The Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1885-1886, 1886-06-04
TRIBUTE TO HIS DEAD PARTNER.

GROVER CLEvEANDs ADDRESS UPON THE
DEATH OF THE FATHER OF Miss Fol-
SOM.
1t is now eleven years since President
Cleveland, then practicing lawyer, de
livered the following touching and elo-
quent address at the meeting of the Buff
falo Bar association upon the death Of
Oscar Folsom, his most intimate friend.
the father Of his bride. 1t is not to be
doubted that Miss Folsom knows the
tribute of her fathers friend bv heart:
1t has been SAID light SORROWS speak
great grief is dumb. and the application
Of this would enforce my silence on this
occasion. But | can not 60 so far, nor
lei the hours pass without adding trib-
ut. OF respect and love to my departed
illrAd lie WAS my friend in the most
sacr ii and complete sense of the term.
have walked with him, talked with him,
eutea with him, and slept with him-was
he not my friend?
must not. dare not. recall the memo
rles of our long and loving friendship.
And let not my brethren thuk it amiss if
| force back the thoughts that come
crowdng to my mind. shall speak
coldly OF my friend, but the most sacred
tribute of sad heart, believe me, is un>
spoken.
In the course of life not entirely de-
void oil startling incidents can truly say
l never was so shocked ard overwhelmed
rs when | heard on Friday night of the
death OF Oscar Folsom. had an en-
gagement with him that evening, and was
momentarily expecting him when | re-
ceived the intelligence OF his injury; and
before reached the scene of the acct
dent was abruptly told of his desth
shall not attempt to describe my emo
tons Death seemed So foreign to this
man; and the exuberance Of his life was
so marked and prominent that the idea
Of his dying or death seemed to be incon-
gurous and out OF place. And before
saw him deaf found myself rejecting
How strange he would look dying or
dead.
had seen him in every other part in
the drama of life-but this-and for this
he seemed untitled.
His remarkable social qualities won for
him the admiration OF all with whom he
came in contact, while his great kind
heart caused all to love him who knew
him well. He was remarkably true in
his friendship, and having really made a
friend he grsppled him with hooks of
steel. Open and frank himself, he op-
posed deceit and indirection. His res
mafkable humor never had Intentional
sting; and though impulsive and quick,
he was always just, In the practice of
his profession, and 10 the solution of
legal questions he saw which was right
and Just, and then expected TO fad tae
law leading hun directly there
1t is not strange to find joined to a jo-
vial disposition kind and generous heart
but be had besides these broad and cor
rect judgment, and wonderful knowl-
edge OF men and affairs, and the instan
ces are numerous in my experience when
his strong common sense has aided me
easily through difficulties. Such was my
friend
The sadness of his taking off has no
alienation. | shall not dwell upon the
narrowing circumstances. On Friday
afternoon Oscar Folsom, in the midday
of life, was eherishing bright anticipations
for the future. Among them he had
planned home in an adjoining town,
where he calculated upon much comfort
and quiet. He had already partially per-
fected his arrangements. which were soon
to be consumated. Within forty>eight
short hours he reached the town of his
anticipated residence But God had
interviewed. The hands of loving friends
bore him to home, but not the home be
had himself provided. He found peace
in the home that God provides for the
sons of men. and Quiet; ah, such quiet'-
in the grave. l know how fleeing and
how soon forgotten are the lessons taught
by such calamities. The gay will laugh,
the solemn brow Of care plod on, and
each one as before pursue his favorite
phantom But it seems to me long, long
years will intervene before pleasant
memories of his life will be unmingled
with the sad admonitions furnished by
the death of Oscar Folsom.
Let us cherish him in loving remem,
brance, and heed well the lesson of his
death, and let our tenderest sympathy ex>
tend to cbildless father, a widowed
wife and fathprless child