The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-09-12

qlestitl (which he took part--eDIlebins ~ WIN
the wi 4 amplitude Of Observation-Disclosures IL WIN
ihe utost maturity Of thought and wisdom--Hbls
HddrnlS II with the gracos OF finished and capuNS,
ting efsuoncc. But his career llere was permt'eu
10 conIue two years only, leaving tie nation 10 re-
greet iLeqrrmature loss, from i's legislative oouh9'
Of the ral and eminent abilities and statesmanshp
Of which ia so short time, lac gave such abundant
and unoqttuca proofs.
The sp(ador OF his genius accompanied MN lh''''
o,raeij aud Illuminated the obscurty OF his retreat
lIe was bon called back, TO take a prominent posi-
ion in te Executive Government Of the country, lof
which II was pointed out solely by the consideration
of his slerior fitness for he never sought olhce ana
hs irikds deemed too highly Of him TO believe iha'
any Ollie capable Of adding 10 the intrinsic dis,
piiy o0s talents and worth. This rev sphere Of
duty GIFTED now proofs of his varied powers and at
tain.nats and developed comprehensive Faculties oi
ulbliclseiulnCss co-eXtnsiye with and equal 10 eve
~ de1and of the public service Besides the hoe
and distinguished discharge Of the duties which more
I parruiarly belong 10 the post he occupied, when
received The united testimony OF the most enlightened
iudies and OF the general voice of the country, ne
bright the aid Of the government, on every great
quston Of national interest, fund OF knowledge,
harness of views and a promptitude Of declslOni
witch could not ui TO be sensiby felt and appreca-
y d When uneX pectedy called 10 Ill the leading
Executive Department, IL is not unreason able 10 sup
lbse and il is hoped the suggestion may be mace
Without offence, that OF the able and distinguish
| al
| ION 10 its duties probably ever felt more at home
'mong its high and imposing concerns, than did MIR
! seaafe-eXcepting always with the profound reNer-
mce 30 especially their due, those great minds OF re-
! dictionary schooling which grew up along with the
thrny and difficult questions of our international re-
Iaions, and which laid deep the foundations of our
foreign policy aud public law. The records Of the
| State Department during the short, but busy month
hb life was spared, TO stamp the lasting mark OF his
g,nus industry, and abilities upon them, will show
whether this suggestion may not ind IN lis versimlli
! tule some excuse for ITS temerlty.
IL Is not little remarkable that Mr.. Legar6 was
dalmGd sometimes TO encounter the same sccptI.
chin, in regard to his practical abilities a states
4 min, which had thrown unayailing doubts on the
suhdhy OF his legal attalnmenIs and from The same
4 cane. The extraordinary polish and brightness
! OF ms weapons, however massive, seemed TO raise
spipicioBs Of their strength and durability. The
yty superiority of his qualifications inspired dis
trust OF their reality. So the great Roman states
man and orator. whom Mr.. Lcgar6 especially re-
,tpbed, in The broad and elaborate foundation Of
q teTal learning vhl, he raised the superstruc
tgre OF his political talents and usefulness, point
/ el at, when he made his appearance on the public
Stage the Gretk and the Scholar Yet tins did not
Ilirycnt him from exhibiting such consummate proofs
! 4 practical craftsmanship, IN circumstances OF the
most complicated difficulty and danger, as no man
ever surpassed, and which procured for him, 10y so
lem decree of the national gratitude the title of the
! fathcr n his Country
\ accomplishments Of Mr.. Legart, they formed 10y no
Gtans the most distinguished part of his public char
ncler. Ii was the high moral tone so yIslbly I'M
pressed all his ac rs, his disdain of every thing
: low, and mean, and narrow, the commanding clcya-
tion oil his principles AMI views, the lofty spirit OF
psrsrnal honor, the magnanlrous courage and self
rrhancc of conscious virtue, which made him truly
!reat What the greatest Of Irish orators impress
syey said Of the Il 4 Of British statesmen, with suit
45e notifications, may be justly said OF Legare.
:" No state chicanery, 10 narrow system OF vicious
cS no IDLE contest for mere party victories, re-
3ardlesS OF principle, ever sunk him TO the vulgar
Hyel Of the socaled great but resolute conscIen-
dous, uHdaunted and unseduced, his object ever
the glory, liberty, and happiness Of his cOuntry-hls
means were truth, integrity patriotism and honor.
i character. thus marked by the prominent and
dazzling traits which enlist public admiration and
applause was of by all those mlder, butnoi less
winning qualities which inspire affection and esteem,
and which give TO human life its highest charm and
iweetest attraction. He the delight and the or
1ament OF the society he fequenied. he spirit and
lfllIiancy Of his conversation were unremiting and
unsurpassed His manners were of the most perfect
tone, uniting the dignity and elegance Of the gentle
man with The cordially and playiuuess Of the com
panon and the friend. lie had cultivated " it'll no small
success taste for the fine arts, whose happy ipfu'
cnce II Is to humanizc and soften without euervatng
/ the character. But, above ALL his heart was warm
noble, generous, and true, dcspsing every form oi
indrccton and meannCss-cmbracng with the strong
ahhltlcs 81 ElndIed SPIRIT, Whatever was io'N III
principle, maguanimous ln sentiment, or Virtuous ~
action entering, with the warm and unfcstrained
eiiusions Of childhood itself into the lovely sympa
/ thcs and affections Of domestic lie--and IN friend
1 ship ever firm, faithful and devoted But reminis-
cenccs such these are too intimately connected
with yet nj, cding OF an irieparsbe personal
loss o. he obtrudcd upon the public eye and the "a
cred curtain; Inch the hand of awful and mystic
ous Providence has Ut fall upon the cherished hopes
ard affections Of the heart must remain farther IN
disturbed. X.