The times., 1897-07-09
a Heroic American Figure.

A Heroic American Figure.
The death of Senator Isham G. Harris
OF Tennessee transfers to the Pantheon
of departed greatness one OF the most
striking figures in the history of the
country for the past half-oentury. Such a
career as his would have been an Inn
possibility IA any other land or under
aay governmental institutions other than
ours. Its record is the more Interesting
since present, and. as far as we can see,
future national Conditions would not per
nit the like OF IT.
Senator Harris was born near TuIlohorna,
Tenn, in 1918. That was frontier country
In his childhood His father was a planter
and owned a few slaves but was not
weIi-io-do. Young Harris worked in Paris,
Tenn, as shop boy; then became a mer-
chant ia Tuppah county, Miss, and after
ward Ia Paris He occupied his evenings in
the study Of law, and was admitted TO the
bar in 1871. His first entry into political
life occurred in 1877 whea he was excited
TO the legislature of Tennessee From this
time on he was a leader in the affairs Of
his native State Elected to the Congress
III 1856 he served two consecutive terms
snddeclined third nomination. Removed
to Memphis, where he engaged in the
practice Of law; was Presidential elector-
at-large IN 1856, and was elected governor
of Tennessee in 1857. He was reelected
IN 1883, ana again in 1861
Mr Harris was one OF the famous war
governors OF the great American civil
war Heart and soul with the calse of the
Confederacy, he went into the struggle
with all the vigor and arlor OF his rugged,
manly nature. When the Union forces
drove him out of his capital, ne declared
that there was nothing left for him but
to stay with his boys ia the field. A less
modest man might have demanded and re-
ceiyed high military commission. Hewas
satisfied TO volunteer as an aide-de-canp
on the stafr OF Gen. Albert sydney John
ston, and was with that gallant soldier
when he received his death wound on the
field OF Shiloh
To the end of the war he stayed with
his boys" using what power and influence
remained TO him as the Confederate gov
enor of his State to ameiorate the hard
ships OF. their lot, and sharing them pa
tieRtiy and cheerfully. Thousan DIS of
bstLie-scaired veterans today will drop
the tear of regret for the brave old man
who was their comrade in those dark days
of Encouragement and disaster.
Bot the end came, aud the Stars and
Bars went down before the victorious
legions OF the North 1t was character
istic OF Ishan G. Harris that, instead of
going down with the Stars and Bars, he
went down to Mexico. the most unbend-
ing. unTeconstructed rebel that the times
produced His was the nature of mo
surrender" After remaining for a while
IN the land OF the Montezumas. he spent
year in England
We think it safe 20 say that this
English visit saved TO his conDtry the bene-
fit OF his services in the later and not
least productive or noble years of his life.
To a man OF his innate, honest and SIM
pie Anleri canism. few months of
monarchy, ipyidioUs class distinction and
popular suppression Were enough to re-
vive the spark of fraternity in his heart
even for his late antagonists at home: and
he came back.
In 1867 be resumed the practice of law in
Memphis and led the life Of an active law
yer andcitizen until, ten years later, h,, was
Ever since then he has been distinguished
and honored member of that body, unex-
celled in personal influence, unimpeachable
in his integrity and patIiotisIn, and Iecog-
nized as the highest authority on parlia-
mentaIy law and practice in the chamber
His present term would not have expired
until March 8, 1901.
The nutability of human events could
not have better illustration than is pre-
sented in his career. The fierce leader
and governor OF q reyolted State; the un-
reconciled exile without country, within
a few years became Senator of the
nation ne fought to dismember, and most
conscientious, aggressive and uncompro-
missing devotee of the Union. The soldier
or Shiloh and the refugee in Mexico and
England lived TO hold the position OF presi-