The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-05-15

descends from the higher to the lower tones
too rapidly for effect; while his ycadences are
sometimes lost in in5isiiictness. Mr.. Mene-
fees talents IRE such rs TO beget the belief
that he viii attain 10 high distinction in public
life, should he devote himself exclusively TO
il and become as eminent and useful, rs a
statesman, a he now is distinguished as
public speaker.
The ccmpeer Of Mr.. Menelee in oraiory,i IL
the highly talented member from Virginia,
HENRY A. WISE
This gentleman, though an older member,
is not an older man than the representative
from Kentucky. In person, they bear n con-
siderable resemblance TO each other They
are both lean and almost fleshlcss Shocking
like persons in n consumption. Mr.. Wise Is
not quite so tall, nor his hair quite so light ms
that of Mr.. Menefee; but his features are
more regular, and his eye more expressive
and eloquent. Mr.. Wise wants the Shaks-
PERRIN pile Of forehead but he has great in
tensi,y Of feeling, which compensates, in some
degree, for the deficiency in the imaginative
faculty. Mr. Wise's mind is quick and com
prehensive he seizes upon the weak points
of his opponents argument, with great facility,
and turns them against him with much skill
and ability. He depends mainly upon the
native powers OF his intellect, which has not
been very highly cultivated or disciplined. He
has not devoted much Of his time, probably
| from the necessity Of early action, to the ac-
QUESTION Of know ledge. but his mind is per-
haps more vigorous and ute than il would
have been, &c il had been more polished and
enriched with other mems thoughts. He
| L. Co. nh do .,t. Hiss
thoughts, though not often magnificent or
beautiful, are nevertheless original and sirik-
! ing. ASA satyrist, he has not the delicacy,
point and polish Of the orator of Roanoke, but
he has more vigor AMI intensity OF Indignation.
| He feels deeply, and pours out the overflow
| ings OF his Indignation in :" words that burn"
and in language which bears the strong CO..
loring of his feelings Those feelings are
| lofty, honorable and delicate, but exciteable.
| His soul seems to lnathe and spurn NIL that is
mean and dishonnr,ble in human action. His
hatred of vice and political dishonesty and
prolligacy l., innate, and he. deals out his de-
nuncations against those he believes to be
guilty, whether elevated or humble, with in
dgnant and bitter eloqnence. His victim
shivers and wriihes beneath his lash. He is
bod, fearless and independent. and throws out
which those he aims at may hold in the world.
His love Of country is intense and ardent, and
he looks upon all whose conduct endangers
its liberties or tends to cover its character
with dishonor, as his enemies, whom il is his
duty to expose and denounce. There l.. how
ever, the greatest possible difference between
Mr.. Wise on the floor of the House, and Mr..
Wise in the private circle. A stranger would
| h, hs.l. ln sha ind
vdual While addressing the body of which
he is member, he oie seems to he animat-
ed hy species of fury, or by some strong and
uncomfortable passion-his eyebrows lower,
his ewes sparkle with Indignation. and his
whole countenance and action Indicate the
most violen, mental agitation while surround
ed by his friends, and even among strangers,
he is mild, aiiable and humorous, producing
laughter bv his bon mots and Jokes, and
laughing himself at The jokes, wit or anecdotes
Of others. lie has good deal Of the rri,a-
biy Of genus but i .ii:s.i fBBltl In iRet do.
mestit: circle. he is kind, tender and affec-
Tomato, and in private, afftble and even PLAY
iul among those with whom he is intimately
acquainted. Since his first appearance among
the representatives Of the nation, he has un-
dergone a considerable change. He is, |
think, less Incorporate and violent in his man
ner and feelings, and has more staidness and
dignity, but not less energy and yehemencc.
Every one listens to him with interest, when
he addresses the House, because every one is
!. pleased with excitement. Mr.. Wise's talents,
ardent feelings and boldness of character have
given him high rank in the House of Re-
representatives. but he is fortune majo,is
honos, erectas Ell acsr. Though young, he is
an expert and able debater-always prepared
to attack or defend, as the case may require,
and never sparing his opponent either in the
offensive or defensive. He yields the battle
axe and mace, and leaves the small sword and
spear to those whose ardor is less intense or
whose Indignation is more comfortable. When
MIR. Wise first appeared in the House. some
ten years ago, il was thought from his voice
and manner, that he was an mtator of John
Randolph; but It was soon perceived that he
was an original, and afterwards ascertaned
that he had never seen his supposed model,
the great eccentric of Roanoke. I" None but
himself can be his parallel" He stands alone,
often unsupported, and boldly and manfulv
breasts the fury OF party rage, and treats with
scorn the denuncatons of the minions Of
power. lie has great nerve as well as sensi-
hiIIty, and his ieariessness and independence
command the respect even of those who are
opposed TO him in political opinion and who
believe him To be wrong Like all men of
strong feelings, he is generous as well as
brave, and he would as readily weep over the
'nlsiort'Ines of a PROSTATE enemy as over those
OF beloved friend. The following short ey
tract from speech Of his, recently delivered
IN the House of Representatives, will give not
only an idea OF his temper and the nature of
his feelings, but Of the style Of his eloquence:
Is it not egregously unjust" says he, speaking
OF The conduct Of the House him in relation TO the