The republic., 1851-06-07
From the 81. Louis hntelligencsr.
Senator Douglas.

There are few politicians in the country who are
more extensively known than the "little giant"
from Illinois; and fewer still, perhaps, who have
SO strong hold upon the affections of the parties
with which they are associated. All who know
Judge Douglas personally. will concede that there
is much about him to captvae the affections of the
multitude. "Frce and easy" in his manners, alta
bic in his department. with just enough of dignity
"put on to compensate for his diminutive size and
to give him the proper degree of Importance, but
with not enough to render it ofensvc-with merry
sparkle of the eye, and decided penehant for
good joke, with cordial grip Of the hand, and
ther extraordinary conversational talent, the
Judge, 1t must be confessed, is most agreeable
companion, and on the whole "taking" sort of
man. But he has much higher attributes than
these His style Of oratory, though somewhat ver-
bose and inflated, is, nevertheless, brilliant and
captivating, and when he gets upon stills Gas such
short apt to do OCCASIONALLY you nre
never in dread lest he may tumble down awkward
ly, but he descends gracefully rope dancer,
and then cuts an extra flourish, to convince you
that he did not feel himself in any danger. The
Judge is also shrcwd observer of passing events,
and ia fully posted up in the political maneuvrcs
OF the day. In other words, he is always "widc
awake" and is accurately informed con which
side his bread is buttered." With quick per-
ception, always prompt in an emergency, and
extremely dexterous N relieving himself from an
awkward predicament, with happy clocution
and very good share of general information, the
Judge is always respectable, and sometimes for
midablcin debate. Rather brilliant than profound,
witty and piquant, rather than logical and didac-
tic, he makes the most of his talent and is always
listened to with interest. As party leader he
is popular and effective, and very seldom COM
| t. t...Ix- -
faur pas. Withal, the Judge is western man,
with western manners, habits, and feelings, and
we must do him the justice to say, that we think
he is sincerely devoted to western interests pro-
vided, always that the aforesaid interests are not
in conflict with some favorite party movement. az
was the case with the River and Harbor bill at the
last session. As much he s devoted to the Wcst,
he is more devoted to party, proven in the
case VIC have cited. The Judge, however, has some
qualities that we greatly admire. He was firm and
decided in his advocacy of the Compromisc, and
his course throughout the slavery agitation far
as advised, has been firm, consistent, and
patriotic. His conduct at Chicago, during the cx-
citement about the Fugitive Slave bill, commanded
the respect of the whole country. On the whole,
he is Of the most prominent of those from whom
the Democracy to select their standard bearer
at the next Presidential race, and from present in.
dications the choice is most likely to fall on him.
However much we may differ from Judge ID. in
politics, can but admire the admirable tact and
perseverance, with which he has struggled from
obscurity and poverty into his present high posi-
ton. He has risen to distinction with unprecc-
dcnted rapidity. But few years ago he was a
poor and obscure attorney, but little known even
in his own State Since then he has filled many
honorable posts in Illinois, is now one OF her Sem
aiors in Congress, and prominent aspirant TO the
Presidency. His history should prove an instruc-
| tive lesson to the youth Of the country.
But if the Judge should be the Democratic nomi-
nee, the Whigs may fit to defeat him with the
"tailor boy" who has already risen from his hum
bic trade to the Presidential chair and il now not
only the leader Of his party but the Chief MAgis.
trate Of great nation.