Weekly national intelligencer., 1848-10-28
GREAT MEN.-lrRoa oonn4srosDEsr.)

GREAT MEN.-tFRom coRREsPoSDESr.) Il
II has been remarked, and all history sustains the
remark, that great men are rare productions. But,
we may ask, what idea do we generally conceive
in our minds when we use the term "great man -
Without going into an elaborate answer TO such a
question, we may observe that the elements of
greatness may be widely possessed, whilst means
Of using them TO effect are but seldom at the dis
posa Of individuals So much Of mere accident,
adyentious circumstances, and uncertainty OF life
influence huns6 acton as to render real greatness
amongst the uncommon phenomena OF human
philosophy.
To be really great, man must have the control
over powerful natural genius in himself, and also
the supreme command over the nation to which he
belongs. AT long intervals Of time such men ap-
pear, and form epocha in history Such men were
julius CESAR, PETER the Great Of Russia FREDL-
RICK Second of Prussia GEORGE WASHINGTON, and
NAPOLEON
In their individuality these men were strongly
contrasted each had his own character distinctly
marked. They were set apart in grand qualities !;
but in one trait they were In so remarkable man
ner similar as to seem actuated by one mind
Whatever else were their respective views policy,
they all regarded the establishment of their country
as primary. II all but WASHINGTON were con-
querors, what the others gained by arms they i'm
proved BY the arts of peace. They were not actu-
ated by mere blind avidity TO acquire, and at the
same time destitute Of the sentiment of improving
what they spent blood and treasure to acquire On
the contrary, every one Of these men left monu-
ments on the surface OF their country more durable
testimony of real greatness than trophies OF victory
in the battlefield And, as to military merit, they
all shared the danger, if they reaped the largest
share of glory won i'll war.
We were led into this train of reflection by see-
ing in and reading from New York paper ar
ticle with the following epigraph:
"MApR1p, SEPTEMBER l9, ls4s.
Highly important intelligence from Spain
Negotiations for the CeSsion Of Cuba 10 the
United Mates-Probable success"
We leave to the parties the task Of reconciling
the consistency of an Administration and its ad-
visers in adding continental and insular regions to
domain, which, to improve when incorporated they
have regarded breach Of constitutional law
How far the writer Of the communication is cor
rect or otherwise, the subjoined extract person
ally applied, we leave to the decision OF the en-
ployer and agent. We must, however, observe
that in Europe no person is regarded as well edu-
Gated if ignorant Of the French language; and, as
that language is in Europe the medium OF dpo-
macy, we may well conceive the utter imbecility o
most Of our diplomatists regards the object Of
their missions.
THE EXTRACT ABOVE REFERRED TO.
GAS far ascertain the facts, from the best dpo
matte sources and in every possible way Ilearn that in July
August last the United States Government despatch
through Mr. SAwrEn, Secretary of Legation, addressed Z
Mr. SAUsDEns the American Minister here, containing direc
tons for him sound the Spanish Government their dis
positions sell ceje the Island of Cuba the United
States and if such purpose could be accomplished
negotiations secretly and fast possible, as
prevent opposition hostility from the British other Gov
ernmens Mr.. SAwrER has been here for time ant
Mr. SAuSpEns understand has been taking steps il
the mate but in consequence Of his utter ignorance Of h
modern languages either Spanish French, he finds grca
deal Of difficulty in the way, and is thrown into the hands
other dplomaists, who will the information which they
receive through such channel to defeat the general object
the mission. II IS remarkable how the Ministers Of the Un
ted States selected and the topic is frequently notices
among tho diplomatic body in this capital and in other part
Of this continent that the American Government sends
its representatives abroad who utterly unacquantet
with foreign affairs foreign languages and entirely ncom
petcn; conduct important negotiations without the assist
Of other dipIonats who laugh and rdcue hem in
stead Of selecting suited by talent and educaon expe
rienced nguss, accomplished juss natural dipomass
have yet 5ccn able learn the which the United
States have offered for the ceson Of Cuba but Of the open
ing OF negotiations Tor that purpose there be doubt
Is true that short time ago publication made
the subject denying any wish the part OF the United
States for the scquion Of that island but il well
derstood at the time the denial was made that directed
TO assertions the general question: and
motive for putting forth to throw the British and other
Ministries hostile to such of their guard
as possible There can be no question, have already
stated Of the opening Of negotiations this subject bu'
the success Of Mr. SAuSpERss mission to be
susceptible Of doubt"