The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1895-12-19
The "0ld Roman" Gone.

lndn is paUn6Glc event that VIII send
a thrill of sentiment throughout the
entire country. His public services
came to a close good many years ago,
and for many weary months his physi-
cal infrmities deprived the people of
his counsel and his immediate friends
of his society. His loving neighbors in
Columbus celebrated his birthday an
nually i'll a public manner, which COM
manded the attention and applause of
patriotic people all over the United
States, until he had become almost an
octogenarian; but for the last two
years anniversaries the venerable
statesman was in complete retirement,
and the good will of his friends was in
their hearts rather than in forms of
speech. And now he falls into the
mysterious sleep that is the common
lot of all, under the burden of 50 hon
orable years, leaving behind an indeli-
BILE record of craftsmanship and probity
that will be carefully recorded on the
pages Of American history.
Allen G.. Thurman was called the
sold Roman" because he was of the
antique, rugged build of statesman
ship. He was an important link be-
tween the ante-bellum days and the
changed conditions since He was q
defender of the original faith of the
republic. He was one of the mighty
| men who were not panic stricken by
the civil war, but preserved through
the awful contest the underlying prin-
ciples Of statehood and union, and con-
tended for them on all occasions. He
was democrat and uncompromising
In his partisanship. He had the most
earnest convictions, from heredity and
study. He was type of that man
hood which finds its best expression in
the necessary division of the citizens of
free country into two great political
parties. He was admired and respect
ed by opponents as we'll as by allies
because he was not a trimmer. The
most useful citizens are they who, what
ever party they belong to, are consist
ent and unfaltering in their views, and
who, believing they are right, are most
active III the endeayor to embody Their
principles in the administration Of gov.
ernment. Judge Thurman was not o
hater of republicans. He was man
of too great breadth not to recognize
fully the fact that the republican party
or some other party opposed to the de
moclacy was necessary to preserve {
proper balance in our system; but ht
was doctrinaire and strict construc
Zionist, and had unyielding faith ia til,
principles laid down by Jefferson ant
other fathers and leaders of his part,
as the central tenets of constitutional
free government.
Judge Thurman served term in tn
house of representatives, at Washing
ton at time that middle-aged men o
today were too young to be familia
with affairs. He had a useful career a
lawyer and as judge of the suprem
court of Ohio, and by the time the civi
war closed he was in such an advance
ed position of conservative leadershi
that he naturally became figure in na
tional affairs. Looking back to 1867
when the question of negro sudrag
] was before the people of Ohio, an
s when Judge Thurman was defeated fo
governor by only about three thousan
votes, it is easy to think of him as th
natural instrument to stay the excesse
e which threatened to destroy the couI
e try after the war was over. He ws
= sent to the senate of the United State
y at time when conservatism was of tl
|, first consequence, and he RENAME
there twelve years, during which /
was prominent and useful in the pra,
tical, material and political legislatio
of dangerous times.
To deal in detail with all of the in
} portant events with which he had con
9 manding association would carry tn
u article beyond bounds. He identife
D himself, and he identified the democr
q cy, with some of the wisest and mo
= important legislation lie placed hin
self in a position to do this by stubbort
= ly stamping en- every attempt to disi
c, tegrate or disrupt the party to whi'
Is he belonged. BE was patient and vi
e. under many years u defeat, and tang