The daily union., 1852-09-11
General scott a statesman.

General Scott a Statesman.
Since the nomination of Gen. Scott the whg press have
made the marvellous discovery that he is not only the
foremost of all this world in military renown, but
that he is also statesman of mature experience of pro-
found wisdom, and prophetic sagaciiy. When and in
what General Scott con.rived 10 become SO fa-
miliarly conversant with public affairs, and accom-
pshed master OF the science OF government, whig
politicians do not degnto inform us, norris il easy
lecture. Such commonplace morias as Edmund Burke,
Daniel Webster and John c. Calhoun exhausted the
energies OF lifetime in the attempt master the vast
and profound science Of government and even then were
sensible that their utmost attanments limited and
inadequate 1t possible that the whg candidate has
invented "short and easy method" for attaining
competent knowledge OF public afairs-has discovered
royal road TO statesmanshipor else comprehends
by intuition what other learn only by the laborous
process OF study and practices for If General Scott
be the statesman he is represented by the adua-
ton of partisan writer's, he has become such without
the aid OF those opportunities and facilities by which
other men, all ages and countries, have attained to
knowledge Of political philosophy, and skill in the ad-
mnisaon of government II is true that in early life
he a student OF law, but that he a proficient in
the profession the tradition OF his above efforts at the
bar concusvely contradcts Nor has he in his subse.
queni career given the least evidence Of legal learning
except. his familiar acquaintance with the doc
trnes taught in the "Appendix TO fuckers edition OF
Backsones Commentaries" His life has been spent in
The camp. He has made the science OF his exclu-
sive study. Any attention which he may have bestowed
upon civil affairs has been occasional and superficial,
when he impelled by the stimulus OF ambition TO
6gure politician. The habits OF military life have
given cast and complexion 10 his character They have
stamped upon his mind peculiar bias They have made
him obstinate and dictatonsl-impaent Of contradic
ton-unwilng TO show respect 10 the opinions OF 9TH
ers-incapabe OF laborious investigation, OF calm and
comprehensive survey OF a subjec-hasty and violent in
his resentmens, envious jealous, and trucuen 0tha,
caution that dspassionate disposition, and that
ing sagacity which mankind agreed 10 deem es-
sential TO the character OF the statesman, General
Scott possessed in the slightest degree So inva.
aby have soldiers by trade been made the tools OF sub
lie civilians when they presumed 10 medde in political al
fairs tha, the simplicity Of the soldier is regarded much
an attribute OF his character his violence OF his vaor
For this quality-ibs want Of tact and ssgacy---ihis
facility Of being hoodwnked, invegled, and bamboo.
zed-of being controlled by the hatlery and fawning OF
willy sycophants- Scott is now and has always
ed apprehension that he would, II elected. become the
supple though unconscious instrument Of Seward
Besides these defects OF education, General Scott pos.
sesses certain traits OF character and constitutional pro-
pensities which totally dsquay him for the wise and
safe administration OF the difficult and awuly RESPONSE.
bic duties OF the presidency. In fact his military edaca
on has bat served 10 develop monsrous prominence
the naive characteristics OF his mind Inflated with
concei OF his own wisdom, he would disdan TO suen-
der his opinions to the suggestions OF others OF
roxant and arbitrary disposition. he would brook no re-
sraint or opposition, and would inevitably, il elected 10
the presidency involve the executive in difficulties with
the other departments Of the government In every ee
men native acquired essential TO the character OF the
statesman and tie wise ruler the whg candidate is de-
plorsbly deficient
But what the evidences OF Gen Scotfs saiesmanshp
and where the instances OF bis skill in the admnsa-
ton OF public afars' His public letters. we presume
will be adduced in proof Of his saiesnanshp they are
his only essays in the province Of politics And very re-
markabe epises they are, bu, not all calculated the
opinion OF intelligent persons to reaec, credit upon their
author They are medley Of contradictory opinions, OF
shallow thought, Of incorrect assertion, and Of inco
berent reasoning. Take the system Of naturalza.
ton propounded by General Scott bis various letters
and essays, and say il anything could possibly be
absurd and mpractcable. mind conscious Of its own
mcapacy will be apt 10 lean for support upon another and
to adopt the suggestions Of persons competent TO advise
Bot Cen Scott, having some crude and superficial no.
tons Of civil Affairs and possessed with the conceit that
he il as sagscous statesman the country contains, will
o.pa,ey disregard the counses Of the truly wise, and
rashy follow out his own conceptions 10 politics esPe
cially is little learning dangerous thing. Safer far
an executive like the present sovereign Of Great Britain,