The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1901-07-06
THE LATE JOHN ". HAYS.

Two elegant tributes to the memory
of the late Hon. John w. Hays, of Oxford,
have appeared, the first from the pen of
the gifted DR.. Theodore Kingsbury, who
was his contemporary, and the second
from the pen of Mr. F. P. Hobgood, Jr.
Both are just, appreciative and exqui-
site. We regret that we have not room
for both. We make room for this con-
Guiding extract from DR.. Kingsbury's
tribute:
HE was well read in letters, and wrote
with no little precision and felicity of
diction, and was accomplished with the
pen. He was good lawyer. had sat
istactory practice, commanded the at
tention and respect, and in old age, the
reverence Of the best people in the old
county of Granville. He was loyal to
convictions, to religious principles, to
the grand Democratic party, and lived
a life SO as to leave fragrant and gra-
cious memory among the true and the
good His many friends, admirers, and
connections may be cheered that he was
fully ready for the final summons. His
memory will long be cherished for
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust"
We take these extracts from Mr.. Hob
goods admirable extended obituary In the
Oxford Public Ledger:
Mr. Hays obtained license to practice
law before becoming 20 years of age and
has since remained member of the
Oxford bar refusing all invitations to
move elsewhere and declining judicial
honors which might have been his mere
ly by his consenting to become a candi-
date. -
Though prepared for his life-work in
a day when such stress as is not laid on
specialization had not been so clearly
indicated, Mr.. Hays realized that thor
ough preparation was essential. He had
naturally the best weapons of the law
yer, clearness of vision and logical
mind. L have heard it said that his
first argument before the Supreme Court
at once attracted to him the attention
of its members and was pronounced
model of logic and directness and at his
last appearance before this court one
of the Justices remarked that his speech
was a fine example Of clearness and cor
rect reasoning and that his bearing was
that of the dignifed gentleman and lawyer
These elements have been characteristic
of the man throughout life, not only as
lawyer, but in all his dealings with men.
His methods were those of a true man
direct and straightforward. He had
fine scorn for the indirect and contempt
for those who sought desired ends through
devious and uncertain courses. AS, men
tally he reached his conclusions by logi-
cal and connected reasoning, so in all the
affairs of life he was guided by an I'M
erring sense and appreciation of right.
"Mr Hays had better gift than ora
tory-that of eloquence-that true elo-
quence which is the embodiment of high
and lofty thought-the eloquence which
scorns devices and POUNDS itself on truth
and merit. His speech was model of
chaste and pure English and exemplifed
in itself the beauty and dignity of his life
and acts.
1.-The desire to keep abreast OF the
thought and trend of the times was with
Mr.. Hays until the end. He was faith
full student of the achievements in Science
Religion and Theology and an intimacy
thus gained gave him liberalty of views
in such matters and great catholicty OF
taste. Ae strict and devout Methodist,
he was willing that others should differ
with him in matters of doctrine and gave
to each credit for that sincerity which
was his own"
memorial service will be held
in the Methodist church at Oxford on
Sunday when addresses will be delivered
commemorative of his life work and his
virtues.