The Montgomery advertiser., 1908-06-25
DEATH or nR. CLEVELAND.

Not until the 4th of next March will there be an ex-President of the United States There was one until $40 o'clock yesterday morning when Grover Cleveland. who alone held that exalted position, breathed his last
 He was the twenty-second and twen- tyrfourth President of this great coun-' try and now in the face of the world 1t can be asserted that his superior in exalted patriotism in true eonserva- tism and in high ideals of national morality never occupied the presiden- tial chair. This is broad statement. but the cold, calm. unerying pages of history will uphold and vindieate the truth of 1t.
 Some had the glare and glamor of war periods to give prominence to their administrations. Some had to direct affairs in critical and formative periods of government. Others had to carry ths terrible burdens resulting from four years of inter-nscine strife, but none of them exhibited greater dsr votion to principle and willingness to be made martyr therefor. than did the great President who on yesterday passed from the scenes of earth.
 It would take pages of The Adver- tiser to give even simple recital of the events of his life. He was poor boy and deprived of many of the advan- tages in early life which wealth would have secured for him. He earnestly desired a collegiate or university edu- cation, but this was denied him. Who can say. however, that he would have reached the exalted station which he so greatly adorned. if the trials and hardships of early life had not been great inspiration to him. A different life might have turned his hopes and thoughts in a different direction. The youth of the land have in him noble example.
 Tn another part of today's Advertiser will be found sketch of his personal and. political life and from its perusal can be gathered an idea of the oA- stacles he overcaue and the great oP- position he met with from those who should have stood courageousiy and firmly by his side in his great battles for tariff reform and a sound money standard. The flood gates of abuse were turned upon him and by some of those from whom he had a right to expect better treatment, when ques- from him. He had not deceived them They knew how he stood when they voted for him for by personal state- ment and published letters he was so outspoken that no man could mis- understand.
 The people of the Southern States were treated during his administrations as if they were part and parcel of this country There was no discrimina- ton against them, when 1t came to distributing great honors, Confederate soldiers were placed in his cabinet. and on the Supreme court bench. They were sent as ambassadors to foreign countries and in their home offices. home men of the best and most ap- proved type filled local Federal posi- tions. He was a broad-minded, liberal, patriotic man. It was impossible for him to be narrow or sectional.
 Long ago change on the part even of some who had been most bitter against him set in. They realized the patriotism of the man. and that his positions on public matters were based upon the soundest principles of political economy and honesty. When he was introduced to a great audience in St. Louis a few years ago as "the greatest living American" there was none to say him nay.
 His latter years were soothed by many expressions from former oppon- ents in his political household, testifying as to the correctness and patriotism of his course and necessarily the er- TOT of their own. If his policy had been sustained, in our judgment. the political party to which he was de- votedly attached would be in power in this country today.
 The whole nation has cause to mourn his death. He was faithful to every trust. Honest and courageous in dis charge of every duty. Patriotic in every fibre of his body and soul. The affection of a grateful people will be his monument.