The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1904-02-14

government of the State that no other
| OPP crtunity could have afforded. A tur-
n,oil of war and bloodshed soon racked
the State. Battle and skilmlsh followed
In quick succession, beginning with the
battle of Kings Mountain, and ending
with the departure OF Lord CORVALLIS
| from Wilmington to Virginia. After the
peace OF 1852, the legislature was not only
| busy in administering the usual affairs
of government, but was particularly en-
gaged in providing compensation Tor the
officers and soldiers of the army. A
unique expedient was adopted. The State
| haA an abundance OF unclaimed land.
a,,d took possession of the lands belong
ing TO the Tories who had fled the State.
This land was distributed to the members
of the dispersed army, according to me
rank OF the recipient. General Greene
received $4,000 acres in Tennessee, then
| a portion of the State of North Carolina
and other officers were granted large
bodies of land in the same section.
! Through all this exacting and RESPONSE
BILE business of the State government,
Nathaniel Macon bore a leauing part,
and established his reputation for rectl-
tude, wisdom and rare fitness for a re-
preventative OF the people in their law
making bodies.
After his retirement from the legisla-
turc, Macon took up the labors of his
plantation, and continued the quiet IN
eventful life of farmer until in 1891.
at the age of "a, he was elected a member
of the Congress of the United States, to
which he was returned successfully unlu
1915, when he was chosen United States
Senator, serving as a member OF the
Senate until 1928 when he resigned his
office to end his days in the quietude
OF his country home. He was thus a
member of the National Congress for
thirty seven continuous years. A longer
term OF service has been allotted to very
few public men in the government OF
our country-that is, If any have served
so long as he. In fact. if the spirit OF
modern days continues, it is likely that
there will never be longer term Of
service for a member of our National
legislature. Now, it is rather remarkable
if member is returned for fouc OF five
terms. Changes must be frequent. and
politics for private advantage. and not
public welfare, must be- subserved. In
the early days Of the republic. however
WREN conservatism was a virtue and the
recognition of the worth of trained
al lie and honest public man privilege.
the people feltN honored by the distIn-
guished service of their representatives.
From 1901 to 1906 Macon was Speaker
OF the House of Representatives He was
noted for his honest. impartial rulings.
Perhaps the most noteworthy incident Of
his service in the chair was the length
OF the speech he made upon assuming
the station. 1t is recorded in just four
lines OF the public records, and is as
fellows: "Gentlmen: Accept my sincere
thanks for the honor you have conferred
Upon me. Permit me to assure YOU that
my utmost endeavors Will be exerted to
discharge the duties of the chair with
fidelity. impartalty and industry. and
that rely with confidence on the liberal
and candid support OF the House.
This period was principally during the
first administration of Thomas jefferson,
and was the first speakership in the new
capitol at the lately formed city of Wash
ington. 1t was period to which a pc
culiar interest attaches. First. the war
with Tripoli was being waged, to put
an end to the shameful practice of piracy
which had long exacted tribute from the
countries of Europe. Ohio, the first state
formed out OF the northwestern territory,
was admitted to the Union. James Mon
roe was sent to France to negotiate the