The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-10-21

on his death bed being visited by gentleman from the
North (himselt formerly democratic member OF Con-
eress) The Old Hero spoke with energy OF Franklin
Perces ability and patriotism aud remarked, il with
prophetic foresight OF his young friends destiny, that
.the interests OF the country would be safe IN such
hands, (Hawthornes Biography
He is modest and besows favor with Joyous spirit
if the benefit entirely his own. without making
others feel an obligation.
"One OF his school fellows" says Hawthorne. speak
ing OF his school days. beng older than most OF his
companions, and less advanced IN his studies. found II
difficult TO keep up with his class; and he remembers
how persevenngy, while the other boys were at play,
franklin Pierce spent The noon recess, for many weeks
together in aiding him in his lessons. These attributes,
proper to generous and aiiectonae nature have re-
manned with him through life"
/ The same author, speaking OF him, says
.At this early period of his life he distinguished
by the fascination OF that has since proved
SO magical in winning him unbounded personal popu
larity fs
at is wronging him, however. call this peculiarly
mere effect OF manners It's source lies deep IN The knd
illness OF hs nature. and in the LIBERAL generous, catholic
sympathy that embraces all who are worthy OF It. Few
men possess anything like it irresistible s so
sure 10 draw forth an undoubng confidence and true
to the promise which it gives This frankness this de-
mocracy of good feeling, has not been chilled by the
society OF politicians. nor polished down into mere conr
esy By his intercourse with the most refined men OF the
day. belongs to him at this moment and will never
leave him."
In his intercourse with he displays that simplicity
Of character which truly belongs to the plain repub
lican, without assuming 10 dictate what others shall
Think what others shall do.
In his speech on removals from office, in the United
States Senate MIR Pierce thus rebnkes TIE whg party for
endeavo' TO influence people by parades for eleconeer-
/ ing purposes He said: "Wih steady and persever
ing purpose you drew away the public mind from mat
ers of national concernment TO exhibitions, shows,
and displays designed TO catch the public eye, lnlame
the lowest and worst passions OF the lowest and most
degraded portion OF our countrymen, While ] never
think OF them without shame for my country without
L rendered
nous The eyes OF tins people iheir Liberties are ~ I'M
minen danger shall remember with pride, 10 The latest
day OF my fe that they were brought 10 the wrong mar
ket in our New England State
He has been educated in the habits Of frugaly which
peculiarly characterize the people OF New Englan
and has always opposed extravaganza in the expendi
| ture OF the peoples money.
| A Washington correspondent OF the Baltimore Sun
thus noticed bis career and character;
General Franklin Pierce arrived here on Saturday
from Mexico This gallant officer is on his way 10 New
Hampshire, visit 10 his family. The genera is a
young man. and forcibly reminds me OF the generals OF
the revolution Full OF TALENT without pretension and
| full OF military capacity, without military BON bast"
He is of industry; he is constant worker, and
he looks upon labor only necessity but as priv
ege He will tolerate no drones al the government CRIB.
His congressional life, though il made comparatively
little show full oi labor directed TO substantial OBJ
ec,s He was member OF the judiciary and other I'M
porant committees; and the dTudgery OF the committee
room, where much OF the real public business OF the
country is transacted fell in large measure TO his lot
Thus legislator he may be said 10 have been
of deeds not words and when he spoke upon any
subject with which his duty chairman member of
committee had brough, him in relation. bis words had the
weight OF deeds from the meaning the drecness and the
truth that he conveyed into them" (Hawhorne)
He is practical man. blinded by passions, distracted
/ BY no theories,
| Ia $40 when Mr. Pierce presented a memorial 10 the
United Staes Senate fayorng congress OF nations, he
said Although do not concur in all the views ex
pressed by The memoraiss, entertain Tor their opinions
a high respect"
ony to say that when gentlemen will move upon this
subject with enlarged views and just object they shall
not want my humble aid Fortunately Tor myself, baye
the honor 10 represent here IN fact constituency who
Judge men by their acts and not by their words. To them
| commit the record OF my votes in both wings OF this
Capitol they may be somewhat more endarng and salts
factory than any professions which may pass away with
the breath that ullers Them" (Speech IN the United States
Senate March 4, lSio)
lie is democratic in his habits and manners free and
/ omen with all who approach him. without CONFRONT.
sing the dignity which belongs 10 proper sei-respect
"a little while ago, after his return from Mexico, he
darted the street TO exchange hearty gpe OF the
4 hand with a rough countrynaa upon his CARA man
who used live with his father the general ex
planned the matter 10 hs companions" (Hlwtborne)
II He is a consistent politician.
. Cen Pierce and William r. King have both been
brought up IN the true democratic faith, and spent the
lives among the straes OF their sect They hon.
men, long tried in public life, possessing talents abun
dan,y adequate TO The successful discharge OF every duty
and private characters above all cav and eproach They
have been fairly nominated, and ought TO receive aud
am confident will receive the vote OF every single mind
ed democrat in the country II my life spared, they
shall have mine" (M Van Buren)
lie lei plain democrat of the old school, and will fayo
economy, wi,hou, being mean justly liberal, without
being extrayagant
"When il was proposed TO reduce the salary OF tn,
Commissioner OF Pensions, whose labor great ane
whose experience was OF much consequence to govern
ment. Mr. Pierce made very clear and convincing
speech adverse 10 such movement He rebuked thos.
who INDUCED 10 the habit of proposing re,renchmen
graduated 10 the false scale OF dollars and cents. ant
without due reference 10 the wants Of government OF h,
interests OF the people.
general idola,ry and when have man in a station
OF this Importance, upon whose decisions millions de
pend my iudg nent teaches that, sensible and pao
uoal men, had better not, for the paltry consdera
ton Of five hundred dollars annually risk the great IN
tersss lodged in that bureau"
After making a statement OF facts which fully sus
tanned his views, be pays the following handsome com
plimen TO the Office holders 10 the departments at Wash
ingon 4" LET do what is manifestly right said he
" and leave the responsibility of the wrong wher. II be
longs, II this proposition embraced IN a genera
scheme OF reduction which would be relatively Just
should perhaps have nothing TO object; though thin.
very erroneous impressions entertained with regar
to the amount OF labor performed In the various office,
here, the ability and diligence which the subordinate off
GERS bring TO the performance OF that labor, and th
amount OF saaTv that s indispensable for their families
| cannot omit this opportunity TO remark that my ac
quaintance with those officers has led TO form hgf
estimate OF their characters. They oilers the,
earn their bread Go into any OF the various Offices
you will find deficiency of those qualities which con
stute the efficient officer and good citizen" (Speeci
. g. q Il