The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1823-02-14
For the Ale..ndria Herald

Delineation of character is difficult
and the attempt TO give asrue description
Of the most virtuous man., is ofientimes
attended with disappointment. With all
the necessary materials on that subject, it
10 hard to put them into proper form, and
make them suitable to the public eye
Men Of the finest intellect have been
mortified with their own productions
and the painter and poet have equally
failed in creating works altogether pleas.
ipg to their fancy o. judgment. In these
times no Johnsons exist TO describe with
accuracy, or contrast with righteousness,
the talents and qualities of distinguished
men. There can hardly be great ne.
cessity for so profound scholar in this
government, where every citizen should
value himself more on his love of liberty
and attachment to free principles. Hap.
py arc we, indeed, compared with other
nations, and although monarchy may
boast Of giving greater encouragement to
the fine arts, yet We as republicans adj
miro more the plain characteristics of life,
'and the simple frugality Of our firesides.
Nor do pretend 10 an ability sufficient
to discharge the duty which | have inn
posed OH myself, in vindicating the cha.
gacter of an eminent citizen of this re-
public. One WHO, in the whole course of
his life, has displayed every republican
principle in full relief. One who hs,
never boasted of any superiority Of intel
Iect, and who never deserted those origi-
nal speculations upon which is founded
,he greatness of this republic. In point
of consistency. he can more than com.
pete with any rival. In 2oin, of the tru'
republican quali,y,w (which transferred pow.
or to the present administration, he stand
On the "vantage" ground In these res.
poets the difference between him and ihr
other candidates Is SO remote, that il w,i]l
almost puzzle the refined metaphysiciar
to discover the least simiitude.
AS far as we have anv knowledge oil
che youth of William H. Crawford, w,
are bound to admit, that in infancy he
inhaled the wholesome breeze OF repuoli-
canism. AZ an early age, it is true, he
did not possess some Of those great ad
vanlages which have been enjoyed b,
other iEen. Nature had given him a
strong mind, which improved by stud,
and polished by virtue, has elevated him
10 high Office, and still higher station IN
the breasts of stern republicans. Ad.
Vsncing gradually in the course of his
education, from low step he has almos,
risen to the height Of political honor. l,
is true he had no influential father to send
him at an early age on foreign missions.
none to sing forth his praises, & announce
the precociiy of rare & unrivalled genius
He deserves greater credit for any know.
ledge which he may have acquired; be.
cause il has been the fruit of diligent and
unwearfcd industry. Depending solely
en- his own understanding, and trusting 10
the correctness of honest habits, and the
practice of pure republican sentiments,
he has gained, in less time, greater af,
fiction from the people than any other
candidate. If he has popularity, it is
founded on the most solid rock of the
peoples affections. Intrinsically, they are
worth moro than all the honors which
have been acquired from sources the We.
ny reverse. MIR. e.. had distinguished
himself in The profession of law he had
manifested every quality which was cal.
Suiated to render him an ornament to the
nation a, future day. Having, in every
+ respect secured the confidence & esteem
of his fellow citizens, he was called by
them TO represent them in the state Iegis.
lature. Having fulfilled every duty re.
posed in him, in that department, he was
elected by the state TO represent them IN
the senate Of the u. States. As to the
num!;-r Of speeches he made in that bo-
dy, am unable to ssy;neither is it neces-
sary to know, because the greatness oftbe
mind does not consist in the quantity, but
in the, quality OF the speeches pronounced.
Il is most certain, that there he exhibited
knowledge of the first order, and proved
himself to be intimately acquainted with
our republican system; and, above all,
oxpounded & indicated the true republi-
can essential principles Of this government.
1t is al3ocertain, that By the dignity and
frankHess Of his manners, heat tracted to
himself the regard & love ofIhe senators.
They valued him on account OF his ines
Unable personal qualities, and the sound.
ness OF his judgment. 1t is also true,
that he went as ambassador 10 France;
and in that capacity represented the
American character in SIS highest per-
lection. Formed with the most coocilia-
ting manners, gifted with the strongest
intellect, and armed at all points with re-
publican virtue and simplicity, he inn