American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-04-12
STRUCTURES ON "LUCIUS."
= Will-o'- -the-wisp.

| To The Editors Of the american Telegraph
| GENTLEMEN: In the well-written and inter
estng article of your correspondent Lucius,"
on the members of the present Administration,
and Thomas Corwin in particular, occurs this
expression: "Such a man is Daniel Webster,
such man is Henry Clay, such man is Tho
mas Corwin. And these are the men who are
most likely to prove favorites with the masses,
and for this reason-that they are practical
men,"
! While fully agree with the writer in all he
says, or can say, in praise Of the individuals
worthy of all praise, still, in point of fact is it
true--has it ever been true-that Webster,
Clay, and Corwin are 'favorites g with the
maSSes?"
Any one familiar with the history of the last
twenty years will answer. Are Mr. Clay's re-
peated defeats, as a candidate for the presi-
dency, evidence of his popularity with the
masses?
Is the fact that Mr.. Webster's own party
(after the most valuable services his part,
in the councils of the nation) have never pre-
sented his name as candidate for the Presi-
dency, evidence of his popularity with the
q masSes9'
But let me turn to Mr. Corwin. The hand
some compliments paid him by " Lucius" are
deserved. He might have gone further, with
out exhausting deserved encomium. The re-
mark which Junius makes on Pitt will apply:
" Recorded honours shall gather around his
monument and thicken over him" But, is
Thomas Corwin popular with the masses? l
well recolect the mastery effort "Lucius"
speaks Of. Hundreds-thousands- and re-
read that speech with delight. 1t was remark
able, and singular, in viewing the Mexican war
in its moral aspect-as digrace to the country
and age. But, taking the masses, it was only
here and there that the sentiments of that great
speech found responsive feelings. Mr. Corwin
was branded as the enemy of his country, and
his name was cast out" as evil by the blind
advocates Of the dogma, "Our country, right
or wrong"
| Had /" Lucius" said that such men as Web
ster, Clay, and Corwin should be popular with
the masses, the remark would have been strictly
| true.
But my object is not so much to speak of the
actual popularity of these great and good men,
who deserve universal esteem, as on the subject
Of popular favor generally, its uncertainty, and
the causes which acquire it.
The world bestows its honors, favors and
applause singularly and capriciously. The his
tory of man will prove that intellectual superb
ority has not been as well rewarded as brute
force; that those who destroy have been more
popular with the masses than those who build.
The intellectual Cicero could not withstand the
ignorant and brutal Anthony; Aristides fell
before popular violence. The virtues of hosts
of good, great, and wise men in all times have
been the very causes Of their unpopularity with
the masses.
The masses cannot understand and estimate
at the proper value the services of the states
man and politician. Had Henry Clay saved his
country, like Camillus, by casting his sword
into the balance, instead of exerting his elo-
quence in the national councils, and effecting
the same result, he would long since have been
President Had Alexander Hamilton been n
great warrior, instead Of the most practical
man this country has ever produced, his
memory would not have so long been abhorred
by the masses. The truth is, n man, to be
popular with the masses, must appeal To their
senses. The masses can better und erstand
military array than argument. The pomp Of
military display-the sounding canrlon-the
floating plume-thc glittering sword the clat-
tcring drum, can be better under stood than
political principles, great truths, and the causes
of certain political results. They look to the
turmoil Of the battlefield with more interest
than to the quiet of the counsel-cI lamber.
They forget that single m easure in the
shape of lava single principle in constitu-
tion-may affect, and does affect, the interests Of
all; that the defeat Of bad mn ,asure, and the
success Of a good one, may teU on tho happi.
ness Of millions They forget that it has been
the thinkers, rather than the fighters, in this
country, from its rise to the pI 'esent time, whc
have effected the most good, They have MOI