The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-19
From the Lancaster (Pa.) Literary Gazette, edited
BY Lydia Jane Pirson.
III mi n a a 4 n q A "A.


We frequently read of great men, idols of sci
ence, art, political economy, or military fame
each great in the eyes Of his peculiar followers or
admirers in the peculiar province OF his superiority
Many of these prodigics seem to have been pro-
duced by a concentration Of all the powers Of the
mind on one particular object or science in which
they greatly excel, and appear almost superhu-
manly wise, while IN other departments OF knowl-
edge they are greatly below mediocrity. Many
very learned men are exceedingly ignorant OF mat
tiers which every boor understands. Some pro
found philosophers are so ignorant OF the common
principles Of vegetation that they do not know
which end up to plant an onion, and are sure that
nature has made mistake when she sends the
lobes Of the common bean up with the stock TO pro-
tect the germ of the young plant.
Indeed, when we look narrowly into the histories
Of great men. we almost deem human greatness
the result of disease, which concentrates the in
tellect upon particular subject, and leaves it
weak and dark III all other departments.
There is another kind of greatness, the result of
holiness and good luck, which may fall to the yeri-
est blockhcad. Even paltry cowardice has made
men great. This last position is sustained by obser
vation and very pretily illustrated by the story of
the knight who, as his battalion was rushing TO
charge the enemy, was so panic by fear,
that, being unable TO check his horse, he dropped
his arms, and caught despairingly hold of the
cross tree of gallows under which his path lay.
But being, according to ancient custom, fastened
to his saddle and pressed by the impetuosty of his
comrades, the gallows, being decayed at the foot,
gave way, and came down. the cross tree lying be-
maddened with fright, increased his speed, dashed
against the enemy, who, taken by surprise by this
novel engine of war, gave way to the shock, and
the horse dashing on, the paltroon, with his gal
lows, broke the opposing ranks wherever he went,
threw the enemy into confusion, was the means of
winning signal victory; and he was lauded not
only as hero, but as great genius in the art Of
war; capable of seizing any casual advantage, and
turning it TO momentous use. Precisely in this
manner many persons win their laurels.
Others pitch themselves hcadlong into some
political movement, of the merits of which they
entirely ignorant, but hustle along and make
great noise; and finally find themselves showed
into the front Of the melee and forced to lead the
wrong, they strike upon whatever course seems to
them the handiest; it happens to lead them to the
goal, and they lauded wise and fearless lead
ers--efficient and far-seeing politicians.
Again there are great men who have attained
their eminence in some department OF science or
jurisprudence, by ardent and determined ap-
plication; which, with common abilities, cannot
fail to ensure pre-eminence. These have an
honest title to the distinction which they have
earned by labor; yet they may be destitute of the
real elements of true greatness, slaves to public
opinion, and even votaries to vice.
We conceive that man is great, only as his char
acter approximates to the divine attributes--Wis-
dom, Benevolence, and Purity that is, he who is
CURED knowledge for the good of mankind, in the
present and the future-who walks soberly and
honestly ngst men, respecting the command
ments of God, and the rights of the humbest of his
creaturcs-is in our humble judgment truly great
man.
Amongst all the great men of history, George
Washington is infinitely the greatest.