The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-31
Weighted with his

greatest successzof his life. Weighted with his
terrible physical disability, yet he was every
whore present Borne 20 his committee-room
carried to the Senate chamber, lifted to his seat
in the electoral commission by the strong arms
of others---there remaining through sessions day
and night, that scarcely knew adjournment
tireess among the tired, determined among the
despondent, pressing on whore strong men gave
way: not only everywhere present, but his ire
sistible power everywhere feit.
To the final vote ordering the commission he
was the uncompromising opponent OF the meas
ure, because, as he himself gave the reason, 1T
was not wise to give a certainty for an uncer-
taintyy But when the measure carried he
joined it with ali his tjreess and indomitabie
power He at once so took position that he must
necessarily be part of the high court-and,
when he had "part" in any affair, his intense
convictions and answering purpose were quite
sure to make him the controlling spirit. Into
the gloom of that dubious uncertainty he cast
the MONDAY blaze of his earnest love of coun-
try, its white light intensified by unconquerable
will; and where before was doubt and darkness.
pit-fal and boz he now saw a highway
over which the Nation might march out OF It's
troublous dangers-the will of the people re
garded as he believed and liberty still saved
Out of the darkness he misunderstanding above
his head the star of victory Truly dld MS
strong colleague, Senator Mcdonald. say: Here
was strong picture that may we'll excite our
which history furnishes example" Sena-
tor Mcdonald. and the men of his party,
may only admit that 1t WAS but the grand exploit
of great partisan chief of rarest sagaclty and
courage; but history, | fam believe, when she
comes with her iron pen to make the imper1sha-
BILE record. will place it among the brilliant
achievements of high practical craftsmanship
1t rounded out the grand and complete proper
tons and closed the great political career or
Oliver P Morton.
lie inf fr0yArnOr
millions passed through his hands. AS Senator
he had votes to giye and votes to withhold,
where other millions were involved But he
lived in the most frugal manner. and died com
paratively poor. Simple in his manners. frugal
in his habits, he maintained through life de-
voted to the public service an honorable pow
erty, content to support the dignity or ofnclal
position upon the emolument which the law as
signed to it, 1t is here that the people VINO
knew and loved him-who knew his modest hab-
its at home and in Washington his lifelong pow
erty in al era of rapidly accommodating wealth
it is here that they have planted white stone,
and every contribution to his honor will cluster
about if as the best and most enduring founda-
alton of his immortal fame.
He had hand of welcome and heart Of SYM
pathy for all, and of most sweet affection for his
family. 1t was pleasant sight to see his two
boys, lads Of rare beauty, come into the Senate
chamber as was their occasional habit, and
quietly make their way to his seat, often as 1t
would happen when the father was In the midst
of warm debate, and stand there, one on either
side of his chair, as he went on with his ponder
GUS argument in the intervals, when waiting
for question or reply, throwing his arms loving
ly about them. 1t was sight rare in the Sen
ate. but it did not detract bit from the dignity
of the place. no- jar the orderly decorum of the
proceedings. The massive, grand figure OF the
father always sedate, for he was always In ear
nest with the two boys standing close on either
hand, their FULL expressive eyes turned in loving
admiration upon the father, and that beautiful
Senate Chamber, with its nearly eighty stately
Senator'S for background and frame. 1t was a
picture never to be forgotten and worthy or
preservation by a masters brush.
He was who instinctively caught the
feeling of the masses, and was rare interpreter
of the public sentiment He knew the people,
and the people knew him. He was their trusted
leader and their bravest organizer He was one
of those great men upon whom Abraham LIN
coin leaned and found support
Oliver p. Morton sprung from the people The
people never forgot him; neither did he ever for
get behest of theirs; hence his immense power
as an organizer of the people in times OF deep
agitation. With few of the accomplishments OF
education, with none of the adornments of rhet-
| orical art, this great, earnest man became the
| a5lest debater Of his nations Senate With
none of the fortuitous circumstances of powerful
family, combination of wealth, or utilization of
great interests, he foremost in political
power He loved liberty and justice with all the
force of his great soul, and so loved the Union
of these States that justice and liberty might
have a strong ally among the nations of the
earth. He was sincere in sentiment and pure in
practice. His tireless devotion in life attested
the one; his death in poverty sealed the assur
ance OF the other.
Oliver p. Morton was indeed partisan: frank
| and open as he was positive and persistent In
stinct and experience had taught him that or
sanizarion was essential to the tramph of any
political principle or the successful admipistra-
lion of a popular government He was ambi-
tous; but blessed is the memory of him whose
partisanship and whose ambition is at one with
the best aspirations Of humanity. whose death is
loss to the weak, and whose grave is wet with
the tears of the humble and despised