Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1834-06-26
From the Richmond WING.
IIrDCrs Mclean AND BARBOUR.


now figuring in the newspapers, The first
as Candidate for the Presidency, The o.
Their, for seat in the Senate OF the United
States and probably has hopes oil attain
ing the Presidency. Is it becoming Tor
Judges to decend into the Political Arena
or can they, at one and the same time be
what they ought to be. as Judges, and
candidates for the peoples votes?
have seen both of these genilemen-I
say have seen them; do not mean that
know'much Of them personally-but from
what did see Of them personally, and
what have seen Of them in the newspa-
pers, think ken them.-McLesn in ca
pacity, is a mediocre, and barely that
He is timid and loves to be popular, and
will do much to be popular-whilst he
was Post master General, he electioneered
with every body who came in his way,
| and make no doubt he does the same
thing now He seemed TO have good IN
tentions. and was industrious in his habits
and believe made good Postmaster,
which was as high as he ever ought TO
trust himself, or his friends wish TO place
him. His late letter on the subject of his
being candidate for the Presidency,
shows that his ambition is great-and this
is darling object with him-and at the
same time, shows like all men Of bis cast
Of intellect, what great consequences he
attaches to small matters. The quibbling
distinction between being a candidate,
and being willing 10 serve, if elected, is a
question of the right size for bim-and,
except Mr.. Nash, who is yet without ri
val, he bears off the palm Of this quibbling
jesuitry, from all competitors. | am
sure McLean's heart is against these
things; and if be could "see himself as O..
theirs see him." he would no longer play
the ridiculous, before this great nation.
| OF Mr.. Barbour; upon the whole, do
not think as well as of Mr.. McLeen. He
has more capacity. perhaps should say
more acuteness. Indeed his acuteness is
considerable, but his horizon a small one
he can see good way, and very clearly
right before him; but his optics are not
sufficient to take in the whole landscape;
a single point he can manage with much
adroltness; but a subject, requiring the
combination of many principles, is not the
one which Mr.. b. should select, TO exalt
his fame.
And withali, he is beset by vanity as
ridiculous as it is childish; he talks good
deal-nay. constantly; and it is all about
himself, his children, his plantation, his
house, his negroes and his speeches.
Happy man. to have so much TO delight
him, and all bis o~n-lke. my uncle Toby.
let the conversation be what il may, Mr..
BIS mind, and tongue too. run on one
subject. or on subjects Of the same fami
ly- all is self, mine. Do you try TO
divert him from these favorite haunts, by
bringing up politics, or literature, or law,
Mr. b. will take turn or two with you,
but in short time will give you the slip,
and get hack again inio his favorite com
pany of |, mine, and self, again. You
cannot coax him from, or choak him off
bis egotism. Certainly, as Mr. Barbour's
thoughts run so exclusively on his own
affairs, it must be great cross TO him to
be taken from them, and compelled to
look after the affairs of the nation. In
political life Mr.. B, has been Fortunate
except the late Mr.. Randolph, (whose
fame was so far above all others, no one
considered him a rival,) there was no one
from Virginia, equal TO him; and as Mr..
X. disdained all the little articles. and
distinctions OF political or private life, all
these things with their advantages, fell to
the share Of Mr.. Barbour; he was the
head Of the Virginia delegation, for long
time. and battered, and treated as politi-
cal leader of the Old Dominion; he, too
claimed to be orthodox, of the real '9S
school, and the champion of strict con.
struction of the Constitution This is the
capital on which all the Virginia polti
clans have traded, and successfully traded
for, the last % years. States Rights ought
to be dear to many Of them, for they have
been their true and redeeming friend, in
all dangers and tribulations: and to none,
more so, than to Mr. B. He was long
time IN public life, and in his own neigh
borhood, was the darling. and through
out the State, was looked on, if not as the
first, amongst the first men in the State.
In other States too. standing so long at
the head of the Virginia delegation, he
was considered the most prominent politi
cal man amongst us. Time rolled on. Mr..
b. had gathered laurels enough, and
was made Federal Judge, in his native
State-an office he much desired-and.
as all supposed, had bid adieu to politics.
This notion was more confirmed. by the
fact stated by his friends, that his lungs
had given away, and it was dangerous
lor HIM to engage in debate.
Upon several occasions after his retire.
ment, notwithstanding the weakness and
disease OF bis lungs. and his laurels. did
Mr. g. show signs Of wish to return TO
political liie-to The scenes of his glory.
a senator was to be elected by the As
semnly-letters passed and repassed-
DIR. b. cogitated awhile. and refused to be
run. Again, Vice President was TO he |
elected with General jackson, and Mr.,
Van Buren, was taken up by the whole
hog jackson men of Virginia. Mr. b. a.
gain became FESTIVE; he could not stand
coaxIng; he was brought out; and lust
about the same time his friends got tooe.
Their to organize a ticket for him, al Char
iottesvllle, did he-telIit not in Gath-de.
sert them. Again, last winter, upon the
resignation of Mr.. Rives, a new Senator
was TO be elected: Mr.. Leigh was imme.
QlateIV taken nm bv tho Sta,as D:~L,-