The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-05-25
JOHN MAURICE BUTLER.
A Tribute TO the Dead Which Ex-
presses the Feelings OF His Friends.

Courage, tenderness and patience were
qualities that marked the life and character
of Maurice Butler. 1t was easy for those who
met him from day to day to forget the pathos
of his life, for he was OF the high-bred type
that scorns, and does not need. pity On his
side Of the barrcade he might suffer, but he
carried no white flag. 1t is not often that
man OF his years is so generally beloved. He
possessed what is rare in men. real and
distinct charm. His personality was I'M
usually attractive. His mental gifts were OF
a high order, and he was winning and gra-
cious. There has never been more popular
man of his years in indianapolis or one to
whose high character his fellows testified
more unanimously. His circle Of friends was
not wide. but there were never any gaps In
ii. 1t was his privilege TO select from a
host who offered him friendship. and those
whom he elected to know may well treasure
the remembrance of such preference. He
had Ito use a phrase spoken Of Keats by
Saintsbury) "a great laugh in him." and as
his sense of hupor was acute and his wit
ready, he was the delight of those who like
good talk. He had no patience with sham
or hypocrisy, and he would, in a quaint
phrase, express volumes OF criticism. His
bright sayings would make delightful vol
ume if they could be collected.
He had a quick eye for the incongruous,
and would hit Off happily inharmonious
things that struck him as ludicrous. Hav-
ing, as he did, a kind Of genius for society,
he was keenly alive TO the humor of stu
ations created by those whose instincts were
not social. and who were insensible of their
own limitations in this particular. He was
patient With stupidity and unfailingly tender
in his thought for those whose lines did not
fall in pleasant places. but he despised sham
and false assumptions. OF young woman
I'm another city, who suddenly affected liter
allure and printed a poem, he naively re-
marked that lit would De well If she would
have IL set to music and played as an In
strumental piece.
In active life it is easy to imagine that
Maurice Butler would have oeen most use
ance of the false and contemplate was a
distinct quality OF his character that those
who knew MN VIII long remember. with
and place for himself The very instinct that
enabled him so readily TO see all around
employments or business have given him
rare advantage over most other men.
The writer remembers viyidly the early
days of his acquaintance With Mr.. Butter.
Both had been born in the same town-a
fact which often evoked from him character
istically droll commentator 1t not until
a dozen years ago that they were thrown
together. A publication had just then
been discovered by Mr. Butler, and his en-
j0yment Of its brilliancy he was ready TO
share. He had the good Taste in books and
pictures that is presupposed OF man of the
world in the best sense OF the phrase but
here that his great heart found its voice.
Those who knew and loved Maurice Butler,
or even his chance acquaintance will net
soon forget that voice. One need not have
been learned in music or in the techmcai-
ties Of vocal training TO know that II was not
only great in depth and range, but that
there was q power in it-such a power as
does not belong 70 the chance singer who
sells his songs. There was a passion there
sometimes. as II heartache and longing were
freed in IT, or as II fingers that had sought
yainly for lost chords had al last found and
sounded them To any one who ever heard
in his deep organ tones a song of sentiment
or a sacred hymn he must ever be still sing
ing somewhere down the corridor. His was
voice that is not easily forgotten
The last time Mr.. Butler was seen by the
writer he was in the shade Of the soldiers
monument, and was in gay humor. II is
a pleasure TO remember him thus. for mis-
was a brave solder heart-braver than the
brayest. for he fought his battles alone and
quietly, as one who remembers that IAN en-
during heart has the destinies appointed 10
the sons OF men,.
II Is hard TO contemplate life that knew
so much suffering. but ii is also a joy, at the
end TO remember its courage. its sweetness
and its LOYALTY, and TO know that IL he SUI.
fered much he also knew much love.
"AIanibus date lila plenis
Purpureos spargam flores."
Indianapolis. May %. TX
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