The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-04-24

The Great American Statesmen of the Las
Age
The Past is always profitable subject of study.
1t is the grand placer from which the wise man
digs the golden of experience. The present
generation neglects it. We are engrossed by to-
day and the future. In the midst of present en-
joyments, and half bewildered by the din and tu-
multi of these busting days, we are too apt to for
get the events and the men who have passed into
the silent and solemn domain of history. Already,
in our railroad progress, we have almost ceased to
think of those great statesmen-Clay, Webster,
and Calhoun-who all figured more or less
conspicuously, in the lively scenes of American
politics during the age that, with them, has
passed away for ever. This ought not so to be-
They are, surely, each worthy at least of brief
occasional tribute of notice and regard, were it
more than equal to that quaint, but affectionate
and expressive remembrance with which the name
and virtues of "poor Yorick" were sanctifed
years after his departure from this sublunary
scene
Webster was indeed great man. Mentally and
physically of large mould, he was one of the
most impressive orators which the country has
produced. There a sort of Titanic grandeur
in the very presence of the man, which greatly
there was much characteristic GOODNESS about the
great statesman of the East. Stern and solemn as
one of his native hills beneath the lowering sky of
chill autumnal eve, Webster seldom touched the
hearts of his auditors. He generally addressed
himself 10 the judgment rather than the feelings.
In invecve, in which, however, he rarely in
dulged, he was remarkably powerful. His famous
reply to Hayne, of South Carolina, and his casti-
cation of Charles ]. Ingersol, amongst the
most remarkable of Webster's denunciatory ef-
forts. Mr.. Webster was not successful politician.
He wanted the shrewdness knowledge of man.
kind and administrative talent which are neces-
sary to make a great politician. 1t would have
been better for his permanent fame had he never
entered the troubled arena of politics. The
bench would have been his legitimate sphere.
Early in life he got into the hands of INSCRIPTIONS
politicians, of selfish and narrow minded school,
and he never was able to release himself from
their tolls. Webster was an indolent man. He
did not do Justice to his own colossal powers.
Most of his efforts appear to have been made,
as it were, to reassure himself that he did indeed
possess gigantic strength. No one can, we think,
doubt the sincerity of Webster's regard for the
American constitution; yet he was not much of
man Of the people. His sympathies did not go
forth, like those of Jefferson, embracing the OPP
pressed of all lands and all conditions. He lived,
and moved, and had his being good deal in the
revolutionary era; and, somewhat sectional in his
feelings and attachments, disliked the uncere-
monious, progressive spirit of our generation,
which rudely casts down many venerable IDOLS
and dashes the potsherds of the earth in pieces.
No one ever looked upon the leonine counte-
nance of Calhoun without acknowledging the pre-
sence of a man of might-o truly heroic soul.
AS public speaker he was emnently forcible and
effective. Without any of the graces of elocution
or manner which contribute essentially to the
success of many orators, Mr.. Calhoun always COM
manded the most patient and attentive hearing
His spoken style was terse, pointed, and
densed. 1t was much superior TO his written style.
The speeches which came down TO us from his
own hand are not equal to those which he deli
vered. AS politician, Mr.. Calhoun has had few
equals in this country, in point of foresight
asroitness He exercised most important in
iiuence on the course of all great questions which
agltated the United States for upwards of thrt
years, partly owing to his tact, judgment, and
ability; and partly owing to his position He was
never warm friend of democratic freedom and
democratic institutions, in the highest sense of tn
'N.'' StdtesIlltn OF MS era, lie rdthe
dreaded the universal application of the principes
OF the American constitution in their fullest extent
Thus, he spoke doubtingy of the French reyou. |
ton, and expressed but little sympathy with the
struggles of oppressed millions in other lands
The Independent spirit-the stern n,egrity-,be
lofty pride--the unfinching adherence to the
"peculiar institution of the South, which dis.
tinguished Mr.. Calhoun, and the important and
conspicuous part he played in American politics
for so long PERIOD will cause him to be long re-
membered with feeling of high respect
Probably no public man in America earned so
widespread reputation as Mr.. Clay. The idol
for so many years, of great political party-gIft
ed with singular oratorical powers-and possessed
Of the most winning and graceful manners-this
distinguished man occupied very prominent po-
sluon at home and abroad. Even when his bril-
liant speeches and his services to his party had
almost become subject for tradition, he still COM
ihahded the most enthusiastic regard of his nu-
ineious admirers. His birthday is even in our
DAY celebrated with unbounded enthusiasm Inv
thousands, whose blood boils at the mere mention
of his name.
All these men have disappeared for ever from the
shifting scenes OF politics. They have gone from
amongst us, with all their gifts and conrivances
and nrgues, and cabss, and little knots of sor.
SINNERS and admirers A pe,v and hot,or L..