Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 2.djvu/44

28 politicians have not, the courage of his convictions, and he stood by them to the bitter end. Delazon Smith, having identified himself with the fortunes of General Lane, went down with them. I knew Delazon Smith in Iowa as an infidel lecturer, a democratic politician and a Methodist preacher. He was a man of generous impulses and many intellectual gifts ; socially a charming and most companionable man, and personally I liked him very much. As a stump orator, with the exception of Colonel Baker, there has never been his equal in the State of Oregon, but he lacked stability and strength of character. He was better fitted to follow than to lead men.

In Oregon, as well as elsewhere, 1861 was a year of excitement. The war and anti-war feeling was at fever heat. Every hill and valley found a tongue, and fiery speeches were made for and against the government.

Colonel Baker was killed at Ball's Bluff in 1861. He canvassed Iowa in 1848 for Taylor. I was then judge of the first judicial district of that state, and had an opportunity to hear him at several places where I was holding court. I also heard him in this state. I have heard a good many men make speeches who were distinguished for their oratory, but the most eloquent man I ever heard was Edward D. Baker. He was admirable in form and features, had a clear, ringing, silvery voice, and could soar into the regions of imagination with more brilliancy and come down to the solid facts of a speech with a better grace than any man I ever knew. His death was a great loss to the country. Governor Whiteaker appointed Benjamin F. Stark to succeed Colonel Baker in the senate. Stark was a disciple of General Lane. Affidavits were forwarded to the senate from Oregon to show his disloyalty, but after considerable hesitation over the matter he was admitted to his seat. I can say of Senator