The Republican journal., 1897-05-06

physical torture he with one hand held
death at arms length while with the
other he penned the most brilliant chap
ter in American history.
1t is twelve years since he left the
living here to join the other living, COM
monty called the dead, and the laurel on
his brow was intertwined with the cyprus.
His last words, uttered at the close of his
agonzing illness, were eminently charac-
teristc of his patience and consideration
for others: II hope no one will be dis
tressed on my account Now that more
than decade has PASSED since he stood
among us, we can form better estimate
of his character than when he was close
by. Time has shed a clearer light upon
his acts: he has reached higher alti
tude; distance has brought him into the
proper focus and the picture upon which
we now look appears in it's true proper
tons. We see his traits moulded into per-
feet symmetry and blended into majestic
harmony. ga tree can best be measured
when it is down.
He reached the highest pinnacle of hui
man distinction. Men have dwelt upon
his achievements till they know them all
by heart. The records of his deeds rise
to the sublimity of an epic. The story
OF his life is worthy the contemplation Of
ages. He needs no eulogists; his services
attest his greatness; he did his duty and
trusted to history for his need of praise.
The more history discusses him the more
brilliant becomes the lustre of his name.
He was natural leader; he was born to
command. He was one of the men who
''mark the hours while others only
sound them.' No one can rob him of a
single laurel; no one can lessen the meas
ure of his renown. He honored the age
in which we live, and futuer generations
will be illuminated by the brightness of
his fame.
His countrymen have paid him tribute
of grateful hearts; they have reared in
monumental rock a sepulchre for his
ashes, temple to his fame. The fact
that it has been built by the voluntary
contributions of the people will give our
citizens an individual interest in preserv-
ing it, in honoring it. 1t will stand through
out the ages upon its conspicuous prom
ontory, this ideal site. 1t will overlook
the metropolis of the Republic which his
efforts saved from ACKNOWLEDGMENT; it
will be reflected in the noble waters of
the Hudson, upon which pass the argo-
sizes OF commerce, so largely multiplied by
the peace secured by his heroic deeds.
The tolling of passing bells will replace
the echo of hostile guns. 1t was not nee
esssary for his renown that this memorial
should be reared. A nations prosperity
is his true monument his name will stand
immortal when the granite has crumbed
and epitaphs have vanished. In the move
ment for the erection of this memorial, it
was not his reputation that was at stake,
1t was the reputation of his countrymen.
They owed a sacred duty, which they
could not fail to perform. They have
reared his monument to a ma iestic height,
but if it lowered above the eagles fight
it would not reach as high as the summit
of his fame. It's tlawless granite is typi
cal of the spotless character of his reputa-
ton. Its delicate lines and massive pro-
portions will remind us of the childlike
simplicity which was mingled with the
majestic grandeur of his nature. The
halowed memories clustering about it
will recall the heroic age of the republic
Its mute eloquence would plead for equal
sacrifice should war ever again threaten
the nations life. la this tomb, which
generosity has created and which his ser
vices have sanctitied, his ashes will hence
forth rest, but his true sepulchre will be
in the hearts of his countrymen.