Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-11-24

erred before all others. II has been said, that
uhst thi- was in the Senate, in 1898, he
,Ook no leading part. The truth is, that during
n zoe time he there, he was learning wisdom
!, rom Older mep. and feeling his war, all dis
erect men will, who sppea. upon theatre,
without previous acquaintance and training.
In the Autumn OF 1893, Jackson appointed
,ae OF the Judges of The Supreme Court OF the
safe of Tennessee, which office he held FOR six
ears. The writer does no, mean oHer dis
uisi,ion upon the effect of the practice OF the av
apon the judgment, or the principles OF men; nor
does he mean to enquire, whether this practice is
calculated to qualify to become great states
men, or whether il contracts or enlarges their in
tellectual views. But, he has no hesitation in
aserring. that the proper discharge of the duties of
high judicial office is calculated TO make
every day both wiser and better He is called 20
exercise every virtue to examine the nature
and abuse of power, and to consider every thing
that concerns the genius and principles OF
constitutions and laws. a situated pos
essing genius, adds every day to his stores of val
liable knowledge
When Jackson retired from the Bench. in 1904,
e was elected Major General OF the Militia of the
State. there being then only oae officer of that
iank in Tennessee. He continued for several
years on his farm, watching, with interest
the course Of events, AMI the then extraordinary
state of the world. He considered the embargo Of
1907 to be a measure TOO mild in its character and
inefficient in its operation. He believed that the
natl wculd be constrained to resort to arms 10
redress the wrongs OF which she complained. He
! Al not, however, desire this alternative, il IL
could be avoided upon honorable terms But, it
has been stated to the writer that Jackson, il. all
his confidential conversations with his friends,
tom 1907 till 1879, declared. that in the even, of
war he should leave his retirement and devo,e him
| self to the cause of The country. Throushou, the
| DISCUSSIONS, which preceded that event, jackson
- 6 81, IL.
t.ned ii by his1of,y tone in behalf ofils measure
= was its champion in every company in which
lie happened to be- aware, rs he was, that war
might be declared, and that it was necessary to
sniighten the public mind. a, prepare the people
Tor contest in which every should be nerv ed
and every heart sincerely engaged.
The moment after copy OF the declaration OF
war reached Nashville, jackson sounded the alarm.
The battle of Tirpecanoe had iorewarned those
who looked affairs with Judgment that the Sava-
pes might be enlisted on the side OF the enemy
Experience had satisfied men, acQusin ed with the
conflicts OF party. that many at home nigh, be dis
satisfied with the Hence, Jackson's zeal for
the country was ardent and possibly more
camorous than il would otherwise have been No
man ever engaged in contest with more illu-
mined ST irit OF patriotism. He evnced a glad and
watchful readiness help the nation: FOR he saw
that it the eve OF great political conjunc-
,ure lie possessed the elements necessary TO
form patriot. For he had quick feelings, with an
enthusiastic passion for liberty, and an Ingenious
delight in the glory OF his country. In that time
of excitement, which Immediately followed the
commencement of the war, Jackson was every
where through Tennessee, associaing with the
peope-srousing the sumbering spirit which had
prevailed amongst the settlers of 1850 encour-
aging the women to prepare to part with their sons,
and inspiring them with the noble sentiments OF
tina, ancient Roman Mother, who desired never to
behold her child, unless he returned from battle
h with honour. The young men pointed to
the path Of glory and such was their spirit, that
they were seen on the highways and byeways,
teaching one another the use OF arms. When actu-
ally engaged in service, there many subordi-
nate officers to whom these young men became a
good deal atached-but j. absorbed all their affec-
lions. In all these preparatory measures this man
distinguished not only by his zeal aud ardour
but by the independence OF his spirit and the business
OF his sentiments.
Distinction, in NJ, st of the elevated walks oi
life, depends on opportunity. But for the war
OF the Revolution, Washington would not hav e
died leaving an imperishabe fame. Bat for the
war; of 1912, Jackson might have died, lamen,ed
only by his personal friends and neighbours, and
scarcely stone would have marked the resting
place of his bones. The services of Jackson,
throughout that war, constitute his claim TO that
prouder e-eminence and wider rcnown which
have seized on the affections of the people In the
performance of these services, the writer has al
ways believed that he display ed gea qualities The
greatness of military men in the United States
Is not to be tested by any comparison Of their al
chievements with those OF the distinguished Gener-
ais of Europe. In this country most men are OPP
posed on principle to standing armies. Consequent
ly in all wars, reliance must be placed on mill
TIA and volunteer corps. Between regular soldiers
and their officers, the principle of absolute obedi-
ence and command is at once admitted and enforc-
ed Between volunteer soldiers md their officers,
the higher principles of pride, patriotism, the hope
of promotion and personal affection are acquesced
in, and practised.
Whilst the General officer of European army
IS displaying his tact and genius in great opera
lions, aided by the strictest discipline and per-
feet system in every department, commander of
an American army must possess not only courage
and skill, but the virtues of patience and fobear-
ance. With means, often inadequate to the objects
which he is required TO secure, nc must substitute
siratagem for force, and caution and delay, for
pfomptude and energy. Hence, our military
commanders, whilst on duty, often engaged in
moulding the dispositions OF the troops, in eevat-
ing their hopes, assusging their passions, and abat
ing their fesrs-in a word, in exercising many of
those virtues which necessary in the civil adj
minsiration of the government War is not the
profession of these men. When peace is restored
they return to the walks of private life, like :be
representative of the people, who after bis term of
service is expired, again miDgles in his unofficial
character with his former constituents. All this
IS in perfect consistency with the feelings Of our
people, and the genius of their government. We
are too Jealous of our liberties 10 embody and pay
armies, which, for the want both of employment
and virtue, may turn their arms against those by
whom they are fed. In those peculiar circumstan-
ces, and not in the pomp and glorious crcum-
1T. Il