The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1886-02-13
DEATH or nORAIIO SEYMOUR.


HoratiO Seymour, the statesman
selected in 1868 by the National
Democracy, reunited after the sep
aration occasioned by the Civil
War, died yesterday at the
residence of his sister, Mrs, Roscoe
Conkling, in Utica, n. Y.
He was a statesman of the old
school, OF the period Immediately
preceding the war, and was like many
of his contemporaries, well equipped
for public life, added to which he
was a man of scholarly tastes and an
active philanthropist. Governor Sey-
mour though very earnest Demo
orat, was beloved by all the
people of New York who had
learned TO know him for his
purity Of character and his earnest
labors in behalf of the weak and the
erring. He was Governor of that
State during the war, and although
he differed with the Lincoln admin
istration as to many of its policies
he was in sympathy with its purpose
to save the Union, and did every
thing he could to equip aud for
ward troops to the field. But a
Just and a fair man he interfered
when the Federal Government made
demands upon the people greater
than we're made on those Of other
States, and although he condemned
and succeeded in putting down the
bloody draft riot that is notable for
the excesses of those who partici-
pated in it, his sympathies
were with his oppressed fel-
low citizens whose frenzy he
calmed by his promise of justice.
For a time the Republican press
sought to make capital of this riot
and to cover him with the ignominy
of traitor, but the better element
of that party frowned upon so base
less and wanton an attempt
to smirch the character OF the
most exalted citizen Of the
State and it availed nothing.
Gov. Seymour supported Mcclellan
for the Presidency in 1864, and made
8 strong canvass of New York State
for him. In 1868 he defeated Pen
dleton and Chase, both of whom were
close contestants, for the nomination
for the Presidency before the Ma
tional Convention at New York. He
was chairman Of that convention,
and very positively declined to be a
candidate, but, while temporarily
absent, Ex-Gov. Seymour of Mis-
souri, being in the chair, he was NOM
mated amid a scene of unparalleled
enthusiasm and was compelled to
accept and make the race. Gen,
Frank Blair of Missouri, gallant
soldier and former free-soil Demo.
crat, was the candidate for the Vice
Presidency. Pitted against Gen,
Grant, the hero of tho North, and,
Notwithstanding the Southern States
were all Of them in the hands of the
reconstructionists and carpet bag
gers, Gov. Seymour came within
-305,45S votes of Grants popu-
lar majority. This proved his
personal popularity and the high
character he had with the masses.
At the close Of this memorable con-
test he declared it his purpose never
again to take part in political affairs,
and he adhered to this resolution,
yielding occasionally so far as
to submit to interviews on
leading questions, and to answer
the letters of intimate political
friends seeking his advice.
He was a friend of the unfol tunate
classes, and was an active member
of the Prison Reform Association,
serving on its leading committees
and making several important re-
ports, which had the effect of induc-
ing the Federal Government to send
delegates to the International Prison
Reform Congress, of which the we'll
known philanthropist, DR.. Winans of
Baltimore, was secretary and
chief promoter. Gov. Seymour also
took great interest in the farmers
of New York and identified himself
closely with them, being a member of
one of their strongest clubs. He
wrote much on agriculture and ques-
tions OF tariff and was always ready
to make his great storehouse of ex-
perienee and knowledge available
to the people. Although out of pol
itics he did not lose his interest
10 political affairs, nor did his anx-
iety for the success Of Democratic
principles lessen in the least degree.
Profoundly convinced that the gov
ernment could be most wisely ad-
ministered under aud by them he
hailed the success of Mr.. Cleveland
with great satisfaction as justi-
flying the hopes he had cher
ished in the face of de-
feat and usurpation. New York
was proud Of Gov. Seymour, as one
of the ablest and wisest of her
statesmen, and the other States will
unite with her in mourning his
death as a great loss to the repub-
lie, of which he was one of the most
citizens.
TuP Naw Vorl- JIo,oJJ oolIe 81