The Republican journal., 1888-05-03
Roscoe Oonkling.

Roscoe Conkling, ex-senator from New York,
| lawyer and statesman, died in that city We'd
nesday morning, pril 18th, from an illness con-
| tractcd during the blizzard of March 12th On
| that fatal day, it being impossible to obtain
either cabs or carriages of any kind, he started
at about p. NJ, to walk from his Office to his
residence, distance of about three miles, at
| time when pede>trianism was impossible, save
| for the hardest and strongest. Having pro-
| ceeded about threu-fourths of the distance he
| was overcome by the storm, and sank in the
snow, too exhausted, rs he thought. to ever
rise again. Around him, everywhere the snow
was up to his armpits, great drifts came whirl-
ing down upon him, on his face was thick
coating OF ice and snow, and, as he afterwards
| related, he had become so exhausted, that re-
manning in a kind of stupor for twenty minutes,
he gave up all hope of life. No description, as
he averred, could adequately describe his suf-
fering. Somehow he managed to push for
ward and gained his destination, after three
hours perlous journey.
Although he made every effort to shake from
him the i'll effects consequent to bis exposure,
his system had been subjected to too great
strain, and an abscess forming in hi, ear he be-
came deirious. Despite every effort to save
him. the terrible disease could not be STAYED
and he rapidly became worse, IA delicate opera
tion on the skull by which an ounce of puS was
removed giving him but temporary relief.
Roscoe Conkling was born in Albany, Octo-
Der 30. 1928, and although he had but inferior
instruction and little opportunity for intellect
ual advancement, he mastered the principles of
law While very young, and procured recogni-
ton OF his abilities As an advocate among his
associates while vet minor. lie was admitted
to the bar on his 2lst birthday, was Immediately
appointed District Attorney OF Oneida Co. hv
Hamilton Fish, and at once interested himself
actively in politics. early manifesting that DOM
| ineering trait in his character which had such
great influence upon his after life.
BY his wonderful supply of language and
powers of rhetoric he gained great control over
the minds of his hearers. became one of the
most brilliant lawyers in the state, and upon
his election to Congress by the new Republican
party in 1888. employed his eloquence to great
treason and rebellion. He was staunch sup
porter of President Lincoln and his measures,
and although opposed to the war at first, vet.
when 1t became inevitable, advocated its un-
compromising prosecution. His opposition to
the Legal Tender Act of 1862 lost him the sup
port of many of his constituents. and tlurin"
his two years consequent retirement from
political life he devoted himself to his law
practice, building up 4 national reputation for
fervid oratory. He was reelected in 1>GG, but
resigned his seat in the House to succeed Judge
Ira Harris in the Senate, to which dignity he
was again elected in 1873 and in 1879. He was
| one of the first to recognize Genl Grants
military genius, had vote of thanks rendered
him by Congress for his services at Fort Don
elson. and strongly advocated the third term
agitation in 1850. In 1874 he was offered by
Grant the Chief Ju>tice>hip, and again in 1888.
he declined the position of Associate Justice,
that he might. by remaining at the Bar, dis
charge himself of the responsibility incurred
by his endorsing notes of personal friend.
who failed for Sl62,o 900. BY untiring energy
and ince>Sant labor for two years. he relieved
himself of the Indebtedness. thus evincing one
of the most noble of all his manly character
i>tics.
Born to command, of large frame and mas
>iVe mental and moral development. he was
eninentlv fitted to lead the Republicans of
New York. and gave and demanded implicit
con ti,lence in his followers. Although arbitra-
~ in placing his friendships, and cNactng in
return, there Were none more constant and
sincere than himself, and in his likes a. in his
dl>likes he was strong and intense. He broke
OFT all connections with his friends Immediate
ly upon discovering any petty traits in their
characters, and di>daining to take any brides
or dishonesty profit by his own high political
standing, he could not abide those who would
descend to such basene>S.
He was of large stature. dramatic action.
slow but expressive gesture. earnest in all his
utterances, and seldom failed to carry conyic-
tion, his personality dominating all those with
whom he came in contact
His whole nature was cast in Il gigantic mold
He lowered above his fellows as a natural
leader. and it is easy to realize that not only has
there passed away one of our most able states
men. but true gentleman among men, one
'having high thoughts seated in heart of
courtesy" c. F.H.