Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1840-02-06
WHOLE No 4S5.


the sentiments generally prevalent here
during tho last war, caused US 10 look with
less interest 10 the frontiers than 10 the ocean.
Our enthusiasm was reserved almost exclu-
sively for the achievements of the navy
Since his name has been brought forward IN
connection with the Presidency, both in 1896
and more recently, we have had our more
favorite candidates Webster and Clay, with
whom We were unwilling to hear of any COM
potitor; and tho unfounded attacks made
upon General Harrison by his adversaries,
their derogating eplthcts and unmeriied
sneers, have remained unanswered and unre-
pslled. 1t is time that the public mind was
dissbused.
Ouropponents have objected that his quail
hcations are merely those of military com
mander. With what truth this allegation 10
made very brief reyiow Of his civil career
will show.
AT the early ago Of twenty four, he was
appointed SECRETARY Of the North Western
Territory and er Qbfcio Lieutenant Governor,
the second civil Office in that government
comprising what now constitutes the States
of Ono, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Nis-
sour. In this station he served with snch
acceptance that two years Afterwards, by tue
voice Of the people, he was elected their
DgLEsATE to the Congress Of tho United
States. In that body he 80 distinguished
himself that in a short time, upon the erection
Of Ohio into State, and while yet under the
age of thirty years. he was selected by the
elder Adams, then President of the United
States. to be GOVERNOR of the Indiana Ter
rit0ry, comprising what now constitutes tho
States Of Indana, Illinois, Michigan and Ms
sour. TAs important station he held about
thirteen years, and united with II wns that
difficult aud responsible Office Of SrPrKIy-
rENDENT Of Indian Affairs. To Judge of the
requisites for the successful execution of
those trusts, we must carry our minds back
to that early period, when great portion Of
that Territory was covered by hordos Of hos.
tile savagss; when new population OF Tho
most bold, restless and adventurous spirits,
not only from all parts of our own county
bot from Europe, was rushing into those for
tile regions, inpatient of restrsint and with
overy variety of views, habits and pursuits
To govern succ ssfully required rare union
Of prudence and energy, nIildness aud firm
ness, sagaclty and industry 1t demanded far
higher talents than are requisite al the pre-
s.nt day to be Governor Of any State in tho
Union.
IN these Offices, and as ComMIss,oNkR 70
treat with tho Indians, he was called upon 10
disburse vast sums Of public money, aud had
much concerument with the public lands.--
That he discharged these high and difficult
duties 10 the entire satisfaction Oiihc Govern
ment OF the United States, is attested by his
successive re-appontment to The same sth-
tions by Presidents Jefferson and MsdIson.-
But how was il with the People over whom
he presided? Was it possible for him at the
same time TO secure their APPROVAL bnits
f.l. al
ted states, with that Of the People he was
sent TO govern? In answer to this question,
permit ne TO read to you a resolution passed
unanimously by the House of Representa-
tves OF the Territory Of Indiana, III the year
1909.
"They Uhe House Of Represcntalivcs)
cannot forbear recommending to, aud re-
questmg Of, the President and Senate, most
earnestly III their own names, and III tie
names Of their constituents, the te-appolnt-
meut Of their present governor, William
Henry Harrison, he possesses thu
good wishes and affection of great majority
of his fellows citizens because they behevs
him sincerely attached TO the Uuion, tho
prosperity OF the United States, ond the ad-
ministratlon Of its government because they
believed him in a superior degree cdpabis Of
long experience and loborious attention to
its concerns, from his Influence over the ln-
dams, and trise and disinier,sied manage ement
of that department; aud because they have
confidence in his ri,t,as, talents and rtPuth-
caniSD,."
THIS resolution needs no comment. Ii is
the unanimous aud cordial Testimony of those
who had ile best possible means of Judging,
to his ability, wisdom, dislnteresteaness aud
patriotism.
lie subsequently, established his residence
in Ohio aud became n member of the SENATE
Of that Statc,--was chosen by the People
their RsPREsENTATIvE 10 Congress. and at
terwards elected mombcr OF the SENATE of
tho United States.
IN these stations he was brought into close
aud intimate relations with the then admins.
iration Of John Quincy Adams, by whom,
with the appreciation Of his Cabinet and the
Senste, General Harrison was appointed
MINISTER from tho United States to the Re-
public OF Colombia. And when was John
Quincy Adams ever accused, even ey hIs
worst enemies, Of appointing incompetent
men 10 Office? Himself posse sslng The high
est order oi tson,s II was with him matter Of
pride as well as OF duty to employ mca Of
distinguished ability; and It there was any
one department of the public service about
which he was moro rolicllous than any other,
II was that Of our foreign diplomacy, IN which
he had himself been so long and So eminent
ly distinguished. Mr.. Clay was then Secre-
tary Of State, and, as such, had tho more i'm.
mediate charge Of our foreign relations. HIS
heart had been wrapped up IN the success of
South American liberty. lie had snxiously
wished To see established ia this hemisphere
new association OF SISTER Republics. Yet,
by such men as Adams and Clay was General
Iinrrson selected TO represent the United
States in South America, then ~ slate OF
revolution, where be- Would have To act ~ all
the emerge gencIss which revolution might pro-
duce. and act too promptly upon bis own
Judgment and his own resources. OF the
manner in which he discharged this high du.
iy, | shall spcuk hereafter
I pass now To his military career.
Ahrr receiving n literary education OF one
of our Suuthrln seminaries, the IndlaE ware,
which then ragged upon our Western border,
aroused hrs tct,e sprit and he entered The
army rs an Ensign of artillery. al tho esrly
nge &C eighteen years, svon after the dlsas-
ons defeat OF ~. Clair.
He wss early promoted to Licuiennntcy
and selected by that gallant general Of tie
Revolution. Anthony Wayne, TO be ono OF
his Aids.de.C Camp. Iu this capacity be