140 JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS [Feb. 2,

them, when they enter a social or business circle, which is
almost irresistible; they challenge the esteem, and loving
friendship of their companions and receive the respectful ad-
miration of the stranger.

To this latter class, 'Chapman Billingsley belonged, unless
I misunderstood his character. Of commanding form and
fine physique, he would naturally attract attention wherever
he might be. But there was more than this in the man;
there was the innate gentlemanly courtesy which ensouled
every action so that we felt, that here was one of nature's
noblemen, with whom politeness was an inherent constituent
of character and courtesy an unavoidable habit. His man-
ners belonged to that old school, which has so few represen-
tives at the present day, but which we like to think of as
peculiar to the American gentleman. Kind and deferential,
uot only to those of his owa or superior age, but also to the
young whose acquaintance he seemed to enjoy as one does
whose heart never grows old pace with his body, he made
acquaintances without effort and developed them into friends
with singular rapidity,. Then his relations with every mem-
ber of the Senate were pf the most genial and kindly nature,
unbroken by the acerbities of political contention or the
warmth of earnest advocacy of different views.

From his very nature he was compelled to take enthusiast
tic views of whatever cause he espoused, and in debate his
enthusiasm would always find utterance in glowing words
and strong expressions, but these were not associated with a
want of appreciation of what was due to the honest convic-
tions and earnest feelings of his opponents. Hence he was
a fair opponent as well as warm friend. He espoused no
cause with a lukewarm attachment, but with his whole soul,
and left no proper effort untried to achieve success. When
failure however, attended his efforts, he gracefully surren-
dered and properlv recognized the success of his opponent.

There was an earnestness in his voice and gesticulation
that compelled those who disagreed with him to give him
earnest attention and profound respect. His was a native
eloquence that welled forth from the inner man, and showed
itself in every intonation, eve»y expression, every gesture.

As Chairman of the Committee on Education, he showed
great anxiety and interest in the importance of the subject
under his charge, and was earnest in his efforts to advance
the Public Schools so that they might afford ample means for
the rudimentary instruction of the children of his native
State. The Normal School, from which we hope to derive
most of the teachers in the future for our schools, was an ob-
ject of special solicitude. He was duly attentive to its wants