Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-01-05
SENATOR MORRILL'S CAREER
THE QUALITIES WHICH CONTRIB
UTED TO HIS SUCCESS.
Ills Remarkable Industry, Fidelity to
Truth, Devotion to Duty and Ext raor-
dinary 1nteerity-His Private Life
Ds Stainless AS His Public
Record.

~ nllIllS lIIDule was paul 10 lUe
ory of the late Senator Justin S. Morrill,
in connection with the services at the Col
lege Street Congregational church FRI
day morning. Rev. +. Nj. Snyder after
leading INC scripture lesson said 1t was
appropriate to set apart at this time Il
brief period for the consideration of the
career and services of one to whom the
State and people owed as much as they
owed to Senator Morrill,. He had asked
Aon. q. q. benedict to write a summary
of the qualities which gave such useful
ness and success to Senator Morrill's ca
reer as they impressed life long friend,
and he proceeded to read the following
estimate of the departed statesman $
character, furnished in response to his
request:
The tributes to Mr.. Morril's worth
more universal and unstinted, on the part
of his countrymen, than have been be-
slowed on any other man, since the death
of Lincoln-mark the close of what all
must admit to have been remarkable
career. What were tho qualities which
gave such usefulness and success to ii
man not especially gifted by nature, or
inherited prestige, or favored with a lib
cral education or especially trained for
what proved to be his lfework as a
statesman?
They were remarkable industry. He
wasted no time. He took time for rest
and recreation, as much of each as he
found nccdful. The rest of his time he
planned and used in useful labor, and in
the reading and study required for his
duties. Until within the last year or two
he carried on a very extended correspon-
dence without stenogra pher or typewriter,
answering every letter promptly, in his
own clear and uniform handwriting. Next
remarkable truthfulness He >eNer con-
sciously colored the truth. He would not
even use the commonplaceS of ordinary
compliment unless he meant what he said.
Next, devotion to duty. Mr.. Morrill, neg
lectcd no call of duty. He was uniformly
found in his place, whether in TIE iegis-
lative halls, in the committee room, or
wherever it was his business to be. 1t is
doubtful if there was another man in
either house of Congress, against whom
so few absences from his seat could be
noted. And wherever he was found he
was giving intelligent attention to the
business in hand.
Next, extraordinary integrity. To have
spent forty three years in the national
Legislatures amid the myriads of projects
for promoting selfish interests. urged by
adroit lobbyists and brother members of
easy virtue, and never once to have had
his name connected, even through an hon
est blunder on his part, with any job
or scheme of questionable honesty-is a
wonderful record. 1t was possible only to
a man of quick conscience, or unerring
judgment of men and things, and of UNI
swerving obedience to his sense of right.
Closely connected with these traits was
his tirmness in maintaining what he deem
ed to be the truth and the right; he was
never hasty in Judgment, but when, AZ
ter candid examination of all sides of a
policy or measure, he reached clear con-
cluson in regard to it's merits or de-
merits, no pressure Or persuasion could
move him from it. He would examine
new evidence, if such was presented, and
give it fair weight; but only now and
convincing facts, which changed the case,
could change his judgment in regard to
it. He was never on the fence upon any
question involving moral aspects
Wide acquaintance with statesmen and
jurists and merchant princes as well as
with the plain people," of the number of
whom he counted himself to be. had add
cd to Mr.. Morrills native dignity. He
was man of marked presence in any
body or company. Yet he arrogated moth
ing to himself; nor claimed any respect
or attention that was not willingly and
spontaneously conceded to him. Witha
he unhendcd easily; and was genial and
delightful in the familiar intercourse with
friends which he sought and enjoyed
He was the soul OF courtesy and the
gard to public measures and whom he
often overcame in argument respected
and loved him; for he conceded to every
man his due, and the bitter taunt, which
stings and rankles; but never persuadcs
was never heard from him. His great
kindness of heart would not permit him
to give needless pain to any person, an6
he had not an enemy in the world He had
a most retentVe memory, not alone fol
facts but for persons and faces and name.
a gift of the greatest value to II man ir
public life; and his interest in the welfare
of all with whom he was associated was
of the most kindly and gracious character
HIS private life was as stainless as his
public record In his attainment of high
and worthy distinction and great useful
ness and influence, without tho aid of es
peclal advantages in early life. his life
was an example and should be an inspira
ton to many thousands who like him have
to make their own way in the world.
do not know that Mr. Morrill, made an,
formal profession of religion. He was rev
erent toward sacred things He tried tC
serve God by serving his fellowmen, ant
as | believe trusted himself with conf
dcnce to the mercy of his Maker for tn,
life beyond this. To a lifelong friend who
was nearing his end, he said as he bad,
him a last fOrewell: Goodbye. and if vol
get there pointing upwards) before / do
leave the door open for me-