The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-29

various other propositions Of this Sort unnecessary now
TO be specified apply to him. and those at present
zealousy co operating with him, the language OF Hud.
bras when he speaks OF certain purtsnica personages of
his day, whose practice was 10
Compound for sins they were inclined TO-
BY dan'ninK those they had no mind 10"
[Laughterl
The printing OF certain books and maps a short time
since wasa very worthy and meritorious thing and in
every way TO be advocated, urged commended, and
recommended before the present and all poster
according 10 my judgment, OF not less merit by any
MEANS is presented 10 for these
gentlemen manifest the most holy indignation. the most
Jealous and iDfexbe opposition and of them sig
nslze themselves by ndugng in language OF rid
icule and denuncianon do not say this OF my friend
iron Texas. who TO confess the truth is always LIBERAL
Mr. RUSK | ask the senator to refer 10 single case
of this kind that have been the advocate OF.
Mr. FOOrE. did not intend to partlcularize any
body, much less TO wound the feelings OF any particular
individual but being thus called upon, will respond
with becoming frankness The honorable senator voted
for various appropriations of this kinda list Of which
have in my handor some OF which confess that also
voted, in conformity with the example of other
torsseni0res senaoresand in conformity also with the
established usage Of the Senate. voted with the
tor IRON Texas, think for the printing lithographing
binding, and forth, OF book with which is favoraby
connected the name OF gentleman distinguished for
scientific atianmen,s for public spirit and for patriotism
and who trust, will shortly be- az cannot doubt he
will prove, distinguished ornament OF this body. re-
fer now, of course, to Col fremont hold in my hand
statement from our own Secretary furnished at my
quest showing that the sum OF $30S35 81 was at dit
syd s e az
der very distinguished auspices indeed shall mol 20
further INTO particulars at present; but ask my honorable
friend did he not vote for that large appropriation
Mr.. Rp SIX, Tin his seat) did but that was very
Mr.. FOOTE. though, that could not be in error on
this point And now, since my honorable friend from
Texas seems 70 have clearly committed himself hereto
tore on more than one OCCASION by voting appropriations
OF the kind al present asked he will allow me 10 say that
strongly suspect that his opposition to this book
OF Mr. Palmer arises chiefly from the fact that he has
never had an opportunity OF examining carefully and OF
ascertaning Its intrinsic value have too much respect
Tor his taste and Judgment to suppose that hecoud look
INTO the pages OF work so valuable without feeling
something OF sympathy and respect both for the author
and this production OF his genius.
SIR, very extraordinary and unsparng attack has
book on Oregon | shall not attempt Mr. Grcenhow's
defence, though should certainly do SO did consider
him in the least danger from the assaults made upon him
In the controversy IN which he nvolv vera wears
smce believe that the American public almost unani
mously regarded him triumphant II may be allowed
me TO say. though, that know him well, and believe
him to be man OF sterling sense, of excellent attain
mens, and of unqrestloned probiy am glad to know
that he Is now preparing for the press valuable hsor
cal work, portions OF which he has done the honor of
showing me- and venture 10 predict that when that work
shall the light Mr. Greenhow will be able to claim
renown which none OF his detacors OF the present hour
have been able to attain
Mr. President. il is far from my intention to institute
regular comparison between Mr.. Palmer's book and
others, for the publication and distribution Of which we
have heretofore Provded being perfectly mindful of the
Nor shall take upon myself the task of crticsing any
OF those volumes which have formerly been ushered into
the world under the auspices Of this body | have
neither talent taste for the critical VOCATION and If
had am sure that should regard the Senate as
proper place for mere critical dissertations Besides sir
am not sure that should not be what induced to
reco from the peous task OF deciding upon the literary
merits oil Others from apprehension (oftentimes
chance to know most dlsastrously reazed) that the pun
ishment designed for them might return plague tie
rnpentor For not unfrequently does happen that he
who sets himself up the critic OF other mems perform
ances hnds himself in the end stripped OF all claim to the
respect and sympathy OF those whose and friend
snip ne is most solcitous TO gam Indeed, sir have
never looked al the lines which read witi.-
out being forcibly impressed with the ndscreon of such
as take upon themselves, without being called upon
do and without proper qualifications for the task the
difficult and delicate duty OF critcsng the productions of
Others. For, sir
Where's the man, who counsel can bes,ow,
Su pleased TO teacb and yet proud TO know
unblased, or by favor or by spite;
Not duly prepossessed nor blindy right,
Tho learned, webred and though welbred, sincere,
Modesy bold, and humanity severe;
Who TO friend his laurs can freely show
And gladly praise the merits OF a Zoe
BEST with a taste exact, yet unconfned-
knowledge both OF books and human kind
Genrous converse n soul exempt from pride,
And love to praise, with reason on his side"
lie, us never forget that the same author says;
{" It's hard say If greater want OF skill
Appear in writing, or la judging ILL.,
But, of The two, less dangerous is the offence
To tire patience than misead our sense.
Some few In thar, bat numbers rr in this
Ten censure wrong for ono who writes amss."
And again:
" lis not enough your counsels stiu be true
Blunt truths ~ schiefs than nice 70 schools do;
Men must be taught as II You taught them not,
And things unknown proposed as things forgot.
Without good breeding truth is disappfov'd,
That only makes superior sense BELOVED"
Mr.. President beg the Senate TO recoect that the
in progress has been several days pre- adver
tsed 10 the public the Battle OF the Books" Now,
II somehow or other happens that the inmiiabe satire
of Dean Swift, which Is known under this title, contains
several things well worthy OF attention the present
occasion. feel specially called upon 10 read few
tracts from II, IN consequence OF the cruel casgaon
which my exceentin friend Mr.. Palmer has 80 undcsevedy
received as well as By reason OF The ntroduction OF
inquire OF speech here which - OF the most striking
that the Battle OF the Books" | auie, OF
10 the figure of the spder sbricaing his airy
palace from his ntestines You recoeci the intro.
duciion OF that figure Mr. President sure. and you
remember that poor Mr.. Palmer was sadly denounced
and rculed because he had not, in the preparation OF
this book OF his sptdered himself into intestinal
rejoice TO know tina, Dean Swift old not admire the
character Of the spider much that OF the bee
will presently appear; aod before reading the extract
10 which am about TO invite attention. beg leave
that ius, all which said by the good Dean about the
bee and mis- Indu sss habits may be applied Mr. Pal
mer and his book, whilst cbeerfuy leave all that is
said description Of the spider TO wbomsocvcr sbali
you recoilect that this "Balle OF the Books
contest between ancient and modern authors imagined TO
have occurred within the precincts OF the Royal Library
in London. The battle is about commencing;
Thugs this crisis Gays the auhor) when a ma.
teral acc dent ie out For, the highest
large window, there dwet ceraiu spider, swollen up
by deetruc ton OF In finite nn er.
n 4laua al n