The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1893-02-15
n DEAD
The Tribnte OF Amos j. Cummins to the
Memory OF Edward r. Mcdonald.

Memory OF Edward +. Mcdonald.
From n. Congregational Record.
Mr.. Cummtnss-Mr. Speaker. there is poignant grief
over the death OF . father or n mother. Of a sister or a
brother: the plaintive wailing OF a mother over the
loss OF her trst-born Is h.artrcnding: when n near and
dear friend passes away tho very atmosphere Seems
surcharged with gloom; but OF all the emotions
awakened by death none is more touching than those
called up by the death OF Il comrade. They brin, tho
battlefield again before you. Tho same sulnlurous
canopy is above you. The hum Of the bul ct. tho whiz
OF the round shot, the shrek of the shell, tho clash of
sabres. and tho shouts Of the comba,ants again MI
your ears.
The tiresome march. the weary wading OF strea ms,
the ruddy camp fire. the %bubblins coffee. and the rude
faro reappear. You hear again OLD army ,ongs md
stories. and are luied TO s erp by tho piping OF frogs
tho music OF cricksts aud %katydids, or by the soft pat.
ter OF tho rain upon your shelter tent Again you arc
upon picket. inusket in hand. wAtchful und wary. on
the muddy shore OF tho lIapnnhRnnock or beneath the
%soughing pines IL the Wild. rness. When n comrsle
dies life itself seems to turn back ward. You live once
more in the stormy scenes Of thirty years ago.
Sir. Edward +. Mcdonald WAS my con,rade. We wero
comrades in war and comrades in politics. A descend.
ant or men who cried " faugh "A Hallagh" a. Fontenov
no Drawer soldier ever fixed %bayonet lie was a mem.
be- OF n New Jersey brigade not iess renowned tbnn ina
Irish Brigade that drove tho English army from tho
soil or France. lie was OF tho Army Of the Potomac.
he fought under the eyes Of George II. Mcclellan and
Joe liooker; he came from the township that gave
gallant Phil Kcarn.y 20 the Union. There can h, M
greater honor Tor an American citizen.
My comrade entered the ranks when less than II
HIS muscles and his intellect were hardened by his
experience in tho army. Patriotic. fervent. brave and
energetic. he brought tho experience there ncni,,red
into after life, Aud lite wi;h him VA, a can,inuou,
struggle, lie had neither advantages ~ birth nor .du.
cation. From the army OF the Union IA. went into m.
greater and grander army of American mechanics
Learning The Trade OF machinist, he quickly became n
skilled mechanic,
Anon he entered tho neld OF politics. IL WAS here
that his army training came into play. lie heard again
the music OF the ME and drum IN new caulpaieus
There were more weary rivers to cross ana more es.
to carry. There were more tiresume
marches, ANA more batteries 10 silence.
How bravery my comrade camr to the front his rec.
ord shows. 1t IL one of unimpopchabIe honor. sclooied
In the ranks OF tho followers OF Thomas Jefferson.
eager. energetic. and enthusiastic. lie quickly won n
commission In anew brigade-that Of the eiorious Old
New jersey Democracy. In assaulting the intrrnci-
inents OF his political opponents no one was more
brave and unliring; no one sust aimed nm assault IN
turn more obstinateiy. A bitter opponent OF The cen.
tralizing tendencies OF the Republicans. he was nm ar.
dent State rights Democrat A man OF strong ccnvic,
tions. he was unyielding when asked 10 sacrifice them.
lie preferred 10 stem tho current rather than float On
1t. lie maintained his independence despite all per
sonai considerations
Ills Irish blood had full play. although tempered at
times with American prudence. lie was a born fighter
"a faithful friend and an unreienting foe. Combative
in disposition and herce In conflict, no was magnani,
nous and kind. HIS heart frequently controlled his
head
There was. however. ono tenderness in his nature
illustrative OF his true manhood. lie hated his foes,
he loved his friends. but he adored his family. Emit.
ties and friendships were neglected at their call. Ills
home was his centre Of tho universe. There. in quiet
happiness he laid aside all cares and tribulations.
Friends may regret him. comrades may mourn him.,
but to his family his loss IL IrreparaUls. lie wa. n
model husband and father.
This much. Mr.. Speaker, have ! felt myself impslled