Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1901-10-10


practically, helpless.
II While at times. which not In too
great pain, he was wont TO call his
celebrated clutches into serviceable
reuufsition during, his last years, /
think, he will, perhaps. be most easily
recalled ag picturesquely and striking
ly enseonsed in his historic rolling
chair, he delivered majestic and burn
ing truths to world which. while ac-
cofding his unique genius unstin-
ted praise. could never fully under
stand how such a feeble body could
enclose so lofty a spirit, and how such
a glorious and commanding intellect
could md Judgment in so terribly er1a
ciated frame, which had always
borne upon its pale exterior the stern
innprimatur Of impending death At
no period IN his distinguished exist
ence. would II have occasional sur
prise had heaven claimed this rarely
gifted nature as its own. Although 3
giart, IN mind and personally OF
more than ordinary height, he was
doomed TO the possession Of a pygny
physique which, in his college days.
was accounted TO weigh but seventy
pounds, and which. even IN his spleh-
did prime, never attained TO a weight
OF over ninety-four pounds Bit With
ali his constitutional weakness. our
brilliant subject was bIest with q de-
gree Of moral f1trepidity 80 strong that
no public opinion could frighten, or
popular frenzy awe him and viewing
his frequent health collapses ana his
sindorhitable bravery In the face of IN
reientlng disease. We are confident
that his many-sided usefulness Whetfi-
er as statesman, orator or literateuf,
viii not soon be forgotten.
Ea arr&fsfa HE ~ - fTte latter. nnsa aFaa-
sslonal service Of Mr.. Stephens that he
was adniFingIy retained IN the posi-
@tfon which he had so notably adorned
for well-nlgh hve terms. more. than
mine years and a half being embraced
in his ofz7cial tenure Upon his cleo
1tion as governor Of Georgia In lOcto-
Der. 1854, by q gratifying majority Of
1900 he severed. BY resignation, his
connection with the national halls, and
returned to his maternal common
wealth. Within a few days, occurred
his memorable Inauguration. when,
feeble Though he was Che having. in
saddlti5n 10 his other bodily ailments.
encountered serious spfain in the
previous MAY; as q result OF a fail on
the steps OF the federal capitol at
washing toni, ne entefedr upon this
aolosang Responsibility OF his well-spent
,llfe, with the determined zeal OF a
fconseprated patriot. SO long as his
strength permitted he was faithful
IN the observance OF his manifold en-
.gagefnents and HIS conscientious
ssorNples IN this regard were largely
accountable FOR his much lafneHted de-
mise. ~ r
The sesam centennial celebration in
honor OF the founding OF the colony OF
Georgia. which was held on the 18th
gof February, 1888, was an impressive
event, and one OF the notable feat
a4fes OF this energfzIng occasion was
an oratfon from the venerable Gov
ef4aor Stephens, who, despite his weak
ness. had cotfaeeously promised 10
contribute 20 the interest Of the august
ceremonies. True 10 Ms word. the
great tonafnoher responded TO his ora
tofieal Obligation. and II IL said that
he fairly eelipsed an Of his previous
-outbufsts IN this magnificent effoff.
Before leaving Savannah, we are told.
ne contracted a cold. which at once
began to prey upon his enfeebled sys-
tenn: ana on reaching Atlanta, he cook
to hts couch never 70 rise again. IFS
depIofed decease occurred on the 4th
Of March 1883; and while thus inn
rnersed IN hts gubernatorial cares. he
gently fell asleep In ths assured con
scfonsness OF a life usefaily spent In
E the SERVICE VI MS dNiHtAH1S poOPttt -
whom his talents and achievements
are affectionately cherished
IN 1888 monument, that had been
raised in honor Of the Hlustfious mem
DRY. was formally unveiled at Craw-
fordvfi1e, which he had dignified with
his almost lifelong residence. This
patriotic eenataphs which ID situated
lust in front Of his Liberty Hail.
home, consists Of a lefty pedestal, sur
mounted BY a statue of DIT. stephens.
IN Italian marble, The likeness Was
taken from . photograph Of him inst Z
after his celebrated Georgia and Ohio
speech in 1855; and by this silent but
Impressive rnenoffaf are we constant
~. reminded of the great Jeffersonian
Dsaoerat, Who aside from his other
priceless services has embalm ed bis
royal name. as generous edlfce-
fionAi s6enefactor OF yopng men. in the
appFeciative and undying recoIleetien
OF posterity. - II l 1Ty
Augusta, Ca. September 20 1901. -