The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1896-12-04
sEMAToa JOHN p. HALE
> ficsuresqus Figure In America. PvA
lie Life.

SEMATOR JOHN p. HALE
5 eiesuresqus Figure In Americas Pvh.
lie Life.
When Hale took bis seat in the senats
be was the only member of that body
who defied the discipline of both the old
parties, and dared sssert lis absolute
political independence. He stood alone
until ls$9, when he was Joined by Chase
and Seward, who were REINFORCED in
1881 by Sumner. There was something
Grsnstic in his solitary appearance in
the senate &C an ayowed aEti-slavery
Esn. Thst body then contained moro
able snd eminent men than II had hsd
for more than a generation, ard IL was
completely under the domination OF tho
slave interest. That interest dictated
the policy of the government at home
and abroad, as il had done from its be-
ginning. and made and unrade poll
ticians. Hkle knew that his sirgic-
handea warfare against il would invite
ridicule. snseEs. insults and threats.
lie knew that he mus. fare the seorn
fnd contempt Of the south and the chilli
ing neglect of the north. But be brave
~ stood in the breach. he took no cour-
sci of his fears, and would not be bull
lied into silence. When he wss denied
a place on sentorioal committees on the
pretext that he did not belong 10 d
healthy political organization" he ridi-
culed the proceeding and made II tell
In bis favor.
One OF the finest exhibitions OF his
courage was given soon after he took his
seat in the senate, wheo he cast the only
vote against a resolution thanking Gems.
Scott and Taylor for their victories In
Mexico. This vote was sure TO be mis-
understood and misrepresented, and ali
parties regarded IL rs suicidal; but IL
20 other honest and consistent course
was possible for those who bad con.
Gemned the Mexican war in all il
stages. He would not belle his convic-
tons to avoid eny personal consc
quences of his act; and when he pleaded
the high authority of Chatham. Burke
end Fox, who refused TO vote thanks "a
the commanders Of the British army
for their services in America in our
evolutionary struggle . strictly
analogous case--no senator succsssful-
" answered him.
Mr.. Hale's humsnity was equs 10 bis
courage. While a member Of the house
he moved an amendment to the naval
appropriation bill. aboliShing the spirit
ration and prohibiting Jogging IN the
navy. The amendment prevailed. but
failed in the senate. This motion was
renewed in the senate in ls4s. and In
1850, after an imprisoned appeal BY
Mr.. Hale, hogging was Abolished. but
the spirit ration cntipued TIL 1862. He
was justly proud Of these schSsveHept<.
and they are appropriately counem
GRATED on the pedestal Of the statue TO
Gently erected in the STAGE house yard
st Concord.
As an anti-slsveTy leader. Hale for
lowed his own methods of warfare
Wsile Seward, Sumner ard Chase were
forging their znti-siavery thunderoitss
snd firing them 81 the eneny ct long
range through the press Of the Dsrths.n
states. Mr.. Hale wa> using hi. lighter
veil-executed flank movements. In
1850 be was prompted by the presence
of pro-elayery mob in Wasbmgtnu -
introduce a resolution providing for the
reimbursement of per>ess whoss prop
erty should be destroyed by riotors -
ssmbIageA Foote. of Mississippi. de-
pounced this resolution - ntsnded -
protect "nsgressealfng.- ASdy~ssias
Mr.. Hale, he szid: II invite hn 70 vists
the coed state Of Aissi.sipPA in vhkh
1 have the honor 20 reside. and win ssll
him beforehand IA AL hosessy thss h
could no. &c ten miles into tAs intsrsor
beEore be would grace ons e the talless
trees Of the forest With 6 rops around
bis neck. with the appreciation Of every
v,rtuous ard patriotic citizen. and thai
II necossary. Should nysslf sasiss In
the opers.ioa-"
Mr.. Hale answered: The senssor in
.iies me 20 vi<i, the STATE Of a,ss.ip2i
cnd kindly intorn~ me that hs would
Be on. Of those who coah sct The 49,
sas<sn aud put an end - my career.
Well, RI ressrn sor hiD hosps-
table invitation, can ssiy express tbs
desire that he should pese;ysS< iais sns
81 the dark eorDers Of Ss~ Eanp>Asrs;
and IL be DO. | A<n E.2rA uisaak<u * 10
seuld not EDd the peopk u thas -
nigbssa region wcusd - vi happy %
listen TO his A<gursenss and eneaSs In
~ intellectual oo1Eses vita hfs. in
Nbseh the truth mlebs - esi<t~d-- The
popuisx instine. ~ cp-s hbsssd sas
= asss-sIppt senator .. Hsngnan
foos~, and tss sp.shef - SIN tasAas>
, recalled by ;bs rD&ntion Of his nane
George W. Juizz. IN cesiury.