The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-04-07

IL
The French statesmen have contradiced by their posi-
ton the aphorsm that excellence in one pursuit is III
sufficient labor OF life. la America and England ih
leaders OF party have been SO much occupied will
would be an lncumbIance rather than assistance I,
their career But in France literature has been adde
10 me highest honors IN the political world
NJ GuzoL on the strength of his fame as a historian
was called from the university TO rule and turbu
lent people and M Theirs, excluded from Office. wor
ihe confidence OF the nation by his History OF the Time;
oil Napoleon, Even science IN France has led 10 high
political rank Tor Cuver, though occupied 10 the mos
reconcile pursuits sat for many years president OF The
Committee OF the Council OF State And certainly i
would be strange those pursuits which require and cal
forth the greatest power and energy OF mind should un
a man for the display OF those qualities in action.
Ia no civilized countries is Literature so lille esteemed
as IN England and America. Once IL in Eng
land; for literary talent secured Addison Steele. anc
Swift political importance; and ShaiesbuGy and Boiling
broke increased their fame states by writing pbo-
sophical essays. But in America we have had no in
stance oil rising 10 high honOrs statesmen throug
literary lame. And yet we are nclRed TO believe that
II The road 10 power with were open 10 ability
anu required less petty Intrigue and party slbseivlehcy
the talents which have received the highest development
IN literature and science would SUPERIOR
~ over those who have known only the hustle OF active
Some, indeed, may doubt whether the French hasra.
teurs make good statesmen but it is certain that the
French statesmen make admirable authors. The works
OF mere student resemble too often hoho plants,
without strength or maturity; but those OF man who
has mixed IN the affairs OF The world are hardy and Wig
oToas, like the shrub which has stood the storms and
SHOWS OF winter II was thus that Nebuhr, after ten
years spent IN active employmehts, came with mind
fIl OF human interests TO the study OF Roman history.
Thus Dante, driven from The government OF his native
cy, gave Immortality TO the leads which expelled him.
And Petrach, the counsellor OF soyeIegns, found time
amid active life 10 write his sonnets. Descartes laid
down The sword to build his fame in metaphysics and
mathematics. Bacon, though Lord Chancellor, did n
the less give n0Uu orgaaun 10 the world and Milton
just escaped with his life from the vengeance of the king
poured forth that divine strain which jasfes the ways
OF God 10
1t is probable that American literature would gain
much it authors were 10 mix more generally in the al
fairs OF State; and II is certain that politics would be
greatly improved il men OF literary ability TO minge
more in public matters little more brains will do no
harm 10 politics And, after ALL the pen the mightiest
power in republic. Syllables govern the world. A
single stroke OF The pen may dethrone kings and change
the result OF popular election 1t the pen which
produced the reformation and gave the world new civ
llizalion. 1t the pen which produced The first
linton in France and will produce the last everywhere.
Vpe Ia plume The politician who has the strong writer's
zeal cunning, adroitness, management long with
stand the persistent power OF the "ready writer's There
49, OF late years. tendency among literary in this
country to take part in politics. and this disposition in
creases, politics will embrace Of mind refinement
and responsibility, and, the other hand, authors
will give altogether hardy vigorous and prac
teal lteraturean American literature, hope which
will Danish sentimental nonsense sevle apeing puff
hng and the whole acCursed train OF literary humbug
gerry and immortality, IRON professional authorship
There is small hope OF sound and healthy books from
authors who lie dreaming and starving garrets. WHO
the publishers. To men Of ability. politics will open the
way In this country Tor vast Improvement, both in the
condition OF authors and the character of litera
ture.