The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-10-11

Rarely in the same length Of time has the
chronicler Of passing events had occasion to
record the deaths of so many individuals Of
distinction as he has been called upon to do
in the comparatively brief interval of the asst
six months; and this extraordinary mortality
Of illustrious persons has not been confined
to any one continent. but has been as notable
in America as It has been IN foreign coun-
tres.
Most conspicuous among the famous lives
Of this hemisphere which have suffered an
eternal eclipse was that of james Russell
Lowell man whose memory will long sur
vive. although he did not reach the highest
position IN authorship or craftsmanship or
universe scholarship. but in all these depart
meuts Of human endeayOr and achievement
he scored mark which time cannot easily
oflace.
At very great distance follows Benson S.
LOSING who will he remembered for genera
tons by those who are making Investigations
in American history, and who will find their
pursuit of information rendered less difficult
by the patient and conscientious iabOrs OF this
American writer.
In different walk of life the lato Hannibal
HaIulin, who's also passed away during the pres
ent year. won very great distinction. having
flied with few exceptions al the highest pos.
tions under tho Government. and having at
one time been second only to the president in
official rank. The memory of Hamlin will be
perpetuated by the association of his name
with that of Abraham Lincoln in the election
of 1860. crisis in the career OF the United
States as a nationality.
The death Of Balmaceda will also confer
distinction upon 1891. 1t is true that his rep
utation will be that OF tyrant who devoted
his talents TO the oppression Of the people.
whose inherent powers he aimed to perma-
nently usurp but even the reputation OF sdrh
man as this can be handed down TO the re-
hottest ages on account OF his pre-eminence
among those who have justly exposed them
selves to the hatred OF mankind
Abroad, among those who have died during
the present yea have been at least two ndi-
viduais whose names will always be identified
with the history Of their respective countries
Though there were similar dark passages in
the careers of these two men il would he un-
justto couple thsn careers. Boulanger WAS
at the best an adyenturer. whose character
was lacking III the strength which was ne, es-
sary to sustain tho role which he essayed 10
play. He represented no principle that was
entitled to respect, and he conducted himself
amid the blaze Of celebrity by viii h an ex
tro4rlanarx continuation -
surrounded him, with so little greatness OF
mind or impressveness of bearing that the
height to which he rose only served t. increase
the depth of the abyss Of contempt into
which he fell as soon "a his real strength had
been put to the test
Parnell was not man of this stamp. In
domltable in courage inflexibe in resolution.
unyielding in purpose, not 10 be driven and
not to be frightened. of sagacty that was
most fertile in resource, true patriot and a
great statesman. the unfortunate episode
that clouded the last years of his life should
not be allowed to lower our estimate of the
magnificent services which he performed in
the cause of the people whom he represented.
Boulanger will only be remembered a. a
chsrotan, who was unequal to the opportu-
nifty which was thrust upon him of playing a
very great part on the worlds stage. His
name will be permanently associated with his
country, but only iu brief episode that will
be remembered to his lasting discredit The
name Of Parnell, on the other hand. is apt to
grow in Importance as time shall enable men
to study his career dispassonately and weigh
the results OF his political life free from uarti-
San OF personal bias