The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-13


Spain; and in the accomplishment Of the mission he
endured thousand sufierings, faced thousand dan
gers He passed SIX months on the isolated peak OF
mountains, awaiting the hour when observation
would be possible. At the time of the first entry OF
the French into the peninsula, he was, as envoy OF
Napoleon, plunged into the prison Of Valencai after
wards taken to Algiers, he returning TO France,
when captured within sight Of Marseiles by Span
ish corsair, he was brought back to Rose, then
thrown on board prison-ship at Palamos. During
HIS captivity at Rose and Palamos, he carried his
devotion TO science far to refuse to escape, that
he might not lose his observations and instruments.
Thus began the scientific life of M Arago-a life
marked by crowd of celebrated labors and admra-
BILE discoveries.
What characterized Nj. Arago was the diversity
Of his aptitudes. Renowned throughout the whole
of Europe professor and learned man, he
brought into the oratorical jouss an abundant, lu-
mlnous eloquence, teeming with facts, quotations,
surprising details; and certainly among the great
writers of his age none could have fattered himself
TO exceed him in the copiousness, the versatility and
above all, the clearness of his style This last quail
ity had even something dazzling in Nj. Arago, and
made him ono Of the most fertile plain-dealers that
has ever appeared.
A man thus organized could so much the less re-
sign himself to live apart from politics, he was
also called to them by naturally ruling spirit and
an Immense need OF activity; for erything seemed
equally to suit this richly endowed nature--retre-
ment and action, the tranquility Of study and the
hustle of human affairs, the solitary contemplation of
worlds and the forum filed with storms
Powerful from science, NJ Arago was perhaps
still morse so from passion. He was not able long
to content himself with the kind of dictatorship
which the academy of sciences had voluntarily con-
hded TO him, though there were there obstacles TO
vanquish struggles to sustain, and enemies to
whelm. But that M. ARGOS abilities might find
sufficient employment, other obstacles and other
combats were necessary. He therefore rushed to-
wards political regions; and with thatforc of attrac-
ton which it exercises all sovereign natures,
democracy irreslstbly attracted him. And who
more than he, was made to figure there with ecat
No less capable of moving, than of instructing the
people, he awed someby the authority Of his name
he won others by the energy of his spirit warm
hearted moreover and without gall.
AT need, the part of tribune would not have
been above his ardor. And yet he had not that Kind
of superiority which enabled Miraboau to sport with
storms, to breathe amid them with proud facility,
TO be intoxicated with contradiction, and TO be borne
on the very anmostes reused about him, Accus-
toned, as professor, TO applause, Nj. Arago only
displayed himself entirely before audience dispo-
sed to comprehend and like him. The antipohcs Of
hostile assembly, without overcoming his courage,
impaired his sources Of inspiration. One spring
evening" walking in the garden Of the observatory,
with some members of his family and friend, he
was pleased TO state the thoughts of which dis
course that he was TO pronounce in the Chamber Of
Deputies next day, consisted. The question wac,
to revenge the people for patrician contempt, by
tracing the history of the services rendered by them
to science, and counting up the great men sprung
from their bosom Carried away by the ardor of
an improvisation, which at first familiar, eradu-
ally he became animated exalted--at last sublime.
We seem to him still on that elevated terrace,
which overooks Paris, with his tall figure, like that
of an Arab chief, his head uncovered, his arm cx-
tended, his hair agtated by the wind his eye full of
fire, the upper part of his forehead lghtened by the
rays Of the sun, which was descending the horizon
in golden vapor. No; never had man moro
majestic aspect, and never did thoughts proceeding
from the heart assume more solemn or noble forms'
The next day we went to hear M. Arngo IN the
Chamber of Deputies, and it with difficulty
that recognised him, attentive did he appear
to the wretched murmurs which the euoglum OF
the people drew from the assembly!
M. Aragos eminent qualities were, nevertheless,
not unaoyed. To have Interchangeable and sole
end in view to know how TO concentrate ones ac-
tvity, to manage prudenty ones alliances and re-
sources, to dependents for ones sefby
tnued system of thoughtful attentions and patient
consideration, to avoid all enemies but such 1t is
useful to havethis it is that behooves the head of
party, in society which balanced by the love OF
change and thesfear of crises. Now, M. Arago had
less perseverance than impeuosty; he allowed htm-
self to be too easily distracted from one great design
by secondary prescriptions; he lesScned himself
by expanding the force Of his will over too many
objects time; he only half knew te art of discp-
lining resistance under him; intrepid and faithful in
his friendships he did not sufficiently conclia,e the
Indifferent and his impetuous personality more than
once wounded an extremely suspicious party. To
say all in word he sacrificed more to the passion
Of the moment than to his great aim. Obstinacy
and calculation in passion composed the whole ge-
MUS of Ppm. With such genius as that, you
may prepare revolutions-M. Arago had the genius
| which determines them.
However that may be, M. Arago at the time of
which we speak, made no mystery of his hopes,
and the democratic party might already salute him
as one of its heads.