Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-09-03
EULooY ON HAMLIN.
Delivered at Portland by Hon. Thomas
b Reed.

PoRrLAsp, Sept. 2 AT the meeting Of
the Maine Commandery Military Order
Loyal Legion, this evening, . memorial tc
the late Hon. Hannibal Hamlin and Gen,
George Thorn, U. S. A, were adopted
Hon. Thomas B. Reed delivered eulogy
on Hamlin.
Companions My sole desire is to rem
der simple tribute to come Of the virtues
which knew Mr.. Hsmlin possessed, and
which think were the key to his history.
Mr.. Hsmlin had vcuchsafed to him q
long life and long and striking political
career. He was IA years . lawyer, siz
years in the Legislature Of Maine, three
years as speaker; four years in the House
Of Representatives n Washington. four
years Vice President Of the United States,
Governor Of Maine, collector Of the port Of
Boston, minister to Spain. and 25 years q
senator Of the United States. During all
these periods and throughout all these
varied occasions. no man ever found Mr..
HAmlin to fail Of his word. and no enemy
ever charged him with the betrayal Of q
friend. These are simple virtues. but
if you think they can be predi-
Gated Of every man who in this
republic has reached similar high positions,
you have not lived with your eyes vide
open. Mr.. Hamlin WAS not great orator
like Mr.. Sumner. nor q great debAter like
MIR. Fessenden. He did not have the cal
tuIe Of one or the brilliant swiftness of the
ether, bat his services to the country rest
upon SO sure and safe foundation they
never will be forgotten. Mr.. Hamlin was
great in having commonsense. This
quality, backed by high personal charsc-
ter. buttressed by q thorough honesty Of
purpose, WAS always of great service
in the republic. This service Mr.. Hsmlin
slxsys rendered, his power increased
with his years. At no time during his long
and varied career could he have laid down
so much power ss he did when at the age Of
~ he voluntarily left the senate of the
United States. To his strong character, to
his sound judgment he added that which is
one the characteristics of greatness, much
Of purpose. In the House
Of Representatives at Washington |
than the late Mr.. Hamlin; indeed
he was not An orator at all. l have
known many better debstors. Ihave known
msny men with more tact and greater know
ledge of affairs, but never knew q stronger
man. His iron face and close shut jaws
were victory itself. Mr.. Hsmlin had the
came quality of mind he was stesdfastness
itself.
well remember more than twenty yeArs
ago, in the midst Of a fierce fight, coming
upon him in little room between the Sen
ate and House of Representatives at Au
gusts, encouraging his followers. and there
comes over me today the remembrance Of
the thrill of admiration which, opposed to
him as l was, then felt as | thought
with what pluck and courage he
had fought the battle. Mr.. Hamlin
in his habits WAS the simplest of men.
He had no idea Of pomp or ceremony. He
had genuine regard for everyday people.
He pever forgot favor, and was himself
most unwearying of men 70 do one. Graft
Iude with him was lively sense Of favors
past. He never deserted a man because
be could be Of no further use to him. If
you had his word you had his bond. Ifany
change of circumstances made him change
his attitude towards you, You were first TO
know it. He vas of mos. kindly nature,
yft his kindness was not Of that fAbby sort
" hich takes in the whole world. for he
could, kindly though be was, on suitable
be as unrelenting as fate itself.
But while | thus do honor to the virtues OF
Mr.. Hamlin must not give you the ides
hat there was nothing picturesque about
ais career. 1t was career full Of stub
born fights. lie won no honor
without battle. These cannot
describe, yeti is fitting that to this audience
Hnr ha " pf rs
,f the war. should bring recollection of
he most brilliant episode in MIR. Hsmlin's
life. Also one Of the most brilliant pre-
,luies to the great politician battles in which
you participated Mr.. Hamlin was always
opposed to human slavery, always on the
tide of liberty, and fought for liberty
within his party, but when in 1856 he
hrew off party allegiance and made his ap-
,eai to the people, his journey across the
State Of Maine was q triumphal march,
he like of which never had been before,
never has been since. 1t was followed by
remarkable victory which in the end made
lin Vice President, ard night have made
lin President Of the United States.
What nigh. have been the effect
ipon this country had he been the success
'or Of Abraham Liz Din we can Eever know,
'ut we may be fully assured tba. Whatever
honesty of purpose, sound sense
,r patriotism could have done he
you'd have been substituted for some Of the
'cenes which history will perhaps be sorry
% record To Mr.. Hamlin this could be no
'ubject of regret. After many q subsequent
'ervice to his country, and after tranquil
I'D sge, amid genuine sorrow Of
lis old friends and neigbbors at his own
rouse, surrou nded by his family he died
'ull Of years and full of honor.