Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1805-11-23
BIOGRAPHY.
FROM TIE IsD6PsRDgHv c.zzETSssa.
CHARACTER OF
J A NJ z s NJ A DIS o ",
J. NEePRqAR1- or NTNrE.

!. y.
man who possesses no ordinary claim 10
such pre-erninence. Without the artf-
ciaI title to greatness, which gives digni-.
~ in other countries, he is the No6le of
.Nafurr, and derives his pure lineage from
simple worth.
Perhaps there is no better evidence.
that this part OF the portrait is CORRECTLY
drawn, than that Mr.. Madion has spent
a useful life, without acquiring single
enemy. This is the more ex;rsoi dinarv
because II has been principally devoted 10,
the service of his country, in scenes OF
difficulty and enterprise, and in councils
where passion so frequently oyerlesps the
bounds of modesly and moderation. A
phenomenon 50 rare, is seldom 10 be seen
in any country: but much less could is
appearance have been expeGled 10 ADe-
RIGA. Yet, here, amidst the rage Of par
lty spirit, beneath whose sway, the ham.
Bile and the elevated have indiscrimina,e,v
suffered persecution, like the oak, Mr..
| Madison seems 10 have brased the tenn
pest. From his political opponents, he
has received that homage, which leaves
his fame untouched, and his dignity, IN
impaired. This, surely, exhibits an IL
iustrious example of the potency Of yir-
tue in making Prejudice tributary 10 its
charms, ard Of Bearing the soul away CAP
| live, against our own viii.
! mr. Madison, like his noble friendj
/ INC President, was born in an age ofgreat
events. Congenialily Of education, Of
sentiments and pursuit, had fitted these
great men 10 SHINE in The highest sphere
| Of action, amidst those brilliant scenes.
which untimely unfold the unparalleled
genius and dignity of the American chaS
/ racter. II IS TO their i'm mortal honor,
that they have never for moment. dsvi.
afed from each other in political oplnion
and friendship; for great men are born
TO "sway the wilderness of free minds"
and should never be separated.--WbiIst
/ the one devoted his time 10 a variety Of
subjects III literature and philosophy, the
other, principally mace he scieuce OF
Legislation, the study of his life. Let i,
not be understood, however, that Mr..
Madison is deficient in any of tha, varie-
gated knowledge, which should be ac4
; CURED, by the statesman, the philosopher
md The gentleman. His speeches eyinca
an intimate acquaintance with his,orp and
jurisprudencej and his writings bear every
\ impression of sound logic, refined by rhe.
toric. Besides these more elevated accom-.
pllsbfnenis, and correei knowledge OF
What is commonly called the dead Ian-
guages, MIR. Madison speaks French win
Considerable elegance and ease.
The political character Of this gentle.
man, shines with distinguished iustre n
the annals of this empire. His princj.
pies, unsulied by the prejudices of.par,v>
spirit e'rana,e from mature .deliberation
are equally the offspring Of an honest
! heart, and all intellect shat efnb,sces
with wonderful persplcui'y and precision
the whole range Of Political Science and
the tree genius and interest Of his coun.
try. TO these principles he seems TO have
adhered. amidst ali the revolutions oCpat-
~, with That calm Underwriting shirt.
which could only fow fton conscious IN
iegri,y and an understanding convicted by
reason.
MIR. Madison, like bis illus,rious friend,
was called early into The walhs Of Doiiii.
cal life We see him upon ,he floor Of
J the Virginia Contention, wi h those
models Of eloculion, Henry. Lee, Rsn.
dolph and Grsyson. II was the most su-
gust body OF collected wisdom, be world
rad ever seen. The subject oftheir COR
vocation, was the mos, subiime ard in.
teFesling, that ever eHgsgcd ;he attention
OF dclIbsfaliyc assembly. was 20 dc.
eide the destiny of a young. mri,t, hat
had pulled down The fabric Of Gothic
despotism in The New Word, 10 open an
everlasting retreat Cos The Old The
speeches Of Mr.. Nlad.sou IN tliat assefn-
bly,, aud upon that occasion, uiH remain
tie durable memorials or great uaird
unfolding hself and preparing he wsv
Tor The distinguished sFare which his,ory
} shall assign 10 him in tie annals OF ,bi,
empire.
IN deliberalive assemblies, there il
surely no man more truly respe Gable ihga
I Mr., Madison. lie ronyeys to TIC WO,id
= lesson THAI wisdom and moderation sre
: congsnial rlsuts tibet deleht 70 flourish
y Isl The neighbcrheod Of eac6 o'her, AID
e should never bc separated. As c.ri
y pointed rcasopcr, I've is among The hisi
" efators Of Tie arc 20 caPuva'e ,be a..
b dsrslsn6irg ~ conyiacing il,--Whca ;,