Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-04-15
From the National Democrat.
Literary Stafcsmen.-PoIftical Success.

Literary Statcsmen.-PoIitical Success.
The French statesmen have contradicted by their
position The aphorism that excellence in pursuit
is the sufficient labor of life. In America and Eng.
land the leaders of party have been much occupied
with achieving and retaining power that literary re-
putaton would be incumbrance rather than an as
sstance 10 their But in France literature has
been ladder to the highest honors in the political
world
Nj. Guizot, on the strength of his fame as his,o-
ran, called from the university to rule vast and
turbulent people and NJ The,s excluded from office,
won the confidence of the nation by his History of the
Times of Napoleon. Even science in France has led
to high political rank for Cuvier though occupied in
the reconcile pursuits. sat for many years as pre-
siden of the Committee of The Council of State. And
certainly ii would be strange if those pursuits which
require and call forth the greatest power and energy of
mind should unfit for the display fthose quail
ties in action.
In no civilized countries is literature so little es-
eemed in England and America. Once ii was not
50 in England for literary talent secured Addison,
Steele, and Swift political importance and Shates-
bury and Bongbroke increased their fame as states
men by writing philosophical essays. But in Ameri-
Cd we have had no instance of rising to high honors
as statemen through literary fame And yet we are
inclined to believe that, if the road to power with us
were more open 10 ability, and requ ed less petty in
rgue and party suhserviency, the talents which have
| received the highest development in literature and
science, would soon assume superiority over those
who have known only the hustle of active life.
Some, indeed, may doubt whether the French liter
deurS make good statesmen, but it is certain that the
French statesmen make admirable authors. The
works of student resemble too often hot house
plants without strength of maturity; but those of a
man who has mixed in the affairs of the world are
hardy and vigorous, like the shrubs which has stood
the storms and SHOWS of winter. 1t was thus that
Neibuhr, after ten years spent in active empoyments
came, with mind of human interests to the study OF
Roman history. Thus Dante, driven from the govern.
ment OF his native city, gave Immortality 10 the feuds
which expelled him. And Petrarch, the counsellor oil
sovereigns, found time amid active life to write his
sonneis. Descares laid down the sword 10 build his
fame metaphysics and mathematics Bacon, though
Lord Chancellor, did not the less give norum orcGnun
TO the world and Milton just escaped with his life
from the vengeance OF the king, poured forth that d.
vine strain which jusies the ways Of God TO man
| 1t is probable that American lteraiue would gain
much if authors were TO mix more generally in the
affairs of State and IL is certain that politics would be
greatly improved If men of literary ability were to
ming e more in public matters. little more brains
will do no narm to politics. And after all, the pen
is the mlghest power in republic. SyIables govern
| the world. A single stroke of the pen may de,hrone
kings and change the result of popular election -
1t was The pen which produced the reformation ant
gave the world new civilization 1t was the per
which produced the first revolution in France
and Will produce the last everywhere. Tire la plume
The politician who has the strong writers of his part,
on his side has little 10 fear But no political crn
| ming, adro!Iness, or management can long whstan,
the persistent power of the ready writer's" Their
u.s. OF late years, tendency among literary men in th
country 10 take part in politics. and as this dsposi
ton increases politics, will embrace more of mind
refinement and responsibility, and on the other hand
our authors Will give us altogether more hardy Wig
orous, and practical erature-an American Literature
we hope, which will Danish sentimental nonsense
serviIe aPeng' putting, and the whole accused trail
OF literary humbusgery and immortality. from PROBES
s'ona authorship There is small hope of sound an
healthy books from authors who lie dreaming and star
wing in garrets or who gam scanty subsistence from
) the precanous mercy of the publishers To men o
ability, politics will open the way in this country for
vast improvement both in the condition of our au
J, thors and The character of our literature
AMERICAN DIPLoMACY-We have seen an extras
from a letter from one of our most experienced d
plomatic representatives on the continent of Euronf
to the following efect
Mr.. Everett's Cuban letter has excited atten
ton here ! read it with pride and admiration :
The Minister from -, to whom Communicates
copy. said Our European diplomacy has !
such clear and frank documents, marked by larg
Siews common sense honesty, and historical truth
and we European dipiomates appear as pigm;es +
i the side OF yours National Inetligencer s