The Arkansas advocate., 1836-07-08
FROM THE NASHVILLE REPUBLICAN.
 BIOGRAPHY OF UGH E. w FEE.
CConcIuded.l

We are now to review the life of Hugh l.. White, in the most important and interest ing scenes, of the many, in which he has la. ken part Hitherto, we have viewed him chiefly as jurist and a local politician. But his life and acts become now identified with national history and national interests. And from the character which he has acquired Tn this political capacity, from the ability and faithfulness with which he has discharged She functions of the high stations which he has occupied, must he stand or fall to the people of this nation. Ten years ago Hugh |. White brought into our national councils, great weight of character. Has he sustain led 1t! At that time he had unlimited conf dence of every party in the Government.- Has he forfeited 1t! During this era of great achievements in our political history-mem- orable for the revolutionizing of our national polcy-for the demolishing of long establish ed institutions, and the building up ofnew for bold and untried adventure i'll the theory and practice of Government-a period porten- tously pregnant with doubtful and strange doctrines, which will distinguish this era of our political history for ages to come-dur
 ing all this mighty conflict ofprincple, Hugh L.Whlte has beer constantly upon the ground He bore his part ill them all, as friend or foe. He has fearlessly carried the standard into the thiekest ranks, or checked the sallies of dangerous fashness by the voice of wisdom md the weight of years. And now, at the close of the drama, when the conflict is over, and the elements of strife are composed into harmony, and the horizon is brightening up, he stands up before the people, whom he has helped to pilot out of the breakers, and asks tobe tried by his actions. Upon the measures there advocated, by the opinions there avow- cd, and by the honesty and ability there dis played. let him be tried by candid and en- frightened people--and upon the result, let him stand or fall Justice and candor de- mand no more than this. Let this be done, and justice and candor will be satisfed.- This period is too fresh in the memory of all {, and the measures too notorious to be detailed in this place. But during this comparative. ly short period of his public career, more weighty subjects have been discussed--more doubtful points of national policy settled more difficulties removed from the free ad- ministration of Government-more polit- cal heresies broached and exterminated. than in any other period of American history of the same length. The whole theory of Go vernment has been subjected to an inquisition which spared neither ancient, nor the vener
 able. nor the strong, nor weak. In the scales of Justice or honesty, they have all been weighed, and have found the level, or the supposed level, of their merits. It's mari- time and commercial policy has been revo lutienlzed. It's banking establishments up- turned. The powers of the General Govern ment i'll Internal Improvements and Execu- tive Patronage, have been scrutinized and settled. The origin and nature of the Fed eral Compact have been discussed with earn estness and ability; and it's value has been cal eulated, and its fundamental principles ban. died about with the familiarity of toys. These momentous questions have all been settled ,and the peoplethave fixed upon the result the seal of their sanction. The man who can pass such an ordeal misunderstanding borne an act i've and energetic part in them all, to say the least of it, does not lack experience ill pub- llc affairs which would fit him for any office in the Government. With what character Judge White has passed through these scenes Is known to every man in the nation. His political doctrines are of the great republican school. During MT. Adams administration, when the Panama mission was agitated- which brought into discussion the powers of tke General Government-- Hugh l.. White opposed the measure with unusual ability. As to the Tariff he has always shown firm but rational opposition to it, both by his vote and upon the floor. In 1896, he avowed him= self an enemy to extensive Executive Patron age, and the measures naturally growing out of it. Internal Improvement by the Gene ral Government has never met his sanction. When the subject of Executive Patronage was again brought before the House, under the change of administration, Hugh L. White advocated the same principles; though tor his consistency he has been accused of descrting the present administration. The man wlo possesses principles which are too stubborn to bend for office or emolument, for smiles or frewns, cannot be justly accused of 'desertion." If there has been a change any where, it is in the assertion of present Republicans from the principles which they held ten years ago.
 But Hugh l.. White is to be viewed in a still more conspicuous light. Ih 1882 John z. Calhoun resigned the Vice Presidency o the United States, and the Senate was Jeff without q presiding officer. 1t was on the eve of that memorable session, when the de bate upon the Tariff had we'll nigh severed the Union. The first talent of the natlor was there congregated, and every man haC arrayed himself on one side or the other lhe prize at issue was the CONSTITUTION And the leaders of the respective division came armed with the desperate resolution t carry thelr measures, though disunion on on side, and CIVIL war on the other, were tn
 consequence. Proud in the strength of con scious greatness, lrritated by supposed az gressions or tyranny, and discordant to a de gree that almost banished deliberation. the
 foresaW that troublous times were not far dis tant. It was seen that no ordinary min
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