The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-07-21
Gen, FRANKLIN PIERCE.
[CoNrINUED.1l

his speeches that were widely circulate
was one on revolutionary claims, whic
was pronounced "a maserly analysis,
sound in its principle and construction
and thorough in its business details Hi
speech on the Florida war, also, was com
mended as dignifed vindication OF III
administration against the party assault
that had been made omit "New Hamp
shire" said the Boston Post, June l9
1910, s'has just cause of pride in he
youthful senator. To grace and mod
esty of manner, which always attrac
when he addresses the Senate, he has ad
ded severe application TO business, and
thorough knowledge of his subject in al
its relations. and hence il is, though on,
Of the youngest. he is one of the most in
fuental in the distinguished body of which
he is member. Without seeking popu
larity as debator, Mr. Pierce, in the quie
and untiring pursuit of public duty, and
the.conscientious discharge of private re-
sponsibility, has acquired permanent
reputation, which places him among the
most useful and efficient public men in the
country. Long may he enjoy it!'
. In 1910 the presidential contest occur
red that resulted in the election OF Gener-
al Harrisonas President. General Pierce
engaged in this struggle with his character
istic zeal ard energy; and his services
were much sought for and were freely
given. Though others Of the sons of the
Granite State, and its press, were equally
Jealous, yet it was owing much to his large
personal influence that the State remained
firm when other democratic States Welded
to the storm. Though a change of rulers
was effected, yet the financial policy upon
which the democratic party stood remains
unchanged, and is now daily vindicating
itself by its quiet, benefcent, and efficient
action.
1t was after such contest, in which
might temporarily prevailed over right
in which, so far as platforms were con.
cerned on the whig side, all was loose, in
definite, uncommittal, excepting only the
generous ,5r-n~ts,-ef- ef-beite+-.iaas ss, and ea
the democratic side were The f-anIcest dac5I
laration OF principles. and bollesi discus
sion of policy-that Mr.. Pierce re.entered
the Senate at the extra session called by
President Harrison. Then New Hamp.
shire made herself heard and felt in way
that drew towards her the eyes Of the
whole country. Mr. Pierce's colleague
was Levi Woodbury., fresh from the Treas
lry Department, with large financial
experience, ready statistics, and great ana.
ytical ability. Mr.. Pierce was chagrned
at the unfair manner in which his party
lad been overthrown. Democrats in that
body were in minority, and, is not un-
ust TO add, in the presence of dictato-
'ial and overbearng majority, more will
ing to act than TO defend their action.
The debates of this extra session speak
or themselves, Levi Woodbury. not mere
y refuted the electioneering financial
'tatements Of whig orators. but most sue
,essfully encountered all who attempted to
,ontroyert him; and it is not too much to
Iay that there was no match on financial
POINTS for him in the Senate. and he abso-
utely Waterlooed his antagonists. Frank
in Pierce was not behind his colleague,
md did not hesitate to encounter even Mr.
Webster in the debates. On one COCA
ion he occupied the morning hour of three
lays June 80, July and Q, 184l) in
peech characterized by such scathing
exhibition of facts, such closeness Of rea-
oning, such force Of eloquence, as to
ender il one fit to be made in such a body.
This effort, on removals from Office, was
,armly commended and widely circulat-
d by democratic journals. And iffgures,
n the hands Of Woodbury., made havoc ,
With the fancy financial statements Of whig
eaders, professions as to prescribing pro-
cription, compared with the facts Of the ,
emovals from office, in the hands of ,,
PIERCE, made most discredtable exhibit
t whig partisan tactics. "That reno.
ais" he exclaimed, "have occurred, is
ot the thing Of which complain. COM
lain Of your hypocrisy. ] charge that
our press and your leading orators made !
romises to the nation which they did not
1tend to redeem, and which they now
ainly attempt 70 cover up by cobwebs." !,
In I842 Mr.. Pierce had served nine
ears in Congress-. He was one Of the i
oungest men who have held seat in i
ther branch, having attained but little
'ore than the constitutional age when he
'ok his seat both ip the House and the
enate, and yet his bearing was such as
have, made its mark on the public men
the time. Gentlemen of all parties .
ear willing testimony to the high sense Of i
onor, the general utility, the unyarying h
,urtesy, that marked his course. He i
on the reputation, and il is no small #
le., Of being avaluable member Of both q
in attending to the bu- 9
ness Of his committees, with real work \
him, and with great debating talent to n
esent his case clearly and efficiently {
his sort Of labor makes but little show, Il
It IL most useful and valuableto con- :
the country, His reputation i
that time, as a man, is thus concsely I