The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1904-08-13

less 10 his political career he exper.
imented with doubtful eSpedients for
the sake Of party success; but neither |
crowns nor offices could tempt him to
a policy which his judgment and con-
yictions deeply impressed him was
false 10 conception and dangerous to
the country. On more than one
occasion during his senatorial career
he challenged aud refused to follow
legislative instructions because his
obligation to his oath of Office, as he
interpreted it. would not allow him
to obey it, And he made no mock
heroic display by profferlng a surren-
der of his commission. OF the same
quality of independent spirit was
almost the last utterance made by
him before his retirement from the
senate, in which he entered solemn
protest against the unreasonable clam
or OF the day for popular election of
United States senators. He had
respect for the ancient landmarks
of security established by the fathers
of the republic. He took heed rather
to the enduring frame Of the con-
stitution than the flighty pulse of an
intoxicated public sentiment.
The social side of Mr.. Vests char
acter was most charming His friend
ships knew no caste or party lines.
Among his most devoted friends and
ardent admirers were his political
opponents. All men who were close
enough to feel the magnetic influence
of his genius and geniality paid him
generous homage He was at home
with the prince and the beggar. He
was the hail fellow Of any social
circle he entered, the champagne Of
any intellectual feast where he was a
guest He was the most entertain
ing conversationalist to whom 1t was
my fortune so long to listen. What
pearls and gems Of thought and senti-
mept daily dropped from his lips.
! ,Ade there was vit1Jl, at times, 10
his tongue, his heart was kindly and
tender to the bottom. Often, after,
under the excitement of debate or the
hurrah of the hustings. he had almost
numerically flayed some adversary
have heard him express deep regret,
and he would embrace any opportunity
to indicate it, Age softened the
asperities of his temper, and mellowed
his affections.
His domestic life was singularly
felcitous. No matter where or how
he wandered, or however tempest
tossed his bark in the voyage, his
heart ever turned unfalteringly to the
magnet of his wife love. Beautiful
: indeed, was their devotion and unity
for over half century. To her ht
was a knight without reproach, here
! without a fault. To him she was the
: peerless princess who lost nothing o
her charms and graces by the wear o
Time. There is nothing In domestic
history, romance or fiction NOR
touching and blessed than the cease
r less vigils and untiring ministration
Of his frail, loving wife, and the devo
: tion of his daughter, as month afte
month, day by day and night by nigh
D they watched over his wasted body
' and fought off the grim monster.
S Among his constituents there wer
I none who were so constantly th
t object of his solicitude and bes
e efforts as the farmers. He loved thei
r simple habits and enjoyed thei
e unaffected friendships. 1t wa, hi
+ wish, as it occurred, that in the col
t tage he planned and built at Swee
l Springs, in the richest agriculture
e county in the state, where the luz
e urient grass waved on the common
= sight Of his window, and the thickl
set forest trees cast their gratefl
L shade over his roof, he should breath
: his last.
O The state be loved so much an
a served so long aud well viii never Sc
's his like again.
T.
Miss WOrthingtOn EntertaiHs.