The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-08-19
For the Voice Of Freedom.
Hon. George Evans,
WHO EX-SENATOR FROM MAINE

WING EX-SENATOR FROM MAINE.
The substance of the following may be found il
the July number of the Ame1ica,s Reris,O, or Whil
Journal
Although we donot profess the deepest reverence
for Statesmen as commonly known, either SO far as
their motives are concerned or the influence which
they exert; yet there are some ovon in these mod
days of venality, to whose commanding intellect
and unblemished character the strictcst justice could
not withhold the need Of praise. Among that chosen
few, around whom the thinkers and actors OF coming
ages will entwne the lsures of renown, stands him
whose merit elicits the following brief remarks
GEORGE EVANS was born in Jfaine, during the
year 1897, and like others of our distinguished men,
of obscure parentage and poor fortune. At the age
of eighteen he graduated at Boaooin College, and az
ter three years close study, commenced the practice
of law in the little town of Gardiner. His race be
gan at dark and stormy period of our national his
tory; bat gifted with strong and keen intellect, he
was fitted to battle manfully amid the tumults that
darlened political horizon, and enabled to WELD
those circumstances that raise so many into notice.
and sink so many into oblivion. He early assumed
a commanding station in his profession, and, as the
lawyer gradually into the broader and more go
rious field Of the statesman his talents for legisa-
ton became too conspicuous to be concealed
When twenty-eight years of age, he sent to
the Legislature his native state, land during his
vices Of four sessions there gained reputation for
sagacity, and judgment, and legal abilities rarely
bestowed except where age has thrown the FIRST calm
over youthful imagination, and the experience of
years ripened knowledge into wisdom. During the
last year he discharged the duties Of Speaker, with
the most unqualified approbation In 1929, then
&irty-tco years Of age, ho was chosen representa-
tive to Congress, and during JAcKsoN's admnstra-
ton began those public labors which exhibit depth
of research ieenness Of analysis and power of gen
eralizaton hardly to be surpassed In lG52,ho made
his first speech on the subject of the Tariff and
devoted much of his attention to the
subject Of finance, and thus prepared himself for
those giant struggles, in which the proceedings Of
the dominant party were fast involving him and his
friends He had now fairly embarked on the sea
of political strife, and with collected might stood
ready to shower upon his enemies Il few Of those
terrible blows they have so long had cause to romem
ber AT this period he was in the pride Of his in
tellect, manly and impressive in his bearing with
countenauce that hardly concealed the sleeping
strength that lay beneath, and an eye as quick and
keen as that Of the unhooded hawk. He was fair
impersonaton of the american Statosmon-prompt
and vigorous in action; in thought ready and pro-
found He could command the whole armory Of
wit and sarcasm, and before his almost inyinciblo
logic the stcrnest spirits OF the opposition quoed and
bent In 1887, on Il motion in the House to expe
Mr. ADAMS, for some dsagreeable action on the sub
ect of petition Mr. Evans defended him with great
strength against the furious assaults Of his enemies,
and in a mingled speech of bitter rdculc aud I'M
answerable argument gave the subject such thor
ough handling that its consideration has not since
been renewed
At the commencement of the Wing administration
in Al, he was was placed in the Senate. 1t was
time when our prospects were as dark as UNIVERSAL
dstrust and discomfort could make them; and all
his talents and wisdom, his aCinvest'Saton and
careful comparison his almost limitless research and
varied experience were called upon to avert i'm
pending ruin. Our prooundest statesmen yieldcd
him the palm in financial matters, and his trends
and the country gathered around him IN hopes OF
4 rescue. Internal trade was almost at stand $
crash after crash of heaviest mercantile houses
had been heard in quick succession; the sails of our
commerce tapped igaobly against their masts,whilo
ther keels rotted in the mud of our best harbors =
orr credit abroad was fast becoming worse than use
less. and heavy gloom had gathered thick over the
whole land. The national pulse seemed to beat with
that dull sluggish motion which betokoned speedy
dissolution or a terrible fever The expectations Of
tho party had been defeated in the sudden death of
,ber Chef 6ndhis successor had proved recreant to
the task reposed in him. The whole country looked
,pxiously to the Capital at Washington for relief