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

affected simplicity and uprightness OF
character and an intense affection for the
people whom he served, was the secret
of his marvellous success. He was a
Democrat of Democrats, and the people
knew it. He believed with all his mind
and soul in government of the people,
for the people and by the people," Hence
the people worshipped him. And he never
disappointed them. He filled with the
highest distinction every position in which
he was placed He would have adorned
and dignified any office within the gift of
the people. Vance was an orator of the
highest rank-as great as Hayne, or
Prentiss, or Clay. In speaking, he would
employ with inimitable effect argument,
wit, humor, sarcasm or irony, as best
suited his purpose. He spoke clearly, for
chilly and to the point, and, aided by a
most commanding presence, he made 9TH
ers feel as he felt. That is true ora
tory. Few men could move and sway
an audience as could Senator Vance. He
had in remarkable degree the reserve
power" which is characteristic of all
great orators.
He was born leader, and his leader
ship was supreme. Everybody conceded
this. He had all the qualifications OF a
leader. He was wise, prudent, patient,
cool, courageous, resourceful, and knew
what was in man. He liked to be push
ed to the wall-to receive heavy blows.
Then the strong man armed appeared, and
his opponent went down. In the guberna-
toral campaign of 1876 he was opposed
to Judge Settle-one of the ablest men
the State has ever produced. Nobody but
Vance could have met Settle and un-
horsed him. 1t was battle o. giants
"a pounding match" as Wellington
said at Waterloo. Vance pounded longest
and hardest, and won the most glorious
victory of his life. He had the wit of
Sydney Smith, and great deal mora
wisdom. His very presence was magical.
One day, during one of his campaigns,
he appeared in Statesville, wearing a
long linen buster and an old broad bri =
med straw hat He rode up to the hotei
in rickety rockaway The people saw
him and came to the hotel from every
direction. Vance got out, Strengthened
himself looked at the people, raised his
straw hat with his right hand, and sad
in a manner peculiarly his own, HAL
Columbia, Happy Land The effect was
e16ClF1Cdl. u6 pcOplC yCIlCu ILL SiAO"'S"'
"Hurrah for Vance" Many persons
Thought the town was on FIRE. He hal
really set the people on fire with mere
nothing. Vance was a patriot. He loved
North Carolina with deathless devotion.
His whole soul was wrapped up in his
own people. For them he woul1 at any
time have suffered and 1iel. He did not
believe in the equality of all men, but
he believed in the equality OF all white
men. That was his strength. As war
Governor he was simply peerless Ills
record is a priceless heritage to MS fam
lily, to the State, age, to the whole world.
Just before Johns 4on'3 surrender Gov
Vance said to Gen Tohe 1T is report
ed that l am going TO surrender North
Carolina, but I'll be Id if | do" Victor
Hugo tells us thai S:s.er Simplice tod
two falsehoods to save the life of Jean
Vatican, but ne hopes they will be llaced
to her credit in Paradise.
l doubt not God has long since pardon
ed Vance for the "cuss" word which he
used. Vance was a scholar. Where he
learned so much nobody knew, but he was