Washington sentinel., 1854-02-26
OUR STATESMEN ARE NOT ALL DEAD

When those three great statesmen, Henry
Clay, John G. Calhoun, and Daniel Webster,
overcome by the only enemy who ever gained
the mastery over them, obeyed the stern man
date of the common destroyer and laid them
selves down to die, the whole nation went
in mourning. Three great intellects, that had
shone with all the brilliancy of noontide sun,
were quenched, and Americans felt that their
chief glory had departed from them Presi-
dents had sought their counsels and co-opera-
ton. Senates had looked to them for guild
ance, and the masses of the people had re-
garded them with feelings akin to reverence.
They had looked up to them in every crisis,
and leaned upon them for support in every
peril. They were the giants of their day and
generation, and when they died men felt that
there would be none to take their places.
The ablest most learned, and ambitious of
their Juniors, respecting their age, their long
experience, and their eminent public services,
confessed, without challenge, their superiority,
and instead Of attempting to lead, or even to
rival, were content to follow them.
But men penetrated with grief at the loss to
them Of this mighty triumverate were too much
disposed to underrate the statesmen on whom
their mantles fell. For the first time since
their death crisis has arisen-such crisis as
effectually tests the ability, thevirtue, and the
courage of public men; and happily for the
country some of the successors of those great
men have manifested to the world that they
are equal to it.
They have not only exhibited the highest
powers of mind, complete acquaintance with
public affairs, and ripe craftsmanship, but
they have shown personal courage and polti-
cal virtue. They have met that question so
important to the peace of the country, in
volved in the Nebraska and Kansas bill, and
met it like men, statesmen, and patriots.
We do not hesitate to say, that the debate on
this bill will rank with any debate chronicled
in the annals of Congress. On what occasion
in our history have more industrious research,
more information, more solid argument and
When have politicians more manfully met a
trying issue? As their great predecessors avail
ed themselves of the speeches and writings of
the eminent patriots and luminaries who went
before them, so do their successors avail them
selves Of the speeches and writings of the great
men we have named.
When Clay, Calhoun, and Webster lived, their
assertions and opinions were received as the
opinions of living men, however great, are gen.
orally received. They were thoroughly exam
ined and canvassed They were often times dis
puted. But now that they are dead, they are
quoted as authorities. 1t is meet also, and right,
that the opinions of men so great, so brave, and
so patriotic should exert force and an inhu-
ence over their countrymen.
1t is a subject of congratulation, that the
death of such men has not left us helpless and
hopeless. But that there are those now in the
public service who can, under superintend-
ing Providence, direct the destinies Of this great
and growing country, and who, when they die,
will, like their illustrious predecessors, leave
eminent historical names, and leave also, like
them, others to guide, with firm hearts and
steady hands, the course of the American re-
J public.