The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1844-06-21

respective governments on those shores, presented
with great cearness and interest, and destined, no
doubt, at day not very distant, to become subjects
of still more general and minute examination.
The claims and rights Of the Americans are sus-
tanned with great ability and spirit. To those
objects of inquiry, which in such country as
Russia would naturally attract an intelligent mind,
Mr. Dallas devoted great attention Into its his.
tory and study of the habits, manners, and char
acter Of its people, he plunged with natural
enthusiasm, and collected variety of facts tending
TO elucdate all these subjects In apubc address
delivered not long after his return to the United
States, he sketched with vivid and brilliant pen
several of these topics; but it is to be hoped that
from the materials he has collected work of more
extensiye kind may hereafter be given to the public
1t is one which is rendered peculiarly interesting
from the nature of the friendly relations that have
existed. and that circumstances will probably long
preserve. He remarked with great truth, in the
address referred to, that "such for than half
century, has been the stIangeness and perversy
of other international pretensons, that this repub-
lie and that despotism, though widely separated,
recognized the wisdom of closely cementng their
mutual amity The freedom of the seas, the rights
of neutrality, the searchless shelter of the flag,
were early links of sympathy and confidence which
the forecast Of Mr.. Jefferson sIove TO rivet To
these ties are since added others, srringing mainly
from a common consciousness, that while there
can seldom, il ever be points of enmity, their
geographical relation on opposite flanks of rival
and ambitious powers, gives to their declared
friendship vast efficiency in discouragng assaults
or encroachments upon their own security, pur-
suits and independence. 1t is but a reasonable
curiosity which seeks to understand nation, more
likely than any other to be the permanent and
pacific ally of the United States.
Since Mr.. Dallas return from Russia, he has
devoted himself exclusively to the practice OF his
professions; and though it is generally understood
that not long after that, seat in his cabinet was
rendered 10 him by Mr.. Van Buren,, he has, so far,
adhered to his determination to remain in private
life. That he will be long permitted to do SO, we
Think unless he shall strenuously resist the
wishes and judgment of his felow-citizens. To
the confidence reposed in him, founded in his
adherence, from earliest youth, to the accepted
doctrines of the republican party on every great
national question, he adds brancy of genius,
spotIess personal life, and qualities SO calculated
to win the affection and regard of all with whom
he is called into associations that his native State
placing him as she does in the highest class of her
iavorite sons, will scarcely consent that the ripper
years of his life shall be withdrawn altogether from
her service and that of the people of the Unitsd
States. Adjoining and filing, as he would with
eminent distinction, the most exalted Offices that
his felow-ctizens can bestow, their hope is GER
tanly as general as it is reasonable and Just, that
of the accidents which hang upon all human
footsteps may withhold him from the honorable
discharge of those public trusts which are confer
red by the willing sulfrages of free people, upon
those among them who have been found to be the
most deserving.
In personal appearance and department., few
men blend more simplicity and dignity; and as
public speaker his manner is singuIarly proposes
sing. Though not hasy or unusually rapid, his
lively Imagination and success in happy illustration
give to speeches, even when least premeditated,
an attractive variety, aptness, and ease, and make
him one of the most fortunate of orators in occa-
slonal addresses to popular bodies, he has been
one of the most successful in scenes requiring the
highest talents for debate To letters he is known
to have always been as much devoted as the occu-
pations of an otherwise active life would permit |
His numerous political papers give evidence of an
excellent style; and it Is not many years since his
occasional contributions in the various branches of
elegant literature were TO be found in the pubca-
tons OF the day. If the wish may be fairly ndulg-
ed, that one whose public life has hitherto been
so useful, may not hereafter be drawn from par
ticipatlon in public affairs, the hope may be ex-
pressed with equal justice, that literature may yet
receive from his pen many of those contributions,
in which genius and taste are brought to illustrate
the dictates of a judgment always enlightened,
and the honest sentiments of generous heart.