Literary cadet, and Saturday evening bulletin. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1826-1827, 1827-02-17


was not, however, to be caught thus early,
and he cunhingy, as he thought, waited for
IN opportunity to attach himself, without
ncurring the least risk which would give
him standing on that side of the political
relations Of the country that should appear
to be the most popular, and Of course the
most profitable to his own individual utter
ess
"Mr TAzEwELL married the daughter Of
Gen. Neville, of Norfolk, gentleman of
wenith, and dur.ng the rage of party poll
tics prominent leader in the ranks of Fed
ralisrn. This circumstance, combined with
the fact Of Mr. Tazewoll's alcdged cupidi
ty of disposition, which could find in great
er abundance the means of its qualification
by an adhesion to the Federal party, with
which, in cities lay the mass Of the opulence
Of that day, induced in the public mind, al
an early period of his life, a strong suspicion
that the bias Of his feelings were in favour
Of that party. Circumstances growing out
of this suspicion, which gathered strength
with time, are said to have involved Mr.
razcwell in quarrel with Mr. Lewis Har-
vie, soon after Mr.. rs first appearance in
the Virginia Legislature, Of which MIR. ii.
was also a member. This quarrel was near
ending in duel, a challenge having pass
ed between the parties, who, it is believed
were prevented from fighting, by the inter-
position of their friends.
The Republican party never had conf
dence in the political fidelity of MIR. Taze-
well, for although he marched under their
colours. aad wore their Insignia his secret
movements were thought to indicate ,ar-
tialty for the opposite party--and it Is
we'll known fact that he could not be elect
ed to represent the Borough Of Norfolk in
the State Legislature on ordinary occa-
sions. At times, however, when measures
vicinity were in contemplation, his political
character was overlooked, and he was
elected for the purpose of bringing his fine
talents into action in the Legislature in
behalf Of the interests Of his constituents.
That the same dabicty and want Of con-
fidence in his principles as politician ex-
listed at the period Of his being brought for
ward as a candidate for the station he now
occupies, is manifest from the fact of his
being called on through his personal friends
for an avowal ofhis opinion. and views in
relation to the political doctrines of the
time. If Dir. Loyal and others had not on
that occasion stood forth us the compurga-
tors OF his political creed, he could not
have been elected to the u S. Senate
Whatever may be the truth in relation to
tho imputed instability and dupIicity of Mr..
TazcweIl as politician, there seems to
exist but one opinion as to his powers Of
intellect; these, it is admitted are of the
highest order. His memory Is capacIous
and retentive; his talen, at discrimination
and investigation is exceedingly acute; and
his argtimentative facilities are systematic
and forcibc. But he is more Of lawyer
than a statesman. His forensic habits
have SO stamped their impress upon his
mind, that he cannot diyest himself of
their peculiar influence while engaged in
the di icusson Of great national questions
lie is vindicating unimpnrtant formalities,
tracing the lines Of technical distinction, and
threading the labyrinths of cold abstraction
when great national interests are pending.
While he is in pursuit of idea! boundaries,
and fearful of running his 'encc onto some
barren spot of disputed ground, the harvest
for whose protection the barrier is intend
ed, is beset with the enemy and desoa,ed.
Ills views are not sufficiently enlarged and
liberia. for the views of statesman. espec-
tally as they regard great questions of ma
lional right and cxpediency. In matters of
municipal, or local character, his course
OF action may do WE'LL but he is unquestion-
ably too much Of the advocate to make |