The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-09-03

everes their memories emulates their virtues and prac-
ses the wisdom Of the first the justice of the second and
the civil and military heroism OF The last Cool yet ardent
temperate, yet perseverng; wise without dogmatlsm,
and practical within the limits of wholesome policy,
Lewis Cass has rounded the character OF an American
statesman into lusre and grace. His gifted opponents
have disclosed his merits exoled his powers, and vnd
Gated his iustrious services to the country,
In the heat and hustle of the political arena--where
blows are given bruises inflicted, and characters man
ged without regard to the dignity OF the victim, or the
wantonness of outrage-praise and abuse equally
lavished with reckless injustice. But in the golden Pc
Rod of human le-when statesmen should never be dis
tubsd either by the folies of youth, the nrmes of
age when the curtain has fallen, and the drama
we expect profit from the closet meditaons OF their
unclouded judgment
While seated amidst the tranquil shades OF Castle Hill,
oaihng the violence of party, the ISLANDERS of prejudice
and the envious gable of malignant ambition, Mr.,
William c. Rives penned and published noble eulogy
upon the gores of Cass AS the talents and influence of
this leading wing render his evidence highly important,
we will trouble our fellow citizens to perpse it, and to
pronounce their candid opinions upon it.
TO repel attacks which English editors and politicians
had made upon General Cass for baking their endeav-
ors nyegle France into the quintupe treaty. against
the freedom of the and the of the world,
Mr.. Rives wrote "AMERICANUS," sent it to Washing
ton, and had forthwith published in the organ of the
government In that lucid and patriotic article, the
writer pronounces General Cass some Of the most able
and accomplished ministers and jursts OF whom any
country boast and that "the value of his services
to his own country difficult to appreciate, by
any approximate standard. Had the quintuple treaty
been consummated by the ratification of France, (and
that it not, owing especially to the timely and
spirited inerposon of General Cass) have the au-
thority of Lord Palmerston, in the late debate in
the House OF Commons and Of Lord Brougham,
for saying Great Britain would have been so flushed
with the success of her projects, and so embod-
ened in the pursuit of her ongcherlshed aim of an
disputed supremacy the ocean, that America would
have had no alternative but war submission on the
great question of maritime rights, on which she had
saked her character and fortunes Submission is word
not found in the vocabulary of American patriotism
War; then, with the greatest maritime power of the
world, would have been nevtable-and with the ALI
of all Europe secured to her beforehand to back
and sustain her in the conflict By the bold and skul
efforts of Gen. Cass in averting the ratification of the
treaty. France was detached from this menacng and for
mdable Anglo European confedeacy, and restored to
her natural and ancient relations of cordial cooperation
with the United States in defending the liberty of the
seas This at once gave England pause and, by trans
ferrng to the side of the United States the peaceful ally
which had been detached from her. enforced upon her
councils the necessity of peace with America"
twas the mastery diplomatic coupde -main of Gen.
Cass in separating France from the alliance of England.
and uniting her again with her ancient and natural ally
81, Gtotoe hall nJ
rangement of her American differences on any terms
patibe with American honor 1t was Gen. Cass's able
management at Paris which rendered adjustment pract
cable at Washington and if, unfortunately, shall here
after be drawn into with England the vital
question of the freedom Of the seas, it will be owing to
Gen Casss vigorous and long sighted craftsmanship that
shall engage in the contest with the cooperation and
powerful support of ancient ally, instead of having
to encounter her the side of the adversary Come
what may. he has, by signal ability, which knew how
to improve conjuncture which falls to the lot of but
few mon, in the most splendid of public service,
contributed place his country in position of impreg
nable strength, well lofty honor; and, with the
OF such services, and of the reward which
fails to attend them in the affection and applause
OF grateful people, the clamors of titled untitled de-
famers may all "pass by him the idle wind which he
respects not"
We believe that il is capable OF proof, and will not be
Denied that long after "Americanus' written, the
writer willing elevate to the presidency the sub
| ject of his glowing praise.
! This forceful panegyric from leader of whgery
leaves nothing for the friends of General Cass TO add
unless to remind our feowcitizens that, since these
well-timed praises of Mr.. Rves, the General has
done nothing to impair their weight, or to forfeit his
title to retain them but, the contrary, he has
in the Senate of the Union another wreath of glory
to adorn his brow We know how he acted at foreign
court and what priceless services, in the judgment
of his present opponents he bravey rendered to his
try. In the Senate which tested his powers and con-
frmed them fully statesman more prompt or able
in the public cause There our measures came be-
fore him the chairman of Military Affairs rousng the
fire and vigor of the opposing hosts and making the Sen
patry theatre for il-goten eminence to uphold
fraudulent reputation for patriotism and abilities. Yet
was he fully equal TO the crisis there Ardor for his
country respect for his public trust and firm resolve
to execute its duties pushed him into business which but
few around him had the courage encounter. He saw
that the national reputation concerned; and fears
nor troubles could impede his aweess heart He honored
the heroes who served their country in the pers OF
He knew how they acted; and his soul could not be rgid
nor his praises faint Learning gave him knowledge and
resources; the practsed pen of statesman enabled HIN