Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-02-16
GEN EOOTE.

Ten. cote. as our readers well KNOW. pfeFI-
GUS to his withdrawal from the federal coun-
els, proposed that Congress should reaffirm the
principles of pacifcation contained liz the Com
promise measures. His recent course in rela-
ton to them had given him prominence in the
public eyes to which the grade of his abilities
did not entitle him, and which will, when the
history of the times comes to be written, as
sociate his name with the most celebrated
names in the country. He certainly well de-
serves the celebrity which he has obtained, for
in that important crisis he not only proved that
he had a good head, but that he had likewise,
that which is more rarely met with in the po-
litical circles of Washington, an honest heart.
Strengthened and in a great measure upheld
and directed by his great co-labourers, Webster
and Clay, he rendered the most valuable service
to the cause of the Union. To courage, which
even skepticism could not doubt, he united in
dustry knowledge, and practiced ability. Thus
equipped he was ever foremost in the fight, be
ing spurred on by enthusiasm which nothing
could damp. Throughout that season of public
apprehension, we have no doubt that this gallant
gentleman animated by the highest and
purest motives His reputation having been
blown ever the whole country new ideas enter
ed his head, and it occurred to him of what use
he to make of an almost universal popularity.
We regret, that at this. juncture, his public, or
at least his Senatorial life, could not have been
brought to a close. We would then have been
spared the unpleasant task of adding qualifca-
tions to praise which we have bestowed with
no parsimonious hand. Having in so essential
a manner served his country, Mr.. Foote thought
he was thenat liberty to serve himself and null
tiply his chances Of plucking much coveted
prize. 1t is to be regretted that in carrying out
this project, he should have thought it necessary,
in a measure, to retrace his steps, and reagitate
question, the final settlement of which, he had
before told us was essential to the peace of the
country. But we suppose he thought that a
temporary agitation of it, until after the new vice
Presidential candidate was chosen by his party,
could do no great harm, whilst it might make his
own political fortunes. If we are correct in our
speculations upon Mr.. Foote motives, no one
can pretend to defend so unworthy a stratagem.
We admit the great offices of the government to
be the lawful prizes of ambition. But to seek
again.to open the wounds of his country, that he
might have a second time the honor of binding
them up, and all to advance personal ends, is
passing beyond the bounds of representation.
This leaven is found in the hearts ofall distin-
guished public men. All politicians except al
ways the unparalleled Washington, have ever
had, their schemes ofpersonal advancement. In
one respect they resemble the heavenly bodies,
having at the same time general and particular
revolution. Whilst the best of them in the main
aim at the public good, each one at the same TINA
revolves around the axis of self-interest. In Or
der to be able to calculate with any degree of
certainty the course of any one Of these lumina-
ries, we must ever be mindful to keep in view
this double motion. With this clue we shall be
able to thread that most intricatS and obscure
labyrinth, politicians heart, and to solve many
an enigma in his actions The only reason that
we single out Mr. Foote for remark, is that we
think he has adopted means of an inexcusable
character to advance his private aims After
an alarming crisis has passed away, things as
naturally return to their ancient order and men
to their old positions water after violent agi-
taton, to its condition of repose, and sediment to
itsquiet depths.