The daily union., 1852-11-11
FIsm tho Boston Times
Political Reminiscences OF Boston.


The subjoned "reminiscences of the history of parties
in Boston in The early part OF the present century far
nlshed 10 the Albany Argus by correspondent natlve
OF Boston, and al that time printer OF The city:
The embargo, and the declaration OF with Great
Britain which soon followed That event. we'll remember
and The leading men and events OF those times. Party
spirit ragged with great fury and violence even unto
bloodshed, in the OF Selfrdge and young Aus
TIM The fatal result caused violent and fearful commo-
ion by the popuace. Serdge was hung IN eftgy on a
limb OF the "great tree" Boston Common. and lear
dwelling houses of obnoxious individuals.
Young Austin's life sacrificed in State street. at
noon day, consequence OF his avowa OF design TO
chaslsc the man who had attacked the honor OF his
father AS this sad affair ended in the death OF prom
sng aud talented young gentleman, the pride and hope
of venerable iather and the particulars were given 10
the world years ago. il is not worth while 10 revive
them. Seridge was tried Tor murder and acquitted.
The federal party q, ,hal time was popular u Massa'
ulary in Boston the headquarters Of good principles
as called, par excellence. bacchanalian song
sung by The fedealiss on festive occasions, remember
commenced thus:
Federal and federal measures.
Federal women and federal pleasures"
The opposition TO the embargo, and the that fol-
lowed OF the most violent il no, reasonable, charac
ter such az some OF The most prominent head
ing gangs OF and forcbly taking away Of their
sells and caTgoes from the custody OF the officers OF The
government remember memorable instance OF this
kind. Cornees c. Coolidge. merchant and active pol
ilican, headed and shipped determined band himself,
went down to the outer habor, where his ship was de-
tanned for cause, and triumphantly brought her up
All the public journals in Boston save one denounced
both the embargo and in the most vehement and bit
ter terms the most prominent OF which, and at tina;
Sentinel conducted by Benjamin Russell, while only one
solitary press sustained the OF the government
called the Independent Chronicle by adams and Rhoades
To this Journal Benjamin Austin. the father OF young
AUSTIN a constant contributor the signatures OF
g Honesus." and Old South" He vigorous and
able political writer, but orator, did he aspire
IN 4 hat cha al hay
casionaly in " Faneuil Hall" and elsewhere.
The wealth. the talents the influence. it must be con
fessed. greatly preponderated with the fedealiss al
though they had BY no means the monopoly The demo-
cratic party almost in hopeless minority, but they
fought their political adversares with courage and de-
votion deserving of success Among The great leaders
of the federal party Harrison Gray . is, Josiah
Quincy, senior Israel Thoncike, Thomas Il. Perkins,
George Cabot, and host of others Of equal eminence.
Mr.. Otis was dolized by the masses. He fin.
shed and accomplished gentleman by birth, education.
and fortune Possessing an elegant and graceful figure,
with great suaviy OF manners, he was ever ready 10
treat the humbest citizens with kindness and attention.
lawyer by professlon he stood alone at the forum
tribune of the people without rival His eloquence
and graceful manner were sure TO carry all hearts, the
ury or the popular mind The iDonaons OF his voice
of the most pleasing kind. second not think,
TO those of the departed statesman and patriot, Henry
Clay himself n. had been representative and senator
in Congress, where be had greatly distinguished him.
self.
While one after another OF the great men Of the day
were leaving the sinking ship, (he federal one) Mr.
had been president OF the senate OF Massachusetts, and
years previous 10 his death mayor of Boston. He
was highly esteemed in private life, and OF
great purity OF character But the Hartford Convention
whatever ay have been its object sealed his political
faith He the leading spirit in that assembly Mr..
Quincy also possessed great talents and influence with
his party but did not have the qualities Of Mr. OTIS for a
popular leader. His learning and eoquence of a
high order
will here remark. Mr.. Editor. that make no pre-
tensions to being erudte ! am therefore not competent
institute comparisons between those distinguished
orators But il may be permitted 10 draw portrait
my unsopbisticated way, would rank Mr. Ots's
oraory the refined, the classical, and the polished
Mr. Quncy's as the bold massive, emphatic, and i'm
pressive.
The democratic party, however, as foron they
seemed without favorle leaders and orators OF
great merit The most prominent that now remember
the two Austins, Benjamin, e. Honesus,") and
James T.. formerly attorney general OF the State Of
George Blake, United States district at
torney; Major Melville, DR.. Ingalls,, and others. What
they lacked in wealth and influence they made up by
talents and indomabe courage and perseverance.