Washington sentinel., 1854-01-01
HON. X. III. =. HuNTER.

IL auOiho 10 huSh PiSdoutC W COpy nOh the
Richmond Enquirer Of Friday, the following
wellmerited tribute to Mr.. Hunter, Of Virginia.
AT any time and under any circumstances, il
would be source of great qualification to us
to see the merits of statesman whom we re-
spect SO much and esteem so highly as we do
the senator from Virginia, properly acknowl-
edged and appreciated by the press. But recent
occurrences, which good taste forbids us to men
tion specially, imparts more than ordinary
qualification, when We see such significant arti-
cles as that which we present from the columns
of the Richmond Enquirer, which has recently
attempted, with but Indifferent success, 10 read
us out of the democratic party.
"Ofall the public men ofthis country, perhaps
there is none who has escaped with less politi-
raj obloquy and personal detraction than Sen
ator Hunter, OF Virginia. This might possibly
be thought an equivocal compliment, if we did
not know that the unusual immunity which Mr.
Hunter enjoys is in no respect due to obscurity
of position or mediocrity Of character Though
still in the maturity of manhood, he has long
trod the political stage, and the conspicuous
part he has played has attracted to him much of
public notice and consideration. As chairman
of the Committee on Finance, and as Speaker,
he was long a leading spirit in the House of
Representatives and, when transferred to the
Senate, he Immediately assumed the same COM
manding position in that august body. His
weight has been felt in every important crisis,
and his voice been heard on every question af-
fecting the interests of the country. 1t is, in
deed, remarkable that a politician, with SO
much emphasis Of character and so high a po-
siticn, should have been so entirely exempt
| from the shafts of political detraction.
ssThe explanation of this anomaly, is found
in the personal character of Senator Hunter.
Without reproach in private life, he has illus
trated the principles and the bearing of a gen.
tleman in his public career He has never
been implicated in any transaction Of equivocal
character, much less Of positive criminaGty.
No suspicion of dishonor attaches to his name.
He has risen to the eminence whichhe occupies
| by no devious path, and no unworthy means.
| If we search his record we shall find no com
promise of principle-if we read his history
we shall see no instance of unworthy motive
or unmanly conduct. He has ever maintained
his personal dignity, and he owes nothing Of
his success to the arts of the demagogue or
the intriguant. His ability and high character
command respect, while the modesty and cour-
tesy of his department, disarms the resentment
even of political faction. This is the secret of
| the esteem with which Mr.. Hunter is regarded
by the country, and Of the respect manifested
towards him even by political adversaries.
'It is high but not exaggerated praise Of Mr..
Hunter to say that he holds position second
to that of no other man in the country. Who
| is his superior either in reputation or infu-
ence? II we measure him by the standard Of
senatorial ability, we shall find none Of higher
stature. Everett may boast more discursive
reading, q higher culture in literature and art,
and more polished and persuasive rhetoric
| Cass has seen more of public life and is ripper
4 in experience is subtler dialecti-
clan, and is more skillful in the use Of the
/ weapons of extempore debate-Seward is far
| more consummate in the science of political
strategy-Dougass possesses a greater power
| Of popular eloquence-Mason is more deeply
read in the technicaities of law; but there is
not one of the various gifts and attanments es.
sential to the character Of the statesman and
orator, which Mr. Hunter does not possess in
all but the very highest measure. In our judg-
ment, the eloquence of Mr. Hunter is Of
higher character than that Of any other of our
senatorial orators. 1t is less ambitious and
ornate than the eloquence of Everett, for in
stance, but it is formed on a purer model and
exhibits much more vigor of thought.
"The position of chairman of the Committee
on Finance which Mr.. Hunter occupies, not
1 by the caprice of any one man. but by the
| unanimous and of-repeated vote Of the Senate,
attests in what esteem he is held by his asso-
ciates. This is the post of honor apafnfuence
in the Senate, and this is the postHo which Mr..
| Hunter is assigned by those who are most COM
petent to appreciate his abilities.
/ although Mr.. Hunter has been thus exempt
from the vituperatve criticism which so freely
assails the public men of the country, within
few days past he has been made the mark Of
ungenerous attack by democratic paper; and
it is this attack which provokes an allusion to
the esteem in which he is held by the country
and especially by the people of this State. 1t
is not in the power of the Washington Star to
affect the character or position of Senator Hun
ter, and if the Richmond Whig had not seen
fit to re-publish the article, we would suffer it
to pass without notice, as it assuredly will pass
without effect. 1t is sufficient to say that the
allegations and insinuations of the Star, in re-
gard to the position and designs Of Mr.. Hun
| ter, are absolutely false. The base intrigue Of
which Mr. Hunter is accused, originated in the
prolific invention of the scribbler who set the
story afoat, and is as revolving to Mr.. Hunters
nice sense of honor as it is antagonistic to
every obligation Of party fidelity. Mr.. Hunter
is democrat on principle, and will do nothing
to impair the ascendancy of his party He has
| confidence in the administration, and will give
it the support Of his great ability and eminent
name"
/ L. fy~,. r. lI~1 sx~l x~xn