New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1843-09-15

10 the Editor Of the Southern Literary Messenger
observe, with sincere satisfaction, IN the last
number OF the Messenger, that you invite Tor It's
columns fitting notice OF the character OF inc
distinguished man. whose recent loss under CIR
cunstances alike imposing and affecting TIE ma
ton has been called to deplore. 1t IS homage
most appropriately due from the patriotic htera-
ture of the country to the memory OF one, VINO,
always Jealous worshipper at Its shrine, mas
done so much to assert its dignity and illustrate
lis usefulness in connection with the highest pur-
sp;ts of social and active life. The theme de-
mnands pen which has other qualifications than
tbose which an ardent and devoted friendship
alone can supply, to do justice TO 1t IN all the
breadth and elevation of Its moral dignity and
orandeur But there ere some reflections grow
mo out of the recent death Of II. 5. Lcgare and
The national mourning which has followed 1t, that
even an untutored hand, under the instructive
Guidance Of the heart, may be excused for at
tempting to present.
The first observation which occurs to the mind
in contemplating this lamcnted event, IS one
which, out Of the very depth Of the public Attic
ton it has occasioned, brings forth solid encour
apement to every sincere and honest patriot, and
ia full of instructive lessons to the generous and
asniring vouh of the country. All must have re-
marked, and many not without surprise, the loud
and universal acclaim of mingled sorrow and
praise which followed to the tomb one, whose
habits and tastes, through life, cherished the prl-
yacy of studious retlrement-who, far from court
inc, Stunned the public gaze, except when an
imperious sense Of duty brought linn before it
who never cultivated popularity, however he es-
tened it, when the reward of yirtuous actions
and who, from his Utmost heart, desplsed as, IN
his lofty and burning cloquencc, he was ever
wont 10 brand, the unworthy arts OF the dema-
pogue. The man thus honored and lamcnted IN
his death, was neither the favorte nor the nurs
ling of party He had, indeed, gravey offended
the spirit Of party on more than one occasion, by
the independence and conscious integrity with
which he pursued the convictions OF his own
judgement, where he believed the interests of his
own country at stake. As consequence OF this
infexibility Of principle as well as OF ms retiring
and unobtrusive personal habits, hlsSareer, while
living, had rot been attended, in a degree cores
bonding to his rare endowmcnts with all those
external evidences of public consideration. which
his friends, who, III the unrescrvcd freedom OF
nrivate intercourse, had been able to sound the
depths of his genius and resources, well knew he
merited. Such, however, is the winning power
of virtue and talents, even when separated from
the ordinary accessories of party popularity, that
lu was daily, though silently, growing IN the SO.
Der esteem and confidence Of the country: and
when, at length, the hand Of death arrested hlm
in the noble path of his usefulness, the national
appreciation of him, which had been lying COM
paratively dormant, though all the while WARM
, ING the hearts of generous and enlightened
people, suddenly burst forth in one general sym.
phony of lamentation and exalted praise.
Let all who engage in the service of their coun-
try,with elevated viewsand consciouspowersotu fuse
fulness take courage from the example. Sooner or
later, the reward of public appreciation and graft
tuds will iniallibly crown every career, winch rests
its solid and imperishable titles on the pursuit
OF noble ends by noble means" Let no fevensh
anxiety for a spurious and fleeing notorlety, lead
the aspirant for public esteem to put his trust IN
specious arts superficial attainments, or accom-
modatng suppleneSs, as available substitutes for
that laborous and vigorous training and appllca-
ton of the faculties, moral and intellectual, by
which only u genuine and enduring popularity
can be won. Let him equip himself for the stern
conflicts Of public duty from the armory Of know
ledge and virtue, where only weapons of the true
temper for such warfare are to be found, and
not go forth to battle IN the mimic accoutrements
Of the toy-shop Let him not indulge an undue
soictude to obtain popularity. Let his ann rather
be to deserve it. Let him exhibit in superior
knowledge and acquirements-in the diligent and
untiring cultivation of all the capacities of high
public useiulness-in noble and elevated prlncl-
pies OF action, the authentic credentials OF his
mission to serve his country and his country
will, in time, call for and honor him, or, If she
does not, the loss will be hers, not his.
cal
phasis, to the gifted youth of the country, who
have not entered on the arena of active exertion,
but who are looking forward, with generous aspi-
rations, from the silence and discipline of their
academic retreats, to the part they are hereafter
to act upon the busy stage OF htc The despond-
ing sentimentality Of the poetic muse, or rather
the dangerous sophistry of that improba SIREN de-
sidia, the natural Incidence of man, is not untre-
quently invoked to discourage manly and siren
uous ambition BY portraying, IN funeral colors
the ultimate vanity and irultlcssnesS OF all human
pursuits. We are sometimes asked, IN the mis-
applied language Of unreasoning elegy, why
scom delights and live aborious days, in the
vain pursuit Of fame; seeing that
-'' the fair guerdon vixen "e hope TO find,
And think TO burst In sudden blaze,
Comes the blind Fury with abhoTred shears,
And slita the ihin-spun life"
But the only fame which true ambition is ca
pabe of covetng is one which 'abhorrcd shears
Of the blind Fury have no power to destroy. 1t
survives the stroke OF Fate, and hourishes bayond
the grave. 1t is that amaranthne plant which,
the same immortal poet tells us lives and spreads
aloft to Heaven. and is but its anticipated Judge
ment on the deeds of men. 1t is that fame which
alone Legare sought, and which he achieved
with what glorious and cnviabie success let the
according praises and regrets of whole nation
testify. What other fame is worthy to engage,
for moment, the concern Of d being whose life
on earth, when longest, is limited TO span. To
i've in the hearts and memory of our contrymen
when we ourselves shall have passed from among
them, is, on the other hand, an object IN harmony