The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-07-18

conversation lively and enthusiastic, remarkable for
the chastity Of his cooquial diction and Me cor
rectness of his phraseology. As man Of letters.
and q votary Of science he acquired high distinc-
ton.
Mr. Madison graduated at Princeton College,
New Jersey, and afterwards studied law, which pro
fessior he practised in Virginia until called into,
public hfe He was member of various legislative
bodies and conventions, in all of which he distin-
guished himself az debater of the first order Of
talents. In the Continental Congress, the conven-
ton which framed the constitution, and as o men,
Der of Congress under WashingtOns administra-
ton, he took q prominent part mingfng in
all the important debates He had q calm
expression of countenance, and was slow and
grave in his speech. In deliberatve bodies he &C
quired seltconfdence by slow degrees His manner
modest and retiring, but in conversation be was
pleasing and instructive, having mind well stored
with the treasures of learning, and being particular
ly familiar with the political world. As writer he
has few equals among American statesmen. Mr..
Madison was fond of society, although he had ira
yelled but lttle-havng never visited foreign coun-
tries, or seen much of the people and country 6ver
which he presided for eight years.
Mr.. Monroe was fine specimen Of the old school
OF Virginia gentlemen-gene plain, frank, hos.
pitable, and devoted to his country, which he en-
deavored to serve to the utmost of his ability. He
had collegiate education in Virginia, but joined
the standard Of his country during the Revolu.
tonay war, in the eighteenth year of his
age. He afterwards studied law under Mr.. JEFF
ferson, who was then Governor of the State
and soon after entered public life as a member
OF the Legislature. AS member of various deliber-
alive bodies State and national he took prominent
part but was not distinguished as public speaker
While President of the United States he made seve-
raj tours through the country which occasions his
speeches in reply to addresses of welcome and con-
graduation were always dignifed and appropriate
without any peculiar marks Of eloquence. We heard
him address the American Society for the Encour-
agement Of Manufactures while he was in this city
in 1917. He spoke in few brief sentences, appro-
pirate enough to the OCCASION but his manner was
dull, his voice low and feeble and his style unattrac
tive. His countenance had indications of superior
intellect, but an honesty and frmness Of purpose
were apparent, which commanded respect, and gain
ed favor and friendship. He was laborious and in
dustrious in the performance of his public duties,
and doubtless compensated in some degree by dill
gence for slowness of thought and want of imagina
ton. His career as statesman was highly honor
able and useful, and worthy Of the admiration he
received from his countrymen.
John Quincy Adams is name familiar to all as
synonymous with high order Of talents as scholar
lawyer, dipl matist and statesman. In Congress- in
the sixty-fft year Of his age, he took and main
tanned the stand to which his eminent talents and
previously distinguished services entitled him. He
remained in that body for more than sixteen years,
until his death, in 184S. He took an active part in
debate on nearly every topic Of public interest, and
his speeches were frequently marked with the most
fervid eloquence.
Andrew Jackson had the advantages Of only
limited education studied law in North Carolina and
removed to Tennessee when about twenty one years
Of age. He was short time in Congress, during the
administrations Of w shington and John Adams
but it is believed that he made speeches in that
body. He afterwards served six years as Judge on
the bench Of the Supreme Court of Tennessee : One
Of his biographies remarks, that "he was not made
for what is usually called a first rate lawyer.
Yet few, if any, exceeded him in seizng on
the strong points Of a case, and with vigor-
and cearness applying TO them the great principles
of law. As lawyer he was considered one of the
most eloquent and effective among his cotemporaries
As judge his opinions were always clear, short,
and to the point, aiming at justice without the afcc
tation Of eloquence or Of superior learning"
jackson was elected to the United States Senate
III the autumn Of 1929 and took his seat in that body
in December of that year. He resigned his seat in
October, 1926 having taken no part in the debates
while Senator, except, we believe, on one occasion
making few remarks on military subject. In his
manners Jackson was pleasing, in his address
IL xu.tl
irmness and decision, beamed with strength and in
tellgence. In his department there was nothing re-
pulsive. Easy, affable, and familiar, he was open
and accessible to all.
Martin Van Buren, received the rudiments Of an
English education and became student in the AGA
DENY bis native village, which school he left at the
age Of fourteen to commence the study of the law
At That very early period he evinced very strong
passion for extempore speaking and literary compo
ston. The period Of study preparatory to admis-
sion to the bar in the courts Of law Of this State
was then seven years for candidates who, like Van
Buren,, had not the benefit Of a collegiate educa-
ton.
In the various public stations to which he has been
called as well an advocate at the bar, Mr.. Van
Buren, has been distinguished as a ready and fluent
speaker, and an able writer. " The ease and frank
ness of his manners" says his biographer his fell
citous powers Of conversation, and the general ami
ableness of his feelings render him the ornament Of
the social circle Uniting in his character rmness
and forbearance, selfrespect and delicate regard
for others, he has with equal propriety mingled in
the free intercourse of private life and sustained the
dignity of official station"
Harrison was educated ut Hampden Sidney Col
lego, in his native State Of Virginia, and afterward ap
piled himself to the study Of medicine profession.
He entered the army at the age Of nineteen, and
tinued in the service six years. when he resigned his
commission, and afterwards served as Secretary of
the Northwest territory, and delegate to Congress.
In these and the various public stations to which he
was subsequently called he exhibited talents ade-
quate to the performance of his duties. lie was
bold and eloquent orator and has left ON record H.