The daily state chronicle. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 188?-1891, 1891-04-02

'non TO win popular applause. He had
"AVhuraWn from active journalism for
more than dozen years, set it was his
mas1eTtul control of politics that not
only shaped editorials but as wei, fnr-
nished the warp and filling of edito-
iial ueterances. The best political
oocument ever gotten up in the State
was the Democratic Hand Book. Cor,
SAUNDERS was its author. It has haen
quoted In every village and neiehbor
mood In North Carolina. Ia vain have
the Republicans assailed the arguments
and facts there presented, but Cor. SATIN.
DERs had fortified every point
50 well, that they we're i'm
pregnable, and Republican assaults fell
harmless. llleai 50 strong and forcible
dld he present the difficult question of
county Government that, though the
Republicans have fought it as the losing
issue since 1o76, Col SAUNDERS lived to
see them acknowledge the truth of the
position that he had always maintained.
Tie had the biggest brain of any man
In North Carolina For more than thirty
years he has been conspicuous figure
IN the history of the State; and had
come in contact with great men from
other States. He was always the eoual
of the greatest, and commanded respect
for his ability and his wisdom. 1t is
given unto many men to have a shining
talent, but any one can count the really
wise men of his acquaintance upon his
, fingers. A wise man is not only
learned man, but he is. as
well, profound man. He thinks
before "a comes 10 a conclusion,
, and he considers we'll all the arrange
ments and conditions before expires sing
his convictions. But having thus formed
and expressed an opinion, he has the
ability to mllntaln it against all comers.
Such man was Col SAUNDERS, and be-
cause he was not quick to speak, and
/, because he was known to deliberate well
before speaking, his opinion had great
: weight throughout the State Govern.
ors, Senators, judges, politicians, law
yers, teachers, historians and editors, al
consulted him as if gong to an acknowi
edged authority. Though seldom of late
years seen in public places or in til,
; prints, he kept strong hold on tb,
g leadership Of the party and public af
fairs through the more active partlci
pants of coltemporaneous history.
We recall one Incident showing hos
!. thoughtful men sought and implicit
followed Col. SAUSDEhs' advice. Som
years ago, one Of the b-st editors of Tia
:, State was called upon to take posito
! upon a knotty public question. He va
=, greatly perpIexed and had great dou bt
!, as to the wist st course t. pursue. "Wha
position do you propose to take?" aske
friend
Il don't know" he frankly replied
until can see Bill Saunders, and the
y | will tell you"
- He took the next train for Raleigl
:, consulted Col. SAUNDERS, went hom
- and wrote strong leader upc
the lines marked out. Whe
- Ii3 position was assailed (and his frien'
=. did criticize i) he replied with as muc
- onfdence as if quoting scripture: "BT
"a SAUNDERS says that my position is WI
and proper, and he has got more sen
than any man in North Carolina" Al
=, with nine thoughtful men out of ten W
AiJ knew Col. SAUNDERS or who knew |
~ reputation, this answer was the stron
est defense of his position that he cou
up have made. 1t is rare indeed that ma
IN' who for ten years had not written
on the press and who did not speak to
y" people on the hustings, to retain
''V' great an influence. Oaly man OF 6
per traordinary wisdom could retain 1T.
its
its The CHRONICLE grieves to record
ac- death of this great North Carollnls
hR We shall make fuller statement Of
nj abilities and services to the State in
was morrow's CHRONICLE.
ent PERSONAL AND SOCIAL.