Litchfield enquirer., 1832-05-03
SKETCHES OF CHARACTER.
Ertrucs ofG Letter, dated

most intelligent public assemblies in the world. In great men, perhaps, no country can show many superior to Clay, Calhoun, Webster, Hayne, and Tazewell. They are emphaticalIy the five great men of that body "a station which an ordinary observer with sufficient opportunity would assign them with out hesitation. Aud yet their talents are eu- riously varied. Clay has imagination, ready, brilliant, and sparkling eIoquence, and is an admirable legislative tactician. Calhoun is more cautious. His thoughts flow cOpiOusly, and are stripped of all metaphor. Webster thinks not SD rapidly as Calhoun; but when in full excitement has more powe Taze- well isan arch lawyer, who seiZes topic with great vigor. He is troublesome opponent, and will tear ones argument in pieces, if pos' sible. Clay, Calhoun, and Webster have been leading men in the House of Represen- tatives. and their speeches there will well compare with any of the modern efforts for. atorys Clay has no justice done him in his reported spetctlfs. Of Calhoun cannot so well speak, never having heard himin long effort. Webster appears well in print, per. haps as well as in the Senate. His style is more cautious, more polished; his metaphors often better contrived than Clay's, though not so new, nor indicating half so bold an im agination. Tazewell's shrewdness and arch ness, and headlong earnest way oftalking, nO one can report. You have but faint idea of him in print, and yet there you lose his thick voice.
 To those five whom I have named, pre- eminence would he assigned ivy almost every stranger. The prominent parts they have acted on important questions, would, perhaps entitle them to the first rank. But there is varied body pressing after them. The tal- ents the remaining are wonderfully divers fled. NOtwO resemble each other in person, manner, or similarity of mind. Some are takers, others say nothing, but vote judi ciously and discrecty, and are the very best business members. Sprague is a beautiful, graceful and commanding speaker. He n- mites elegance of style and manner with su- perior logic. Holmes Is witty, sarcastic and shrewd. With these qualities he untes great command of facts, an abundance of re- search, great industry, and provoking calm
 ness of manner. Sisbee Is iudicious, and we'll versed in commerce; he talks seldom. but always to the purpose. Bell is grave, digniHed man, who resembles Clay in per- soRnl appearance, and is often mistaken for hin by strangers. His opinions are worth his weight in bullion. They can be trusted at all times, not only for their correctness, but as flowing from an uncOrrupted heart.-
 
 sirs from his seat. The less say about him l the better. Robbins is scholar tK the first i rank. He talks but little, and thinks the 1 more. You find him ever on the watch in | ths Senate, when others are asleep or -read- ing their newspapere. Knight says smart things in peculiarw way. have seen but lit- tie of him. and know not his character. Foot is a practised Legislator, and is almost eve " day put in the chair by the Vice President. He thinks and fights on his own hook; makes short speeches and much to the purpnse.-- The two Vermont Senators T. have never heard speak. Seymour appears in private
 man of sound judgmsnt, and is we'll versed in the interests of his country. Frclinghuy. sen is n warn.hearttd, patriotic man, gcner- ously devoted to human liberty. philanthropy and morals. At times, he is brilliant and eIo- ] quent. No one distrusts his motives. Dick. { srson is great nattcr.of.fact man. He is 1 not much as an orator, but as a business man l is invaluable. He work s comic sections while l others are working of speeches, and is partc. l nlarly distinguished for his scientific knowl- edge ofvarious manufacturing process. Clay ton IS noble-hearted, generous man. In the Senate, attentive, eloquent and sagaciOus--at l times persevering and enthusiastic. Give him n subject to discuss, and he will think and | talk Of nothing else. In private he is ani. mated. Miry end jolly. He would put company of nnisanthropes in good humor.- He could lle one ofthe very best men in the c0untrysljf he would take thetrouble. Nau. sdain ls R physician, . man of fine judgment and great wurth. Speaking Is out of his pro. ttession, but he isa valuable business man, and N inhexibly honest. Smith is an aged and !" theyenerable Senator" He does not "tot. \ ter." but walks actively. though over eighty years old. HR brides himself on his knowi- edge of commerce and the finances. He is undoubtedly man of talents. Chambers is --l know not what--for he is oitcnar in Mary x land than he is in the United States Senate. Ewing is Il selfmade man, of superior pow era of mind--acute. Investigating, logical-- distinguished for his soundness rather than for briIliancy, but illuminating every sub ject heltouches with new and forcible views and illustrations. He will improve by the scear and tear of oflegislation. Ruggles has not spoken atlength. do not know his power
 of mind. Johnston is industrious and well.
 read. He supports his opinions with spirit
 and learning. He has not often mingled in X debate. He Is a man of talents, but appears
 better with his pen than as n debater. War.
 ganan is q new member, hayc not heard
 him speak in the Senate, but in nriyafe hs
 has good colloquial powers. and aisplavs much talent and tact, and extensive know,. edge Of his whole country. He is d lawyer in New 4rleans. Dallas ia the am nF . S;s,;r