The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-02-13

cd Mr. Clays efforts, yet Judge Bib was fully equal,
and, in truth, superior v him in the important qualih-
cations required for sesatorial discussion.
|, may be justly reu@ rked that Mr. Clay furnished
the carved work aud magnificent tapestry that sdorn
the Temple; while Judge Bib erected the solid
walls and granite pillars which support the mighty
fabric and when the former shall have been deiaced
and mutilated nay utterly destroyed by the ruthless
hand of time the latter will still remain in all their
Gothic grandeur, an enduring monument of talents
and patriotism, to challenge the admiration of pos
terity. ....
In reviewing the public career Of these two emf
nent kentuckans, the historian will record one die
unguished deed in which they jointly participated
and which served at the time 10 deveope and fore
shadow, in striking manner, the prominent but OPP
posite traits Of their principles and character They
were sent by Kentucky Commissioners TO Viz
ginia on the subject of the famous "non-occupying
claimant laws" High expectations we're INDUCED
in regard 10 both of these gentlemen. From Mr.
Clay, indeed, the most consummate craftsmanship
and the highest parliamentary powers were fully an
tcipated while, in relation to his colleague, whose
reputation as profound and acc JmpIished Jurist
had preceded him, a somewhat less conspicu-
Gus part, il was supposed, would be acted by
him, on that memorable occasion. They arrived in
Richmond, | think in the winter Of % and 4, and
received in the most hattering manner The day
appointed for them TO address the Legislature
the great questions with which they were charged.
The Hall Of the House Of Delegates was crowded,
and the galleries and lobby were literally crammed.
Mr. lie frat atrtk inQly
beautiful. HIS manner was graceful and dignihedi
his voice full, meIlinuous and deep-toned his Lam
gusge chaste, clear, and impressive; and his eye
beamed with fiery zeal and radiant hope. He rose
to lofty pitch Of feryd eloquence, scattered the
gems and flowers of rhetoric every hand, and led
his enchanted audience to those ethereal regions
"where sports the warbling muse, and fancy scars
sublime"
II mistake not, two or three days we're occupied
in the delivery of that celebrated speech. And what
was the impression which the great orator made
upon the public mind The younger and more en-
thusiastic Of his hearers were captyated with his
splendid, rich, and imprisoned eloquence but those
who were more enlightened and matured, affirmed
that, while Mr.. Clay had shown himself to be an
orator Of the first order, he had not illustrated the
character Of great debater, He had his eyes fixed
upon the Presidency-that gittering prize and his
vauting ambition, no doubt, led him rather to make
splendid, electioneerng harangue, than to bring
down his gded fancy to a regular train'of solid,
grand, and comprehensive argument.
On the next day, Judge Bib was formally pre-
sented to the General Assembly and commenced his
address. He came forward with an imposing dignity
Of manner but with much embarrassment, arising,
doubtless from the fact Of his having to follow the
great National Orator His lofty spirit, however,
soon rose to the height and magnitude of the subec'
and gave an impetus bis strong reasoning intellect
which sustained him throughout, and crowned his
lucid argument with triumphant success. He laid
down his propositions clearly and concisely and then
addressed himself to each in its regular order with
logical acumen and mastery ability. As be pro-
gresscd, his bold enunciaion rveted every eye upon
him, and he poured forth bis sublime conceptions
and patriotic feelings in deep and overwhelming
current. His unfettered genius grasped the subject
with gigantic power, and infused its kindling infu-
ences into the hearts and minds Of the whole assem-
blage. He had the honor of seeing such men John
Marshall and Spencer Roane in the midst of the
crowded auditory, who came to receive new contri-
buttons to their vast stores of learning and wisdom,
from his rich and ample resources. From these dis
tinguished civilians he had the proud satisfaction of
winning golden opinions" They listened with de-
light to his luminous and conclusive reasoning and to
the beautiful illustrations with which it was enforced
1t was evident, indeed, TO all those of Liscrimna-
ting minds, who heard both the speakers, that Mr..
Clay with all the grandeur of his genius, scarcely
touched the great points at issue while Judge Bib,
without attempting to play Oft the orator. exhibited
the highest eruditiop, and delivered argument of
incompatible strength and beauty.
Such were the decided opinions of the leading
men of that glorious old Commonwealth, in regard
to the accomplished and matured statesman who now
presides over the Treasury Department. have but
one melancholy regret in regard TO his appointment,
which u.s. that he not placed there at the time his
iliustriou, predecessor was appointed. His regular
report to Congress, at the of the
son fully sustained his high reputation; and his
RENTED attention to the responsible and arduous du
ties devolved upon him, proves that his selection by
President Tyler was eminently judcious. And well
may this able, vigant, and energetic public officer
look down with scorn upon the nsidous efforts re-
Gently made TO obscure the brightness of his unsul-
lied fame.
About two months ago, some shallow-brained
scribber in one of the New York prints, made vile
attack upon the integrity and financial skill of the
honorable Secretary; but the yelled maligner was
promptly met and Indignantly exposed by writer in
the Madisonian, over the signature Of Fiat Justi.
tia Since then, another hungry but disappointed
expectant doubt, has taken it upon himself to as
simulate the principles and doctrines of Judge Bib to
those of Alexander Hamilton, and even to charge
The former with the grossest plagiarism of the latter
But, shielded as he is by the impregnabe fortress
which his public virtues have thrown around him,
that dignifed Patriot only "smiles at the drawn dag
ger and defes its point"
Among the many eminent men who were called
4 IL a a