Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-05-31
TDe Constitutional gWbtg.
From The National JO,er7tai
PORTRAIT OF JAMES MADISON.

| Inc Character of MIR. MADISON possesses more sim
se"ess ol features than those of most of his conempo-
ne began To attract the special attention OF
MS citizens at the close of the Revolutionary
var when the public mind was occupied with the for
aon oil state aud National Constitutions but more
pcu'aI the latter rendered Indispensable by the
eihcacy OF The Act of confederation He vigorously en-
operated with the principal of the country to pro
duce me meeting at Annapolis and the convention at
"''ePiis' IN which he ranked among the first urni-
.,d'es OF me DAY No person conprehends fully
the principles of the Constitution of the United States
lie participated in all the discussions preliminary 10 lis
adopuon incidental 10 its composon and requisite Ia
make us PROVISIONS acceptable to the people. large
Poron VI the numbers of The Felerdsf was from his
pen. In Congress he nicely Disseminated the reI,
| i've powers OF the State and General Governments
' III 'ha' BODY, as well as IN the Legislature of Vir
8ma was recognised able advocate of the RIG hts
'" the people, transformations and retiring, he never
wounded the pride orvanty of others: and whilst eve
~ one acknowledged his department to be that of
perfect gentleman he by the anna eness of his
manners the most cordial and durable friendships
iis approach TO popularity gradual and entirely
hrough Inc intrinsic force of his intellect. chanpi-
on no less OF religious than of civil liberty his writings
anu us speeches were as refreshing to intelligent
community as they were balmy and healing in the rri-
tat'ons OF controversy. Men of good sense every
where appreciated the value of MIR. M.D1soNs talents:
and he constantly enoyed the moral support ofte bet
Tel informed part OF society So pure were his motives
so universally sanitary his aims, that he made no
personal enenies and even the heat of party strife
lie secured the respect of his opponents.
In the Department oil State, MIR. Madson's facul-
Ties were called TO the performance of high and extra
ORDINARY duties Questions arose which required pro-
found researches INTO the elements of the law of nats
rance ana treat Britain, waging to extremity,
mac alternately deviaed from the fundamental xms
OF Hiatltime hostility, and neutral commerce was en-
trapped, fell prey the al bitrary regulations of
boih Against these encrOachmcnts, Mr.. Madison had
10 contend with the most accomplished ministers of Eu
rope and never did statesman display greater und of
learning more equal temper, triumphant To-
gc lie lett his adversaries w hout iustification ami
made 1t apparent to tie world that they relied on no
thing but naval and military strength The state pa
pers from ms hand contain store of arguments for m
'u[e occasions applicable TO almost every variety of in
cinent to which belligerent condition oil nations can
give rise
Entering upon the Presidency at a deceitful moment
when difficulties seemed to be diminishing he was by
the bad faith of Great Britain, suddenly thrown back
INTO The midst of embarasmcnts, which were finally
merged in a declaration of war Like all contests in
which questions of right Submitted to the arrernent
Of the sword, this conflict marked by vcissitudes
but manfestiy terminated to the honor and advantage
OF the United States BY land and tie frnness the
American spirit was conspicuous. With barren trea
sy erroneous ana uEiat durable loans, cashIng IurIs
dIcons OF State and National authorities militia s,ru-
pies and powerful AMI active enemy the achievements
ol ohr Warriors on both clements shed npersa BILE
lustTe on the of the Rerubc the renuation ot
whose heroic sons shines with biiancy that 10 time
can eiiace. Even when the fortunes of Napoleon wan
ed when whole nations in battle array, directed by the
policy OF England with the banners of St George floating
VIGOROUSLY ia the van, prcCIpac hemsc uuUu mn
happy France, and hc United States behold then e
left to combat single handed with Great Britain Mr.
Madison did not shrink from the impending danrer:
but invoking hIs couDtrymen TO arms by every consi-
Iteration that could inspire the hearts of fecnen with
patriotic ardonr exhibited ene, that increased with
the perils of the hour. Tie pacific issue of the neoo
atIons at Ghen subsequent convention with the Br
tlsh Governments the reduction of the army: the ress
citation of the trade and navigation: the recsabI,h
ncnt Of the finances; all bear testimony 10 his mental
capacity 10 the comprehcnsivcness of his views and the
accuracy OF his Judgment His imagination is lively
hut not ardent his wat refined and poignant; his pene
ratiou quick and discriminating; and his reserve in af
fairs of State was habitual polite and wise No breach
of promise could be imputed to- him. for he made none
His intentions, for the most part, first appeared in his
measures and his honesty a statesman was never
questioned although frequently SURF uunded BY iprigues
and beset by opportunities. He seldom Welded to OK
pediency; and uniformly sought govern men more b,
their than their passions Ills sty lie of writing is
easy, natural and classCally English lie cndoay6ur
ed not to dazzle, but to convince not To- anuse the fan
cy, but to satisfy the understanding; and his ent f
analysis appears 10 he ntuitive His coounal powers
peculiarly agreeable, and possesses playlIness
humOur in conversation which is altogether charming
! In word, the mind of JAMES MADfsoN is of the YER,
first order. 1t uncs simplicity with grandeur digni
y with moderation, and delights more in the rndnes
of persuasion than in the harshness Of reproof II j.
doubtful whether America has produced a NOR,
excellent Statesman; It'll tat she has not seer
a better