and coming generations. What an inspiration
to the scholars of our common schools!-to
any one who has the power in him, and wills
to rise. He sees the lad in the old school
house devoted to his books, the law student
burning the midnight lamp, the successful
lawyer rising to eminence, the prominent
member of the State Legislature, the eloquent
and distinguished Senator in the United States
Senate, the sl1illful head of the financial de-
partment of the government, and the trusted
constitutional adviser Of the chief magistrate OF
the nation, and above ALL sustaining in all
these positions and in every walk OF life
character of unsullied integrity. Who so in
oc ,,of To foa1 tho rnY,raSsiOn Of Such
career!
And now, sir, have the honor, in behalf OF
the donors to deliver this portrait to your ex-
cellency as the honored representative of the
State.
Governor Robie in behalf of the State fit
tingly replied as follows
GOV. ROBES REPLY.
In behalf and in the name of the State of
Maine, have the honor and pleasure to ac-
cept this fine portrait of the Hon. Lot M.
Morrill,, to be placed in the Capitol for all
future time. The thanks Of our citizens are
due you, Mr.. Bradbury, and your associates,
who have conceived this noble idea for thus
perpetuating the memory of one of Names
most distinguished and honored sons. This
gift of yours is fitting tribute and represents
the high esteem in which his memory is justly
cherished. The appropriate eulogy which has
Just been pronounced falls upon grateful ears.
We all remember Governor Morrill, as a cul-
tured citizen and true friend As patriot
he was devoted to the best interests of his
country, as chief magistrate over our
State, statesman in our national Senate, and
financial adviser in the cabinet of President
Grant, he was learned and sagacious and
through series of memorable years, built up
and maintained the dignity and power of con-
stitutional Law, morality, education, temper
ance and the material elements Of prosperous
State and nation. He defended and supported
the integrity of the Republic through the
darkest days of its history. Although too
Young to participate in the early formation of
our State government, he was well acquainted
and afterwards intimately associated with
many of the distinguished statesmen and
iurists, who took part in the first constitn-
tional convention Of the State of Maine;
citizens who were afterwards honored
by the State and added to its
importance in its executive, legislative and
judicial departments. The lessons and expe-
riences which he received in early life from
such sources gave him the opportunity of be-
coming proficient in the science and necessities
of government and afterwards teacher and
advocate Of those requirements so essential to
the successful development of State. He was
the champion of freedom against every form of
opposition, and true friend to all moral re-
form His many official acts and recommend
ations written upon the pages of the history of
our State and nation, are memorials Of his
fidelity and loyalty.
The people of the State of Maine will never
forget his virtues and what he has done for
them; and as future generations look upon
his noble picture SO faithfully delineated upon
canvass and his biography, they will be re-
minded that he was ''always faithful worthy
of lasting remembrance for his high princi-
pies and noble purposes.
Oh, who shall lightly say that fame
Is nothing but an empty name,
Whilst i'll that sound there is charm,
The nerve to BRACE the heart to warm
AS thinking of the mighty dead,
The young from thoughtful couch will start
And VOW, with lifted hands outspread,
Like them to act noble part.
Oh, who shall lightly say that fame,
Is nothing but an empty name,
When but for those, our mighty Dead
All ages past blank would be,
Sunk in obvon's murky bed,
a desert bare q shpless sea.
They are the distant objects seen,
The lofty marks of what have been.
Again thank you for this beautiful work of
art, and may the citizens of the State of Maine
follow this example which you have so gener-
ously set, showing thereby that appropriate
and lasting memorial honors are but a just rec
ognition of the valuable services of our dis
tinguished statesmen, and add to the dignity
and reputation of the State.
ANOTHER SESSION OF STORY TELLING.
The State House was again crowded this
afternoon with the legislator and many of
their friend in the city. The Representa-
tives Hall was filled by 3 o'clock and remin-
iscences were again in order. The speeches
were all necessarily short and more infor-
NAL than those of the morning. Congress
man Dingley and Hon. Josiah H.Drummond
related a few stories of times gone by in an
off hand manner Speeches were also made
by Harrison Hume of Boston, Charles Ham,
lin of Bangor, j. Porter and many others.
Many fitting tributes were paid to Mr..
Blaine's services to the State and the mem
tion of his name was sufficient to bring forth
prolonged applause. Mr. Blaine is taking
great interest in the reunion and expresses
much pleasure that he has such an opportun-
ity to meet so many of his old friends.
THE BANQUET.
The banquet of this evening was the sue
cess Of the day. Granite Hall was tastefully
decorated by the same hands that have done