The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-06

| OX10ru, N. u, d ulle I.-(SpeCldl.J AT
the late commencement of Horner's
School, the essayist's medal was won by
Mr.. William II. Horne, the popular and
bright son of Mr.. Ashley Horne, of Clay
ton, one of the most successful business
men in the State. Mr.. Horne's winning
essay was as follows:
AARON. BURR.
This remarkable man was before the
public during one of the most interesting
periods of the history of the United
States. 1t was during the time when
great transition was at had, a transition
from old to new things in this country;
| when 'the conquering Democratic
parity arose, when America became
| America" OF all the great names that
have been handed down to us from that
time there is not one which can form the
lsubject of q more eventful or melancholy
story than that of Aaron Burr.
| Born of parents conspicuous at once
| 70 intelligence and rare cultivation, there
seemed nothing wanting to insure promise
| of "a brilliant future for the son. But
| when we know that before he had
reached his third year he was bereaved
| of both father and mother and left to the
| care and guidance of disinterested rela-
| tives, we do not marvel, that after youth
| signalized by courage, ambition, and bril-
/ liant scholarship, we find him young
| man. launched out into the sea of life,
| ladened with the beautiful cargo of gifts
| with which nature had so generously en-
/ bowed him. The bright sun of prOpitious
| circumstances suone above him, yet he
| lacked that one great essential, the safe
pilot of controlling principle, to guide
him into the haven of true success. But
we are anticipating.
| Aaron Burr was the younger of two
children that adorned the marriage of the
| Reverend Aaron Burr and Esther Ed
wards. both of which names were most
prominent i'm the latter part of the last
century The Reverend Aaron Burr was
much honored and adored, and twas
President of Princeton College when
he died. In speaking of Esther Edwards,
it is enough to say that she was the
daughter of the illustrious Jonathan Ed
wards. Aaron Burr, then, was the off
spring of these two noble people, and was
born at Newark, New Jersey, February g.,
l1756. Though Newark was hrs birthplace,
Aaron passed but little of his youth here.
~
attended Princeton, where he graduated
at the early age of sixteen. Now for Il
while he was undecided what to do, but
at last chose the legal profession as his
for life. He then entered upon the studies
for this, but was soon to be interrupted
in this work by the guns of the Revolu-
| ton.
When our land was fired by the news
/ 8 II A mn
laid aside his law books and Fastening
to the scene of the conflict, joined the
forces around Boston. Filled with the de-
sire to protect his country. dn love with,
and well versed in the military art, cou-
4 rageous almost to daring, his soldlery
achievements were marked and his promo
ton rapid. General Washington recog-
| nized and valued his military services,
and honored him with a position on his
staff. but Mr.. Burr, failing to find in the
great commander-in-chief that knowledge
of scientific warfare that he himself de-
sired to learn, withdrew into active ser
vice. becoming lieutenant-colonel with
the command of his regiment. After four
years of faithful military service, he re-
sumed his study of law, and at the age
of twenty-siX, we find him one of the
foremost lawyers in the State or New
York 1t was in the practice of his pro-
fesson here that lie first came in contact
with Alexander Hamilton. Both being
stars in their profession, they were not
infrequently posted against each other in
the courts, and it may be here We're sown
the seeds of rivalry which afterwards
bore such tragic lruit.
| Burr'e; rise to political eminence was
rapid. Naturally gifted with that mag
netic power which sways men and
makes them follow, famous as a jurist,
backed by brilliant war record, the
people FASTENED and delighted to honor
him with the positions that lay III their
power Thus we see him advanced
onward till the great campaign of 1900,
| when he reached the climax of American
politics. This was the year for Presi-
Dental election, and it resulted in a tie
between Jefferson and himself. Congress
decided in favor of Jefferson, Burr was
made Vice President. Toward the latter
part of his term in this office, the old
rivalry between himself and Hamilton
eliminated in duel in which Hamilton
fell. This tragedy caused great excite
ment A popular idol had been sacrificed
to satisfy personal grudge. There was
nothing illegal and nothing dishonorable
in the deed but so strong did popular
sentiment rise against it that it's inn
morality was conceded, and its illegality
dated from that time. His political
| prospects now destroyed and his for
| tune dissipated, this remarkable man,
| with ambition and schemes worthy Il
| Napoleon, turned to the great west with
dreams of conquest of Texas and Mexico,
of empire and himself, the emperor.
| Notwithstanding the possible hostilities
with Spain, the project was both ques-
tionable and gigantic; but such was his
| power over men, such his talent for
manipulation, so great his diligence, and
SO perfect his plans that all was soon
in readiness, and the whole valley of the
| Mississippi was alive with assembling
troops. Just at this point. through the
| betrayed of a friend, the President was
advised of the attempt and Burr was
| arrested and taken to Richmond, where
he was tried for treason. Though he was
| anpuittad ho LODI to Nm oIn al