Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 9.djvu/29

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Edward Dickinson Baker. 21 Senator Cowan, of Pennsylvania, said: "Mr. President. Pennsylvania also droops her head among the states that monrn on this occasion. She, too, sheds her tears and utters her wail of lamentation over the fall of the senator and soldier. She was his foster mother. A na- tional orphan, in his infancy and youth, she was his guardian for nur.ure. Perhaps he had no recollection of any Ocher country he could call his native land but Pennsylvania, and she loved him as though he had been actually to her 'manor born.' He died under her regimental flag, bearing her commission and leading her soldiers in the deadly strife. She therefore laments his heroic and untimely death with a grief that yields to that of none else in its depth and in- tensity. Let Oregon, his last and fondest love, steep herself in sorrow as she may. Pennsylvania still claims an equal place at her side in this national manifestation of distress at his loss. She can hardly now realize that in his life he was not all her own, since he died so near her, and was car- ried from the battlefield borne upon her shield. He was also a man of intellect, cool, clear, sharp and ready : his cul- ture was large without being bookish, he was learned with- out being a scholar, and studious without being a student.

  • * * He was a true orator because he confined himself

to his subject, and expressing himself with such ease that all understood him, he was effective. * * He had a fine personal appearance, and his manners were self-poised and easy, as actual contact with all ranks of men could make them. * * * jj^ ig gone, and his name and char- acter henceforth belong to history. His children will glory in both, and be known to men because of him, the proudest legacy he could leave them. His country, too, will honor his memory, and when the roll of her dead heroes is called, his name will resound through the American Valhalla among the proudest and most heroic." Charles Sumner, then Senator from Massachusetts, said: ' ' There are two forms of eminent talent which are kindred in their eft'ect. each producing an instant present impres- sion: each holding crowds in suspense, and each kindling enthusiastic admiration: I mean that of the orator and that of the soldier. Each of these when successful wins imme- diate honor and reads his praise in a nation's eyes. Baker was orator and soldier. To him belongs the rare renown of this double character. Perhaps he carried into war some-