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

was engaging the serious attention OF
Congress. and on the eve of the Inaugural
ton OF President Monroe.
The administration of Monroe was par.
ticGlarly famous for two things-the war
in Florida and the acquisition Of that
territory, and the declaration of the we'll
known Monroe Doctrine" although the
Missouri Compromise of 1920 marked an
Important epoch in the history of the
United States
Mr.. Macon entered upon his new field
OF service with confidence and ease, hay
! ing acquired the reputation of a legisla-
tor of great wisdom and ability. John
| Randolph Of Virginia, the famous states.
man, and equally famous eync was then
in his prime His compliments and agree
able expressions were rare. Yet he said
that MIR. Macon was the wisest and
best man he ever knew" At this period
thar brilliant trio of orators, Webster
Calhoun and Clay had been but short
time in Congress, and were rising in their
glory.
Macon served continuously in the Sen
ate until his resignation in 1928. He had
! been chosen, in 1925, 1926 and 1927, Presi-
! dent pro ten. of the Senate. -..ls was
the croWning honor of his valued public
! life. He retired to his country home In
| his list year with warm tokens OF
affection and veneration as have ever
been accorded public man. He had made
only friends, and had been blessed with
career of remarkably even tenor and
peaceful associations.
Nathaniel Macon possessed nttle of the
graces Of oratory; but he always COM
manded respect and attention. --e spoke
frequently in Congress- and was always
frank and firm; although it is said that
he never failed to be amiable and agree
able, even i'll his most vigorous opposition
TO q proposed measure. And ms oppo-
slt,on was frequent, as has before been
mentioned. He was imbued with the
principles which had seemed to control
the people of his native State. He was
OF the conviction that the government
should be merely for protection of the
pc ople in their rights and privileges, and
regarded all the acts OF Congress in any
way eXtraneCus to this principle as uG-
warranted assumption. Consequently, his
austere sense of public respop sibility
was frequently ruffled. However one may
view in this present day such strict
construction of the rights delegated to
The government, 1t doubtless served its
purpose to check the easy liberality with
which the various offices OF legislation
may have been employed in that romantic
period of the countrys history.
Mr.. Macon always kept up the spirit
of the fathers in every aspect of his
lie. Even in his personal appearance
lie seemed peculiarly to belong to the
age of revolutionary customs and habits
of thought DR.. Milburn's book says ne
always appeared in Washington in a
suit of navy blue, in the cut of Revolu
tionary times, in immaculate linen, his
head surmounted by a broad-brimmed
Quaker hat and his hand grasping q
massive gold headed cane" At home in
North Carolina. he lived the simple, IN
ostentatious life Of country gentleman,
without luxury. but with every comfort
at his command. Yet, his country home
presented rather an odd spectacle in one
particular His own house was a small.
square single-storied building, surrounded
by buildings OF like size and character
for his guests He entertained President
Monroe and members of his Cabinet for
several days, amusing them by rides upon
his blooded. wellkept horses and by the
various pursuits and pleasures of country
life.
Mr. Macon was exceedingly fond OF agri-
culture and strove diligently to make