Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1847-06-10
THE AGE.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 1s47.

copy drawer OF few miscellaneous art
cles this week, which have heretofore il
sinuated themselves into our favor, onl
TO be neglected till this time. But this
the destiny of many valuable thing at III
present day. Beautiful thoughts, gem
of mighty intellects, and truths that ar
as immutable as principles themselve
are elbowed aside, TO make room for thos
sickly productions as demanded by a vita
ted, and we are sorry to say, mot unpopular
taste. We admit, there is much that il
beautiful, even in our unwholesome sea 0
literature, but the comparative rareness o
these gems, renders search for them ar
almost lruitless undertaking. five occa
sionally find "a brigh, thought shining il
naughty world" it is a little doubtful tc
whom the credit is due, for there is many
an arrant thief who plays the author in O
second handed dress. Or, Fes,us has it,
"some steal thought s. clip it roand the odge
Then challenge him whose twas,
To prove it,"
This he compares 20 cutting up old
moons to make stars Of, and swearing they
are new.
But we have not time nor space TO en-.
large upon this fruitful subject now, for
we are in haste for the reader 10 get TO the
beautiful specimen of eloquence which we
copy below. VINO does not feel more
than common interest at the mention of
the name of Senator Soule, Of Louisiana,
ExIed from France for unfolding the lib
erty IF the press. he came to land where
his romantic history,was calculated to win
the admiration Of its great and generous
people, and meeting with cordial recep-
lion, he has since won the highest honors
of the state which adopted him as her son
His career has been most glorious de-
monslratlon ofthe genial operations of our
free institutions. The extract which we
give, is from a reply to toast, which was
offered in his honor at complimentary
festival, given by his devoted, personal
friends, as commentator of his first and
last great speech in the Senate on the
Mexican war.
Though much Of the fire and enthusiasm
must be lost in clothing his remarks in
Language not his own. yet there remains
freshness ofthought and native energy.
that must interest the reader. lie who
reads it will, with Tom Moore "ihank
heaven there is something more sacred
than party" and rejoice that there are
men, who can rise superior TO the shack.
les It imposes, and lost to their limiting
influence, give free scope 10 the impulses
of magnanImous soul and mighty intel
lect.
But the reader says, II will be my own
judge, if you pease:--
Laboring, Sir, under the mos: profound
emotions, greatly fear les, my extreme
agitation debar me from expressing, as
would, how sincerely | appreciate the
evidences of kindness and esteem which
you so lasishly beslow on me: | am free
TO confess that can scarcely believe in
the reality of what | see, and that l dread
lest the sound of my voice should dissipate
the fond dream in which seem to indulge
amid the Joys of this festival.
Impossible, however, Sir, is it for me
to remain silent alter whatI have just
heard; for you and to those who have
made you their organ, must offer at the
least, some pre,ext for the honor con-
ferred on me by this convivial gathering
/ beg you to believe me when | say,
that | have not misconceived the motive
which prompted this kindly offering, aud
that it is with extreme reserve that dare
assign TO myself any portion of its hon.
age.
Despite the seduction with which it has
pleased you to encircle my sef-love-
despite the dazzling reception that has
JUS, been accorded me. cannot so far
yield to the blindness Of my heart as to
sscribc your kindness to any effect pro-
duced by the humble, secondary and
unexpected rank in the public eye, to
which late favor consigned me in the
forensic debates that closed the last ses.
sion of Congress.
How could thus deceive MYSELF
While the Northern breeze that lately
waited to you, with nv name, some triaing
remnants Of Aeeting glory, has left
nougbt behind but an imperceptibIe MUIR
muir nf which have heard the expiring
sigh, the historic page is already handing
to posteritv those brilliant triumphs Of
which it was my happy lot to be silent
witness.
But, when | heard Webster, with his
massive brow rejecting all the radiance
of genius, expound in sublime asioms the
most intricate points Of constitutional law,
when, Badger, with the inexorable scalpel
of his logic, probe the most sinuous com.
bnaiions of Federal politics, when, Ber-