The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-09-24


ave glad to learn that the joint committee appointed
by both aouses Of Congress, to publish $4,000 copies
of volume, intended tribute to General Tay-
Tor, 10 record the proceedings of the national legs-
iature consequent upon his death, and to procure
the most authentic and ifeike portrait of the great
man, are efficiently carrying out their work No
man has died in this country since the time OF
Washington, whose death has been 80 universally
regretted no man has lived since the Father of the
Country, who had go thoroughly won the afiec-
items of the great mass of the American people.
There seemed to be felt by all classes and grades
Of men, personal affection for the President
Millions who had never seen him, loved him with
earpes,ness and affection II was not the hero
only, or chiefly, whom the people revered, or whom
they elevated TO the highest post in the republic;
nor was il, after his elevation, the President,
who was the object of regard. From the first to
the last, it was the man, Zachary Taylor that they
adored. Tn this respect, there was something sri-
hing and peculiar in the regret that was felt for him,
and which has given origin to those universal hon.
ors and demonstrations of grief, which everywhere
were shown, when the sad intelligence was an
noupced. One of the highest proofs Of the exalted
virtue of public man, in a country like this, is
found in such demonstrations. The death of man
who is illustrious or great, only because he has
been distinguished for brilliant achievements, is
not OF necessity nor is it ever perhaps, attended
with such scenes Of national mourning. This is
the case only when citizen falls whom the people
know and feel to be their friend, and the friend Of
the nation; man whose heart beat for the millions
OF his fellow-citzens; who loved his country with
earnestness, fervor, and honesty; who was willing
to sacrifice himself, his ambition and his hopes of
public advancement TO the glory of the nation
which had given him birth Such charac-
tiers at once appreciated by the mass of
ration, and they become at once universally
beloved. When they die, they are universally
1amented. In all quarters, the same feeling of
respect, the same sentiment of sadness. the same
display of mourning is every where felt.
II was but a just tribute to Gen. Taylor's great
public services, and distinguished virtue, that
both houses of Congress resolved 10 erect in Wash
ington, monument TO his memory, and to publish,
in durable, and we hope beautiful form, history
Of The public honsrs that were decreed TO him by
Congress. We are glad to learn that the COM
mit'ee of Congress have applied to the propnetors
Of the Gallery of Nustrious americans, for per-
mission TO copy the engraving of the President
which appeared in the first number of that noble
work; since il has been acknowledge in all quar-
ters, that it contained the best portrait of Gen.
Tayl which was ever made. He sat for it ex-
prtssly, only few months before his DEATH when
he was in the full vigor of life. We understand
that this permission has been granted, and that an
engraving of a reduced size is to be made from
his portrait in the Gallery. Such en- occasion, we
may remark, as the death of the late President
illustrates the value of such great national works.
as the Gallery Of Mvstrions americans. Since its
publication began, two of the noblest and best of
those citizens embraced in il have been taken from
their country; and in both instances, il is source
Of great satisfaction to their friends, as well as TO
the public, that, short time before their DEATH
the most faithful, lfelke and exceents portrait of
them had been taken, and multiplied by the pub
fishers of this great work.
When death has robbed the nation OF great
man, party feeling and local preudices die away,
and room Is given for higher, nobler, and
more generous sentiments. Death seems to sane
tify the character, and shed a perfume around
the names OF those who have deserved well Of
their country; and whenever faithfully and beauti-
fally executed portraits made, during the life
time of those who have established claim to the
gratitude Of theiI countrymen, one OF the highest
services is rendered TO patriotism, and to naonal
history, which the arts ever called on to per-
form.
In speaking of this subject, we cannot withhold
a regret that the statue by Powers, of John c
Calhoun, should have been lost. We believe its
recovery from the wreck Of the Inflated Elizabeth
is beginning to be regarded as hopeless, and the
State of South Carolina must wait till another can be
sculptured. We hope, too, that when this is done,
more recent view Of the face of the great South
ern Statesman will be taken, than was recognized
in the lost statue. We understand that that was
made from bust, moulded of MIR. Calhoun many
years ago, and which, consequently, differed very
materially from the habitual expression by which
he was recognized by his friends and the public,
during the last few years Of his life. We have
been told, by those who were most familiar with
Mr. calhoun, that he himself regarded his portrait,
in the GALLERY Of Husfrious Amoicans, as the
most satisfactory that had been taken; and the
journals of the South, particularly Of Carolina,
have, we believe, universally conceded to il supe-
Iioriy all others. The death Of Gen Taylor,
and that Of Mr.. Calhoun. two Of the most eminent
men in the Gallery Of Aatrious Americans, a.
about the same time, has added to that work an
additional interest, which affords but another
illustration ofthe fact that one Of the highest pro-
vinces Of the pictorial arr consists in embalming
for corning times, the features and the form of
those truly great and patriotic men, who have
rendered uttrious services in the cause Of the
republic.
Marine Affairs.
sTTiMsHir Pacpc.-This splendid steamer will De
launched, this morning, from the shipysrd Of Mr. W.