Loudon free press. (Loudon, Tenn.) 1852-1855, 1853-03-26
For the boudon Free Press.
WE Id BAGATELLE.

WE Id BAGATELLE
o. that some mighty power the gift would gle US;
To ourselves, others
Mr.. EDITOR:
A communication in the last
Free Press, over the signature of James r.
Buchanan, having left your readers in entire ig-
norance of the writer's object, you will confer
small favor on thefnJ and doubtless a; rery great
one on him, by stating, explicitly, in your next
ISSUE what is the mark aimed at in this specioust
though enigmatical communication. For on
this point / have heard various and conflicting
conjeetures-some, expressing it as their de-
cided opinions that the learned author, being bet
ter acquainted than any one else, with his su-
perior qualifications, and peculiar fitness to act
as faithful and gallant champion in the great
and glorious cause of Progressive Principles,
has sent this comey little Missile, as feeer
upon public sentiment; thinking, at the same
time, that in all probability, Gall the world and
the rest of mankind will agree with him in a
course, which seems so plain and expedient, and
that the forthcoming Democratic congressional
candidate, for the Roane District, will be exhib-
tied to the public in the person of James R..
Buchanan Esq. of Loudon:-whilst others as
confidently assert, that his only design is to let
the good citizens of Loudon see how prettily he
can write. Now, Mr.. Editor, in this most per-
picking state of doubt and anxiety, can you be
cruel, both to the author and your constituents,
as to refuse to dispel this impenetrabIe cloud,
and to shed some light on the general subject
The author, after repeating a half score of
trite truisms (which, by the way have about az
much connection with the subsequent part of
his epistle, as Sallusts Philosophical Preface
has to his Jugurthian war) went on to express
his elatiOR at the fact that he lived IN a qore17a-
meHt, which ont compared II use his own worsls)
every other upon earth. Saying nothing about
the expression, "Living IN government"
may remind the writer that when a man under
takes to write for the public instruction, he him.
self surely ought not to violate the purity of the
English language, copious as it is, even if he
cannot avoid doing much violence to its proprie-
IT, Now think it will puzzle Mr. J. R. B. to
find in the standard English Lexicons or writer's
such word out compare. In addition to
these violations of purity and propriety of style,
the author of the aforementioned communica-
ton loses sight of another essential quality of
correct writing, viz: perspicuiy. What, for in
stance, does he mean by saying, "The fathers
of our country created and established our
force" ? A little light on this point, Mr.. B.
As a writer Mr.. B. is also distinguished for the
originality and incOngruify of his figures, as
well for his wonderful versatility in multiplying
and diversifving them. All comparisons and
SMILES are founded on resemblance. Now, Sir,
what resemblance is there, save in the prolific
imagination of your patriotic correspondent,
between Calhoun, Clay or Webster, and 1cheeR
| have heard statesmen called pillars lumina-
RES champanions, &C., but it has been reserved
for Mr.. B. to discover that such figures are too
tame and vapid; and that their point and force
can be greatly increased by the addition of a
,cheel. But, mirable dictu! becoming suddenly
tired of his own bantling, he all at once meta ,
morphoses his circular trope into a sturdy oak,
with its lofty head and spreading branches, for
the protection of the plants below. But again;
tell u.s. Mr.. B., 1rhO is the mother of intelligence,
as personifed by you; and can matter exert any
voluntary energy? What do you mean by the
phrase, regulations of timer Isn't the phrase,
Suitable men with the necessary talents and
qualifications" positively Pathological? If men
are suitable, their suitableness viii of course
embracetheir talents and all other qualifications.
Mr.. Buchanan concludes his essay, by informing
the Democratic party that there are eminent
talents in this Congressional District, which, by
a prudent course, may be rendered efficient
and successful in the ensuing election; fact
which the party will no doubt be much grati6ed
to learn, especially on 50 COED apthority: and it
will be great pity, if these superior talents
should not become sufficiently known and APP
preeiated in time to enable the party to profit
by them at the approaching election.
LOUDON.