The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-05-14
GOVERNOR TAYLOR ON VANCE.

we regret that the crowded condition
of our columns is such that we cannot
give space to the Grafton delivered by
Governor Taylor, of Tennessee, deliver
cd Mt the dedication of the Vance monu-
ment, erected to the memory of Zebnlon
Baird Vance. There is much in common
IN the careers of Vance and Taylor, each
having that higher view of jest and mer-
riment that gave them ready access
to the hearts of the people of their
States.
Governor Taylor has walked in the
footsteps of North Cardinals foremost
citizen. and it is a matter Of regret that
he has signifed his intention of retiring
from public life upon the expiration OF
his term as Governor
The following extract from Governor
Taylor's address shows that he was the
fit man to deliver the eulogy:
NO power ever checked the trium-
uhal march of the youthful mountain
eer to the glorious destiny which await
ed him. No political foe ever withstood
his wit and humor and logic and his
matchless eloquence They were his
passports to the Legislature and to Con
gress while yet youth in his twentles
and as he grew older his powers deyei'
oped, his wings grew stronger. and NJ
became one of the leading spirits OF MS
section. His popularity was unparal.
Ieled, his influence was invlnclble, aho
he sat at last rs the great war Cover
nor of North Carolina until the war end
ed, when the doors of the United States
Senate opened to receive him, where nc
served his people faithfully until thu
day of his DEATH Through all his lone
and brilliant career his love of human
ity never waned and his devotion to his
country never cooled. Always ready
with q charming story to tell, always
quick at repartee, always brim full OF
fun, he was the great laugh producer
and side splitter of the South; and yet
his logic was as convincing as thu
sword of Stonewall Jackson at Manas
sas or as the guns of Dewey ut Manila
He was as honest as Davis. humorous
rs Lincoln, eloquent as Daniel. us true
to the hopes that persisted at AppomatoS
as Gordon and Forrest, and afterwards
as loyal TO the Union as Wheeler ant
Lee. who now wear the blue.
Senator Vance was a splendid think
er and a statesman of rare ability, bu
he always looked on the bright side 81
things, and no music was half so swee
to him as the songs and laughter of thu
merry thrOngs of country folks who gath
cred about him ON every occasion witt
shouts and hallelujahs TO while away
the happy hours. And thus his busy lif,
was spent in adding to the sum of hu
man happiness.
There is a prevailing opinion in tn
world that those who have the power t,
make others laugh, and who dare t.
light the temples of thought with tn
windows of fun are weak and shallow
and ought not to WELD the sceptre of
ruler or to sit in the councils of ma
ton. But l have never been able f
fathom the wisdom of such philosophy
do not believe that heart of ice ]
always the badge of a mighty brain.
do not believe that frowning brow i
always the token of wisdom. 1t is tru
that some great men frown, but all VIII
frown are not great 1t is equally tru
that few great men laugh, but it mus
be cepfessed that all who laugh are no
2feaR Al.l