Daily American telegraph., 1852-10-28

guished man whom the Wing National Conyen-
ton, after mature delibsration, presented to the
American people as a candidate for the highest
station on earth Many and overwhelming proofs
have, day after day, been given OF his infinite
superiority to the candidate of the Democratic
party, and full and glowing expositions made of
his eminent public services emitting him to the
love and gratitude of his felow-countrymen. We
will not, therefore, "pile Pelion on Ossa," by
producing further arguments to show how wor-
thy he is of all the honor he has heretofore re-
ceived, and all the glory he is hereafter to enjoy;
nor, at this late stage of the political campaign,
when all that could be discovered has been made
known to the people in regard to the past history
of the two candidates, do we intend to make any
further researches into the various incidents of
their lives or to produce testimony to prove or dis
prove any disputed fact heretofore brought for
ward by either party. We merely design to set
once more before our readers, not a comparison
of the two candidates-for that is impossible in
the nature of the case-but contrast of their
respective claims upon the gratitude Of their fell
low citizens, in order that they may then, with
full and clear conviction of duty, throw their
weight in favor of him who may seem to them
most fully deserving of the support Of intelligent
freemen.
But, before reviewing their claims to gratitude
on account of their public services, let US inquire
what are the respective talents and attainments
of Scott and Pierce, and whether either, and
which of them, is capable of discharging, with
honor to himself and his country, the duties of
the Presidency.
| AS for the military talents of Gen. Scott we
think that no American, however warm his polit-
ical feelings deny to him the first place, as
a tactician, in all our broad land; and, indeed,
since the death Of his great contemporary, Well
ington, he may well be regarded as the greatest
of living warriors. But it too frequently hap
pens that the very brilliance of q mans achieve
ments in one pursuit conceals from careless eye
his sterling worth in others; just as many ad-
mirers of the magnificent writings of Burke fail
to perceive his great strength and depth of
thought, on account Of the glorious splendor OF
his Imagination, and the richness of his dction.
So has it been with Gen. Scott. The thunder Of
cannon and the smoke of battle have drowned
and obscured the more unobtrusive deeds of
peace; and political acts, which would have il |
Illustrated an unknown man, have passed almost
unnotced in one who needed not such props to
maintain his undying fame
What opinion have his political opponents of
his civil capacity? Judge Wayne, of the SUI
preme Court of the United States, appointed by |
Andrew Jackson, said, in conversation with a
gentleman at Burnley Springs, Virginia, during
he al fhaf ha had
for the last twenty-five years. and that next to
George Washington, he considered him the most
perfect character our country has produced. He
had seen him tried in various civil capacities, and
in all he had shown himself to be man of the |
first order of talents. He was surprised that any
Wing should object to him. Though differing |
with him in political views, he esteemed him q
devoted patriot. Rev. DR.. Plumer, warm Dem |
ocrat whose judgment will not be called in ques-
tion, considers General Scott the best informed
man, on all subjects, with whom he ever con-
yersed. These are the opinions Of firm Demo
Gratis, who have not allowed their political pre-
judices to blind them to the greatness of fellow
countryman.
What are the talents of Franklin Piercel His
warmest friends have long since ceased to claim
for him the praise of great generalship, or even
of great military prowess. This point needs no
labored argument As for his civil qualifications,
we are of opinion that, other things being equal,
success is the great criterion of ability in any
pursuit. And yet, though the light of lawyer
and a politician is never hid under bushel, but
has every opportunity afforded it to make itself
visible, the light Of Franklin Pierce has been as
that Of farthing candle. He has left on record
no evidences of anything beyond most mod
crate capacity.
| How, then, stand the candidates before the
country? Scott, morally and intellectually, as
well as physically, head and shoulders above
his rival, can point to forty years passed in un-
firing and successful efforts to advance the honor
and glory of his native land. He has reared
vast monument of glory "more lasting than
brass, and frmer than the foundation of the
pyramids" His services can never be forgotten
by his countrymen.
If we be asked to specify his important SER
vices we will refer to the history of the United
States for the last forty years, during no one Of
which has be failed to labor for his country's
welfare. His countrymen know well his deeds.
Franklin Pierce has certainly done nothing as
a lawyer to brighten our history. As states
man, he has done worse than nothing. During
the whole Of his stay at Washington he originated
not solitary public measure but, not satisfied
with doing no good, he did his utmost-that is,
he cast his vote-to defeat all measures whose OBJ
ject was to benefit any body or anything. His
fame lives only in the imagnations of his poti-
cal friends.
And are republics ungrateful? Have our peo-