The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-08-22
ALL IN ALL HE WAS FIRST.

Other men in particular qualities have
surpassed Vance, but take him fer all
in all he was the greatest man the State
has produced. He had not only the
qualities which shine and attract, but
the sturdier and stauncher virtues which
inspire absolute confidence.
His devotion to the State was intense
and her people returned the love with
overlooking measure. There was the
strong tie between them which binds
those who have shared privation and
danger. In the hearts of her people he
will always be first of the sons Of the
State.
No man has served the State with
more fidelity and ability. His integrity
and loyalty were never questioned. To
criticise or condemn Vance in North
Carolina would be to try Manilus in
sight of the Capitol.
In one respect Fate was kind to Vance
His public career covered the most
stormy period in the history Of the State,
the period Of Civil War and Recon-
struction. career that at any time
would have been distinguished became
heroic. He wisely and rearlessly met
the responsibilities and dangers of the
hour.
Opposed to secession from the Union,
when war came he was the Great War
Governor in the States of the South. Like
his State, he was slow to enter the
quarrel. Of him as of her it might be
said
Beware
OF entrance to quarrel; but, being in,
Bear't that the opposed may beware of
thee"
He recognized and fulfilled to the ut
termost the obligations of the State to
the Confederacy. North Carolina gave
without stint men, treasure and blood to
the cause of the South. Vance inspired
and encouraged her people to continue
the struggle to absolute exhaustion of
resources and men. In these years of
poverty, suffering and peril they looked
to him for guidance and he was true to
them as the needle to the pole He
was to them pillar of cloud by day and
of fire by night Yet in all these per-
plexities and trials he upheld the majes-
ty of the law, guarded the liberty of the
citizens and resisted encroachment upon
the rights of the State. Amid the clash
of arms the laws were not silent.
me GLdIe SHOW6T6u HeT HOUOTS upon
him and he deserved them In public
life he was member of the Legislature,
twice member of Congress, twice Gov
ernor of the State in time of war, Gov
ernor again in time of peace, and four
terms Senator of the United States In
long and brilliant career, in many
fields, requiring the exercise of great
ability and diverse talents, it is difficult
to designate his most conspicuous public
service AS War Governor he will live
longest in the hearts of the people of his
native State. The popular estimate is
just.
He was a lawyer in full practice, an
advocate, lecturer, scholar. His wit
flashed like a diamond AS a campaign
orator he was unrivalled. He welded
with equal facility the battle-axe and
the scimeter.
Vance's life was an honor and bless
ing to the State. 1t teaches the lesson
OF inflexible integrity and absolute de-
votion to public duty. 1t is an inspiration
to the youth of the State AS lawyer,
advocate, lecturer, scholar, wit and ora
tor his reputation will fade when those
who knew and heard him perish. In
the nature of things regulations of that
kind are perishable and words die or are
forgotten with the occasion. AS q pub
lie servant his name and fame are Sc
cure. They are a part of the history of
the State and will endure.
CHAS. F. WARREN.
Washington, N. c.. Aug. 20.