Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-02-02

nant ambition; and doubt not he will
attain this character from the nature Of
ms ihind and the tenor Of his studies.
Much indeed Is required to form states
man. llc must have IA mind that will
enable him, III some degree, to remove
the ven OF iuturity; to compare the pres
ent with the past, to yield to the gov
crnmcnt Of rcason, and be uninnuenced
by the attractions passion. Il must
comprehend" SAYS Mirabcau," "ail the
defects of our social existence, disccr..
the degree Of Improvement OF which we
are susceptible, calculate the advantages
that result from the possession OF Liberty,
estimate the danger OF confusion and tu-
muit, study the an Of preparing men for
felicity, and conduct them towards per-
lection, by the plaiEcst and most obvious
paths. His survey must extend beyond
ordinary limits, he must examine climates,
deliberate on circumstances, and yield
to events without suffering them to mas
ter him"
To extensive research and general
knowledge, MIR. A. adds great powers of
observation His residence as Minister
at the courts of ST. fetcrsburgh, has ell
largcd his stock of facts, and rendered
his information more correct and practi
cal. lie is not one of those statesmen
who thcorise when experience can afford
its aid, and avoid the application of alb
stract principles, when palmer and more
obvious are calculated To subscrvc the
object in view. He is scdate, crcum-
spect, and cautious; reserved, but not re-
pulsiyc. He receives, but seldom com
municatcs, and disccrns with great quick
ness, motives however latent, and intcn-
tons however concealed by the contor-
tions of cunning, or the drapery Of hy-
pocnsy. This penetration seems TO be
lntuitivc and natural, and not the result
OF mere acquaintance with men, or a
long and intimate association with the
different classes of society. 1t is the OPP
Grafton of native Judgment; and not the
exercise of acquired cunning. This en-
ceilence ls-common To the people of the
East; but whether it originates from ed
ucation; or from any peculiar organlza-
ton of the phy steal powers, | am not
sufficiently master Of the theory of
llclyetius and Goodwin to determine.
FIR. Adams, it strikes ne, has more ca
pacity than genius; he can comprehend
better than he can invent; and execute
almost as rapidly as he can design.
Though as Il public minister, hc had
no great opportunity to display his pow
crs, yet, from the little he exhibited, Il
Judgment may be formed of his ability
in that character. lie has all the PEN
ctration, shrc~ dness, and perseverance
necessary to constitute an able diploma
tist, united with the capacity to perceive,
and the eloquoncc to enforce, what will
conduct TO the welfare and interest OF his
country.f
Mr.. Adams is good writer. lie
cvinccs much skill and proficiency in the
art of composition, with which lac Is evi-
dcntly well acquainted; and as contro-
vcrtist no one can surpass him in keen
ness, dextcrity and power. In short,
there is no public character in the Uni
ted States, that has more intellectual
power, the moral inclination to be more
useful, or that will labour with greater
assiduity to dichargc the important duties
he owes to himself and to the nation
While he occupied the Presidential
chair, he discovered the depth, GOODNESS,
penetration, and ability of the statesman,
bending his whole mind to those great
measures which must form the basis OF
the glory and welfare of his country,
and dcvoting It's energies to the promo
ton of that enlightened and liberal poll
cy which alone gives prosperity and hap
pincss to the American people. sur
rounded as he was by men oi genius,
Intelligence, and experience, and stimu-
lated by II high sense of duty, and AMI
mated by the warm impulses OF patriot
ism, his administration Of the government
will be regarded by postcrity as one that
will rank, in wisdom, efficiency, and
glory, with any that the pen of the Ills
torian of America may yet have TO re-
cord.
Mr.. Adams has now likewise passed
of the stage of public life, and with
drawn into the shades of retirement,
where, with the consciousness of recti-
tudc and the lofty conviction that he has
donc hls duty TO his country and to socic-
", he VIII ENJOY more unnnnglcd aud
durable happiness than when surrounded
by the traprings of power, and welding
all the patronage ofgoycrnmcnt. He
has now become the subject Of history,
and postcri'y will, upon a d.spasslonltc
review of his character and actions, rem
der him that justice which some of his
contemporaries clincdto withhold.
Mcrii Is not always the criterion of pop
ular administration in republics, more