The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-06-18
nsn. ]. n. ssfrisp.

The New Orlsans Picoysns contains the fol
lowing notice Of this distinguished gentleman.
aMR. BERRIES.--Mr. Berrien, of Georgia
sent in his resignation and retired from the
United States Senate on the 29th uit. The
term for which he was elected ends next March,
and successor has been already chosen In
Robert Toombs. Mr.. Berrien resigned once
before, several years ago. with view OF with
drawing entirely from public life, but was In
duced 10 reconsider his determination, and either
Withdrew his resignation or was elected 10 NIL
the vacancy made by his own resignation. Our
impression is that the legislature re elected him.
This, however, may be considered his final
withdrawal from public life; and thus another
of the veterans OF the United States Senate has
passed away from the public eye Mr.. Berrien
has never been popular leader, or mere party
chief, but has. nevertheless, ranked for many
years among the Oldest members Of the United
States Senate and stood in the front rank when
it numbered sneh men as Calhoun, Clay, Web
ster, Wright, Buchanan, Crlttenden and their
giant conipeers. His legal opinions always
carried great weight with the Senate, and his
habits OF patient investigation were to exhaust
every subject to which lie devoted his attention.
He invariably maintained dignity of deport.
ment and high courtesy of manners, which
gave him much personal influence among his
brother Senators.
Mr.. Berren is, we believe, native of New
Jersey, but the greater portion of his life has
been spent in the service of his adopted State !;
and Southern constitutional rights have had no
frmer supporter or more able advocate than
Jno. Mcpherson Berrier, of Georgia.
" His national services have, we believe, been
confined to Congress, and to short term as
Attorney General of the United States in Gen
Jackson's first cabinet, place which he left
when the "unit was broken up 10 1912
at is curious fact in political history that
five of the leading Wing Senators in Congress
ut the present session were in 1872 strong
supporters Of the Jackson administration, viz :
Berrien and Dawson of Georgia Mangum and
Badger, of North Carolina, and Bell, of Ten.
nessee--a fact which might teach the lesser class
of politicians lesson of moderation in the ex-
preston of their own political opinions and Of
consideration in pratipg of the change of position
of Others towards men and parties. In the
cooler times Of party, these men are found acting
under different leaders and opposite party ban
ners and vet there is no doubt but they have
satisfied their own consciences, and ii is certain
that they have lost nothing in public esteem. II
were we'll always to remember that change OF
position is not always change of principle, and
that change of principle may be a merit, in
stead of fault; and that though names may
once in while decide elections, and affect the
immediate fortunes of men, the rewards of indie.
incidence are for the most part certain in the
general appreciation of the world.
Mr. Berrien, like Mr.. Clay, has been on the
losing side, mostly, in his political relations,
and has once or twice deliberately chosen the
weaker for opinions sake. In his age, he reaps
the reward of universal esteem"