New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1848-02-09


critical abilities Beside contributions 10 the peri
odicals of the day equally distinguished for felicity
Of dictiOn and nice accurate analysis, he has deliv
cred lectures upon the Arts and Sciences and upon
the Philosophy Of History. which demonstrate bis
ful ability to make rich additions 10 our language
and general knowledge. Everything he has writ,
ten gives assurance Of strength reserved
Lectures the History OF the Mechanic Arts
The Goths in New England Discourse before the
New England Society Of the City Of New-York-
these with other productions Of his pen are iol OF
jealous research skiful analysis and accurate sci
ence But still they are but evidence Of what has
been eft undone
And on several occasions he has contributed TO
the poetica stores Of our language His lirtations
with the Muses. have been generally successful,
and though he has produced no great poem. bis ef-
tusions possess than ordinary merit and assure
as that had be given the same time, attention, and
energy 10 Poetry as TO his other occupations, he
might have attained no unenyiable position among
bards Murray, siterward Chief Justice Mansfield,
and known 10 the world as an eminent lawyer, in
the earlier years Of his practice wont to- invoke
the Nine and by the beauty and promise of his
regret,
"How sweet Ovid was In Murray LOST
Taiourd, then, Murray and Marsh are witnessesto
prove that however great may be the improbabiity,
there ia no impossibity in the union Of poetical
TEN permanent and genius with much logical acumen
and forensic ability.
Mr.. MARSH, it has been before stated has &C
quired the mastery of various languages. He is
Bibliopolst Of much repute, and can converse with
ease and huency in most of the modern languages.
The Librarian Of the Vatican at Rome, it is said
can speak freely in all the modern tongues except
the Chocta,c that has never passed the Atlantic.
Mr. Marsh would be no inappropriate companion
for the Librarian. 1t is however much the more to
be regretted that after having acquired the com
msnd of so many other languages. he should not
devote himself with greater zeal TO the enrichment
Of his own.
He is well acquainted with the structure and
philosophy of our language; early English litera-
ture he has carefully studied and fully understands
aud few perhaps are better qualified TO make the
world acquainted with its great strength and
beauty. As an annotator OF some of the rich and
rare old English works, he would be invaluable; he
could repay with usariOus interest all he had Dor
rowed.
Mr. MARSH was elected 10 toe 2sth Congress IN
1913. His reputation az man OF letters had pre-
coded him, and he early took his position in the
House as an accomplished scholar. He has been
in Congress two terms, aud is now on the third.
HI has not been a garrulous orator, nor spoken
without something to say. He has made several
speeches-two on the subject OF a Tariff, one on the
Admission of Texas and one on the Smithsonian
Institute These all have the appearance OF elabo'
rate polish and it is questionable whether he does
not at time. sacrifice TO the beauty Of expression
energy Of conception
1t were gross 6attery to pronounce Mr.. MARSH
an accomplished orator or an able debater. lie is
neither The man of the closet seldom distinguishes
himself upon the parliamentary arena Converse
with men, the rough and.tumble intercourse with
all classes. selfreiance on the most sudden emer-
gencies rapid thought and habit of easy utterance
these are as much necessary to the orator or de-
batter as all the teachings of the Academy IL IL
more than doubtful if Mr.. MARSH has ever received
the severe training necessary to the successful
orator.
By this is meant no depreciation OF his power Of
advantages of study and learning and II not models
of composition-ifthey lack the energy OF Burke or
the beauty of Canning they are yet far superior to
the productions we in the daily habit OF listen
ing to. They are prepared with some care and
metbod-bave according to Aristotle beginning
middle and end-and so far as they intend, are IN
exceptionable.
Mr. MARSH never speaks against the sense OF the
House. He times his efforts 70 the good will OF his
audience aad commands its attention II he cannot
always secure its concurrence. He is not one oil
the many spouters who speak rather at than 10 the
Housewife address the ears rather than the mind
of the members and who consequently fatigue and
ALLEVIATE both ears and mind.
In personal appearance. Mr. MARSH is rather ro-
bust, though no, corpulent- He has sedste and
thoughtful air--characterzed somewhat by the
wearing of spectacles. His manner is rather re-
served toward strangers, but with his acquaint-
spces il easy and agreeable. His conversation is
various and always interesting. He IL 10 years OF
ace and about feet q inches in hight.
In the meridian Of life and full maturity Of intel
Isc nothing but indifference 10 fame can prevent ms
ACQUISITION of reputation scholar equal to any
Of his CONTEMPORARIES He will be untrue to him
self well as to the interests OF Society he refuse
the trial
VENTILATION OF The CAPITOL AT ALBsNf.-
v..rs Too snancsr Rodman, Cross and Calhoun,