The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1839-08-21
From the Washington Globe.
THE CONTRAST.


al they wished to re-eleci Martin Van Bu-
rem, they might hereafter dispense with the
forms Of conventions and elections; for, as
General Jackson had appointed his successor,
so Mr.. Van Buren would appoint his, though
he might be Tom Benton, AInos Kendall or me
DEVIL"-Henry Clay.
Z" Bot an honest difference in opinion, and
the full and free exercise OF our political priv
Ieges consequent ppoD il. should never be per
mitted 10 generate personal hatred, or To IN
fringe upon the courtesies OF civilized life
Those who suffer this 10 occur are filter objects
for our cominiseration than resentment. ln
the course Of public life. already OF consider
able duration, ! have scarcely known one Of
them who did not, in the end, become the
source Of constant annoyance TO his friends and
a victim TO seh-iormenting spleen. IL gratihes
me, bat does not surprise me, to find that those
you represent think and feel upon this subject
as the citizens OF the freest and happiest Gov
ernment upon earth SHOULD think and feel and
] regard the testimony which you bear TO the
spiri, in which political controversies have been
conducted by myself. as a compliment which
hope | deserve, and upon which place no or
dioary value. ."-MdTtin Pan B0ren.
What a contrast is presented by these two
extracts, and how much is II to the advantage
Of the latter This contains sentiments wor-
thy of statesman. a gentleman, Christian
Ia il is to be found the true secret Of happy
and successful political life. TO take part
conscientiously and to act il with spirit and
frmness, yet with magnanmity. forbearance.
aud philosophy, is indeed high art. hut, one
which can only be practlsed by an elevated and
generous nature. Perhaps more remarkable
illustration Of it was never exhibited than by
the present Chief Magistrate Of the county
From early life he has mingled actively IN the
most exciting political contests, yet without
cmbittering his heart, or exasperatlng his tenn
per. He has been exposed to many trials, and
has encountered every variety Of obstacle; yet
without ever yielding an inch of ground, or
concedng an essential point, he has managed
to triumph without oppression and TO overcome
without harshness or revenge. Fortunate in
almost every thing which he has undertaken,
he was never made arrogant by success fl
nal winner in almost every contest. he nsver
put his foot upon the neck Of a PROSTATE ioc.-I
The ameniiy of his temper, the grace of his de-
pertinent, the courtesy of his manners, evinced
alike to all. have become as proverbial as the
dstiuctness of his opinions and the tenacity
with which he adhcres to them, are now uni
vcrsally acknowledged. These are the quail
ties which win esteem aud confidence in the
long run, with the great mass of the people,
whose calm sense and honest feelings are not
vita,ed by the passions Of heated partizaus.--
They are qualities which gain upon friends,
and extort even the reluctant appreciation of
enemies.
! We now proceed TO the reverse Of the pic
ture. We see a man whom age cannot calm.
nor experience moderate. We see him, bend
ing under the weight of years, yet giving vent
to passions which would scarcely be pardcned
in the heat and flush of youth. We see him,
with but few hairs on his head, aud those scat
tered aud white, indulging in malignancy of
passion and profanity oflangnage. which would
| be revolving at all times, but make the heart
sick when exhibited by one who stands upon
the verge of existence, and feels the last sands
of time crumbng under his feet. Does this
man think TO win the confidence Of moral and
intelligent community by a course so utterly
reckless and inglorious-one so unworthy OF
his station, his abilities, and his aspirations =
Does he think that the shouts Of heated parti-
sans, or the obligatory praises of a mercenary
press, can compensate for the want of courtesy
of temper, of dignity, of common sense, dis
played in such course What melancholy
spectacle 10 see an aged man, broken with
the storms of State" perhaps for the last time
dragging the wreck of fame, Of talent, and o
existence, through the heat and dust of a po
li,ical canvass only to disgrace the close Of ;
career whose commencement, alas, promised
so brightly But we drop the curtain upon ;
/ picture which even an enemy cannot behold
with pleasure,