Death loses its terrors and the grave becomes a welcome goal for weary and buffeted mariners on life’s stormy sea—­the gate to endless life.

By these oft-repeated scenes in this Chamber; by the frequent visits of the stern messenger to both Houses of Congress to summon a member from his field of labor here to the bar of the Supreme Ruler of the Universe above; by the constant changes going on around us in obedience to the inevitable law of nature, by which death everywhere succeeds to life, we are reminded that we shall not long continue as we now are.  It is possible that as we are startled by the announcement of the death of an associate we mentally ask ourselves, Who will be called next?

    So live, that when thy summons comes to join
    The innumerable caravan which moves
    To that mysterious realm where each shall take
    His chamber in the silent halls of death,
    Thou go not, like the quarry slave at night,
    Scourged to his dungeon; but sustained and soothed
    By an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave
    Like one that wraps the drapery of his couch
    About him, and lies down to pleasant dreams.

ADDRESS OF MR. DANIEL, OF VIRGINIA.

Mr. PRESIDENT:  The late Gen. WILLIAM H.F.  LEE was conspicuously connected with the public affairs of his State for more than thirty years.  He was deservedly honored, loved, and trusted by the people.  For two terms he represented the Eighth district of Virginia in Congress and he was elected for a third term, but when Congress met in December last his chair was vacant.  Surrounded by his beloved family and bemoaned by all who knew him he peacefully breathed his last at Ravensworth, his home, in Fairfax County, on the 15th day of October, 1891.

Thus, Mr. President, disappears one singularly endowed with the qualities that win the confidence and affections of mankind.  His noble, honest face, beaming with intelligence and benevolence, was a true index to his nature.  Strength of character and sweetness of disposition made him a man of mark and influence in all the relations of society.  His life was full of noble uses.  Respect for the rights and tenderness for the feelings of others stamped his conduct on every occasion.  He fulfilled Sidney’s definition of a gentleman, “high thoughts seated in a heart of courtesy,” and I know of no better legacy that a father could leave his household or a patriot leave his country than such a record as he has left to attest his virtues.

I will not penetrate the sanctity of the home bereaved by his death.  The fond and noble wife and the sons who miss the husband and father, who was representative to them of life’s dearest boons, have in his memory whatever earth can give them of consolation, and they learned from none more than from him to look above in sorrow and affliction.