Richmond semi-weekly times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 184?-1853, 1852-06-11

sidered. 1t may be called legitimate greatness
such as the head OF man approves, and his heart
recognises. 1t is in short ability and efficiency for
great empoyments. To the reproach of this kind
of greatness, if in the eyes of his countrymen it
be reproach, Mr. Webster must bow in silence
BY natural intellect combined with vast acquire
ments, long experience and profound reflection, he
is the greatest statesman of his country. Will any
politician gobelore the people and make this OBJ
lection to him ct this is the OBJ lection ifthere
be any at all. Substitute for the name of great
man, the TERMS an able and efficient man for
great employment, and the objection vanishes.-
| Every man becomes ashamed of it.
1t Is a plain maxim of political economy-it is
dictate OF common sense, that if you want an agent
to transact any business great or small, select a
a man VINO is the abest and most fit to do it. Is
TINS dictate OF common sense and sound political
economy to be discarded in making President?
Mankind are so constituted, as to admire ability
and efficiency, for the performance of any
honest and pralseworthy employment. | would
f.ther see good shoemaker, than poor politi-
| clan.
Ii by some magic power, should have the au-
horlty conferred upon me to select public officers
| would endeavor to be guided by this plain max
! I'm have stated. If wanted Commander to
lead our army to the field, and to raise our STAN
dard upon the loftiest battlements of the enemy
would select General Scott. If wanted naval
and untur our flag to the battle and breeze, Com
modore Stockton, should be my man. If wanted
Chlef Executive Officer of the Government, to
carry the country safely through all politica COM
motions and difficulties at home and abroad, and
by his profound craftsmanship, elevate the glory
OF his country among the nations of the EARTH and
give them assurance OF man, would present
you with Daniel Webster. Immense cheering.)
have now gentlemen pointed out the difficult
ty. The remedy will at suggest itself TO all
oty YOU 1t Is TO remove that difficuty-let the no.
ton be discarded, that the people of this country
| cannot distinguish and appreciate their greatest
public man. If this is done and he is presented
as candidate before that people, his election is
sure Every effort should be made by every right
thinking man to put down this gross and danger
Gus heresy.
There are some further topics which. to nv
mind, are OF great importance, to be considered,
but am afraid have already trespassed too long
upon your patience. (Cries of ego only
The considerations am going to present have,
l must confess, operated very powerfully on N.Y.
self. in leading me to the course have taken; for
| as have told you, discard all personal conside-
ratons in the matter of this grave and important
character to the country.
Whoever has attentivey viewed the course of
public affairs among u.s. must have perceived that
the standard of qualification for high offices has
been gradually lowered 1t has been seen and
felt and deeply deplored. The natural conse-
quence has been that the bonds of Government
are relaxed, and are becoming more and more
loose. Treason is no longer in public estimation,
what treason was some thirty or forty years ago.
1t certainly is not owing to any prejudice on
the part OF the people against the most able and
| efficient mon, for the reasons have already ex-
planned.
But, whatever may be the cause, every good
man must be impressed with the importance of
ada md
There is a tendency under all free Governments
to great variety OF opinions, especially on pub
Tic affairs. When men are free to speak and think
they will think differently. Many men will have
many minds Where there is man OF a large and
comprehensive grasp of mind, there are hundred
active sharp, subtle but narrow inteects. The pride
OF opinion in these men is always the strongest
They look only at one side, and hence they see
no difficulties AS Sir William Temple says,
'lhelr own reason they make the certain STAN
dard OF Truth, and their knowledge of what
is posi- Bile in Nature.'
In all free Governments, the central power must
be more or less weakened, and that of the local
| municipalities increased. This is requisite, in or
der to spread among the people a practical
knowledge of public affairs, and, to prepare and
fit them to watch their liberties. But the nat
ural result of it Isl to multiply indefinitely among
the people, divisions ofopinion upon public affairs.
Party spirit is thus engendered, and it becomes
continually more and more prevale Patriot
ism, which is supposed to be the great and essen
tial element of Republicanism yields to the
influences of these divisions, and men give
| up to party what belongs to their country. Hence
the maxim so often met with in political writings
shat faction and discord are the bane of all Repub
lies. These political divisions lead to general IL
centiousness, and men of propriety, character, of
peaceful and conservative dispositions become
ready to take refuge in some strong Government.
aI inf 1,o1 Lotto ap,It
lie.
But when this popular dissension assumes sec
tional character, the danger is increased and
brough Sectiopsa enlisted against sections.
1t is not only contest between parties, but be-
tween parties occupying separate and large terri
tories of the country. Animosity is hence dou-
bly, increased and responsibility in the same
ratio diminished. If this Government should
fall, it will more probably break up into sectional
fragments long before party RIGHTEOUSNESS pre-
pares the public mind for the introduction of a
stronger government.
What is the remedy? We are unwilling to
increase the power of the General Gov ernment.
But we may increase its moral power and inhu-
ence-and that is to be done by raising instead
of lowering the standard of qualification for high
offices. This is not to be done by dffusing the
idea that the man best qualified is too great for the
people. Act in public affairs every prudent
man does in his private affairs Employ those
best qualified and fitted for the business be done.
This remedy will be found effectual. We have
only to look back upon our past political history.
| Whenever great mind has been at the head of
this Goyernsaent he has been able to carry on the
Government with much efficiency, notwithstan
ding party dissensions. Such was the case with
Washington and Jefferson.
Does any one believe that this remedy, or that
any remedy at all is not needed! We have,
am aware, been accused as people of being
little vain gorous-of thinking do any
thing and everything, and yet, that under the in
huence of our manifest destiny, all will be Safe
Let no one suppose exempted from the
common lot of humanity. Let no take that