The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-04-19

He was familiar with the history and gov ernments of all nations. His comprehen- sive understanding made him familiar with social and economic philosophy; his marvellous store of knowledge concern ing things of the historical and politica! world, well as familiarity with sub iects which to the ordinary mind would be of no consequence, justly gave him the reputation of being one of the most learned and erudite members who ever honored this body. He was many times honored with positions of great responsi- bility that called into exercise the most delicate as well as the most comprehen- sive knowledge of things and men. His recognized fitness for the position caused him to be named as member of the Boring Fisheries commission and also as one of the representatives. of the United States on the board of arbitration, upon both of which he served with dis tinguished credit
 Senator Morgans advocacy of the isth- milan canal was for years earnest and in- domtable It is true that he was partial to the construction of this great project across the Nicaraguan route, yet no we'll informed person, who is anxious to preserve the truth of history may sue cessfully contend that any other Ameri- can statesman more deserves to be called the Father of the Isthmian Canal than John T. Morgan. By his persistent an1 successful advocacy of that great enter prise he has builded for himself monu- ment more enduring than bronze or mar ble. It was one of the most pathetic features connected with the death of this great man that he was not blessed to live long enough to see the successful completion of this great national under taking to which he had contributed so ..-4 ence.
 Senator Morgan was man of wonder ful perspective and his mental horizon was not limited by local conditions or partisan convictions. His statesmanship Was of that qualty-that he could see the near side of far things and the far side of near things.
 Universe His Forum.
 The universe was his forum and hu- manity his field of endeaVor Senator Morgans life was gentle. In social inter course he was always affable, considerate 3 and just His affectionate solicitude for the happiness of his household was beau- tiful in it's tenderness He was scrupu- lously honest and fair in all his dealings with men.
 He locked his lips too close to speak a lie. He washed his hands too white to touch a bribe.
 Soon after the lamented death of Sen ator Morgan, Judge Thomas G. Jones, United States district judge in Alabama related the following incident that had come under his personal observation q short time prior to Senator Morgan s death:
 T well recall the last time I saw him in Washington, over a year ago. We were friends, and he talked freely in the intimacy of such relation, of his past public service, and what he hoped to do in the few days which might remain for him. Going to his bookcase he took down a volume which l was surprised to find he kept in his library and read aloud to me this sentence
 The public servant who fails to act as his conscience dictates for fear that considerations which commend themselves to him will not meet the approval of the people, mistrusts those who trust him, and in setting up higher standards of right and morality for himself than he accords to the people, the representa- tive often unwillingly betrays their best interests
 ''He said he had always followed that rule. It is not surprising, therefore, that he frequently led rather than followed the popular opinion of the hour, and sometimes resolutely set his face against it."
 
 Senator Morgans magnificent endowments of brain and heart and understanding, he was a Christian. His acute philosophy never raised him to that point where he could find afsy justification for re- nouncing the ofd-time religion of his fathers, which he at all times recognized as the last solace for those who had outlived their eathly hope, and the last restraint of those who had raised them- Ia went to his last reward an earnest be- lieyer in the faith of the Methodist church, in fhich he had been communi- cant from the years of his early life. He is safely entwined within the affectionate gratitude and loyal remem brance of the people of Alabama. His fame as states man and publicist will always remain as he will go down in history one of the truly great men of our republic.
 In delivering the speech of acceptance of the nomination of my party as a sue cessor of Senator Morgan in this body, l used the following language, which was then and now is a true expression of my appreciation of Senator Morgans great ness and of his service to his people:
 q trust that this legislature. before its adjournment, will make an appropria- tion for hondsome statue to Senator Morgan, to be erected in Statuary Hall in the Capitol at Washington, under whose dome for so many years and with such brilliancy, he served his people,
 Senator Johnston's Address. Senator Johnston said: Mir Presidential all the history of the republic I believe no state has ever been called upon, by the quick succession of death, to mourn at the same time the loss of two senators whose ability, integ- rity and patriotism was so known and honored in every state of the union, and who so largely commanded the respect and confidence of the Senate. My col league is to speak of one of these, and it is my privilege to make some record of the life, services and character of my predecessor.
 Edmund Winston Pettus was born in Limestone county, Ala, July 6. 1S21. He vas the youngest son in family of nine