The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1845-02-13
FOR THE MADIsoNIAN.
Mr.. CLAY AND JUDGE BIBB CoNTRAsTED

In rejecting upon the long and brilliant of
Mr.. Clay, now that he "has fallen" at last like Lu-
offer, perhaps "neper to rise again." am fully con-
WINGED how hard it is for talents the most transcen
dent for attanments the most diversified and these
yet embellished by all the graces of eloquence-to
secure the highest honors of great republic can
not help contrasting his history and ultimate fate
and this do with no illiberal spirit-wh the less
conspicuous course, but more enviable destiny, of
another distinguished statesman of Kentucky. l al.
Jude to the Hon. George M. Bib. With far less
vanity and ambition than Mr.. Clay, and with higher
admiration for our simple Republican institutions,
Chancellor Bib has pursued steady and elevated
course Of policy from his entrance into public life
until the present hour. sacred reverence for the
cardinal principles of the Constitution and pure
ilial devotion to his country's welfare and honor,
ave been the controlling incentives to his DO
ltical action The most exalted stations have no Sc
ducing influence over him, when his acceptance of
them requires involves the slightest departure from
those precepts and doctrines which have been
clamp to his feet and a light to his path" To
mind of great vgor and the clearest perceptions, he
unites the most liberal requirements and the highest
Roman virtues. 1t may be said perhaps, that he is
more strongly characterized by the orer in re- than
the s,iariter in mode. On this point, however, there
might be a difference of opinion
Judge Bib had secured an enviable reputation
long before he called upon to bring his able and
salutary counses to the aid of President Tyler's
Administration While member of the United
States Senate, he did not often throw himself upon
the courtesy of that grave and enlightened body but
when the occasion required him to put forth his pow
erful energies in debate, he never shrunk from his
duty, but always commanded profound attention, and
added new strength TO his principles and increased
lustre to his fame
1t was reserved for Mr. Clay to captvate his audi.
ence by The irresistible power and ascinations of his
eoquence; and he has left the deep impress of his
noble genius upon the legislation and diplomacy of
his country. But, with the great Orator of the West,
self ACKNOWLEDGEMENT seems to have been a more dar-
ling passion, than a holy devotion to the cause of
Constitutional freedom. Ambition has been a con-
Stunning flame in his bosom, producing a morbid ex-
element Of his hgh-toned intellect, and driving him,
like phston, headlong to destruction. What me.
anchoy fate for talents brilliant, and for powers
Of eoquence so lofty and commanding! With these
extraordinary endowments and rare advantages over
thousands Of bis contemporaries, his prospect in
deed bright and alluring; yet, in the midst Of his
eager aspirations, when his star had nearly risen to
the zenith, and was shedding its gorgeous efugence
around him. in an "evil hour the tempter came, and
instilled the deadly poison deep into his soul Am
biion shat sin by which the angels fell" set his i'm.
sgnation ERE, and blasted his dearest, brightest,
highest hopes forever.
Not so, however, with that unwaverng and pure
minded statesman, George M Bib He has ever
cherished the snnobling spirit Of our Revolutionary
fathers, and long stood forth the gallant and uncom
promising champion Of Stats rights. Will. his par.