The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-11-24

early as 1897 he said it was curse and
that he wished there were no negroes in
the country. This statement he often re-
peated Opposing the bill to tax import
ed slaves (1S04) he said it would virtually
legalize the traffic-a thing he
did not wish to do Emanci-
patton, however, he considered i'm
practicable. and exclusion of slav-
cry from new States, unjust and unwise.
He himself held slaves. and in his deal
ings with them was firm, kind and con-
siderate. A writer of that time who was
at Macon's funeral speaks OF the deep
sorrow of the blacks and adds that
slaves never had a kinder master
Macon has been called the "Cincinnatus
OF America A farmer, not rich but
"well-to-do.'' he worked in the fields at
the head of his slaves until age rendered
him unable to do so. He is said to have
topped all his tobacco when at home. He
had all the pioneers love for the forest
and said that mo man should be able to
hear his nearest neighbours dog bark" To
a city-bred Congressman he once said:
What pity you were raised in town;
else you might have come to something"
In Macon's home, however, fine linen,
old wine, silver and cut glass abounded.
He was horse lover and, like Washing
ton, very fond Of fox hunting. Once
President of the United States and several
members of his cabinet visited Macon in
his Warren county home. The second
morning he suggested horse back ride,
which was agreed to. But the sedate
statesman almost regretted their decision
when, stepping out, they found a half doz
-, {h< ..<,s@
of fiery and impatient race horses. "Nev
ertheless,'' says the old chronicler, they
took parting look at the ground and
mounted. While they swept along, as if
on wings. their host held forth on his
horses, each of which had pedigree as
long and aristocratic as German baron's.
Their exploits and their ancestors ex-
ploits he proudly recounted.'
This sketch would not be complete
without some mention of Macon's at
of Roanoke He once drew knife to de-
fend Randolph, but, as a public duty, re-
moved him from the chairmans Of an
important Congressional committee few
days later in public affairs Macon knew
no personal friends, and in "his political
career Of ffty-seven years, never recon-
His speeches, as given in the "Abridge-
ment of Congressional Debates, from
some of which | have quoted, are almost
invariably short and to the point. He was
not eloquent, but mis- courage. honesty,
and ability made his speeches more pow
erful than mere eloquence could possibly
have made them.
CONCLUSION.
Such iS brief outline of the career of
Nathaniel Macon, the upright man, and
true patriot in the best sense Of that much
abused term. There were giants in
those days" when the foundations of the
republic were being laid, and the fact that
Macon was for years one OF the most in
fluential members of the law making
branch of the national government, hold
ing successfully the highest office in the
gift of House and Senate, speaks elo-
quently enough as to his craftsmanship.
But though to every trust so faithful as
to have almost deserved the title, "last of
the Romans that Jefferson gave him,
how few North Carolinians can now give
ofThand an accurate account of his career.
If my sketch shall cause any that read it
to study more carefully the biography and
teachings of this modern Cincinnatus, /
shall feel that I have not labored in vain.