The native American., 1838-02-10
THE NATIVE AMERICAN.
For the Natipe american.
CHANCES AT CONGRESS.


CHANGES AT CONGRESS.
No. III.
The T7ce-President-Dmaia eosfer-.a ~ ~
gression and a Scene-SiIas fright, Of NeU
Tork-.yohn C. Calhoun, Of South Caroiina-l
The Poetry of History-Pubhc hen.
CONTINUED.
Fronting the Vice President, like venerable
family, meeting around the old chair of the
Chief, sit the Representatives of the States, each
at his desk, and at his ease in his sleep-seducng
chair. The Senators are placed generally with
out reference to their politics, though even now
the English habit of addressing the admnstra-
ton or opposition benches, is gaining ground.
They sit without their hats.
Reclining at his ease, with large bushy head
and loose neckcloth, the second official parsonage
ofthe Union-Richard M. Johnson, OF Kentucky,
ce-President-claims my first attention.
He is elevated some feet above the level OF the
floor, and from his position can command ready
view of the Body. With small ivory stamp he
calls the Senate to order, when the Clerk pro-
ceeds to read over the deliberations of the last
sitting.
Colonel johnson is plain man, somewhat in
the neighbourhood of sixty. His face IS open,
frank and benevolent. There is suavity in his
manner that pleases; plain and sincere style Of
saying and doing things, that doubtless has con-
tributed to his great popularity. His dress is
negligent, and all his habiliments are thrown on
with the non-chalance of genuine Western man,
who has been up to his eyes in battles, political
and powdery, since he first could handle-an argu-
ment or aim rifle Colonel Johnson is lame,
owing, | believe to wound received in battle.
His manner of addressing the Senate is rather
embarrassed / do not think, hewever, that the
Colonel likes the practical part OF the Vlce-Presl-
dentship. His public department is not SO dig
nifed as it might be. and when contrast his man
ner with that of Mr.. Van Buren, or Mr.. Calhoun,
both of whom have seen in the Chair, cannot
but draw rather disparaging comparison between
them and the present incumbent.
Mr.. Calhoun was all readiness, vigor, nerve,
and fire. Mr.. Van Buren, all beautiful ease, calm
dignity, and confident ability. Colonel Johnson
is unpractsed to the rules and orders i'll that emf
nent degree for which his predecessors were dis
tinguished.
| have described Mr.. Webster in part; and
would it not be well to attempt his likeness more
in detail? The powerful displays he has made
both in the Senate Of the United States and at the
Bar Of the Supreme Court, together with various
other incidents and accidents Of his life, have pla-
men and Orators.
Picture to yourself, then, my good reader, il
the power to conjure up the bodies of the mighty
living be upon you, rather robust man entering
the Chamber by the Western door. His hat is
drawn over his brows, and there is an air of ind-
viduaty about him that is almost repulsve. He
stalks along with firm and heavy tread, and
slightly returns the mods of those who greet his
entrance His hair is black as the ravens wing,
and his eyes are remarkably large and glowing
There is dark shade around them which gives
them gloomy and fearful expression. You gaze
into them when their glances are distracted; and
YOU involuntarily shudder at their strange and
mysterious intelligence. The forehead is re-
markable. You follow its bold almost
with fear and trembling. The mouth is peculiar;
and in debate I have often fanced that could
see it curve and part like an Indians bow
scornfully and murderous, whitening and dsdan-
full.
Mr.. Webster dresses well, almost richly, but
he seems to take no note of his clothes, though |
have never inclined to the common belief, that
indifference to dress was sure indication of ge-
MUS, whatever it may be of lack of wardrobe.
In ordinary debate, Mr. Webster is calm and
collected; every word is articulated with emPha-
sis, and some of them curiously pronounced;
for instance the word :" indiUidual." He rolls
it out "individooal. / do not like his pro-
nunciation, though have no doubt it is accord
ing to the true New England standard His
great fault as popular Orator, it strikes me,
would be his inability to rouse himself hastily;
he takes too long to melt-to pour his soul forth
in the sounding strains of eloquence; but a
chaste Parliamentary debater, his collectedness|
giyes him immense advantage. 1t is his armor of
proof-no weapon can penetrate it, but every ar
row las he told General Hayne) I" rebounds from
his bosom harmless and mpotent.''
He seems to back his feelings to the very heart,