Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1857-03-05

ry administration, and by whatever name the
prevailing party happens to be called.
Andrew Jackson, though he knew little
of books, still less of national law, and moth
ing of diplomacy, had less need for a cabinet
than any of his predecessors. Chiefs OF
bureau, or q few competent clerks would
have been enough for him. Nature stamp
cd him Great, and the most sagacious in his
councils, to pass current, and to be recoined
from the same die. A TRANSMISSION of ideas
flowed from him to them. lie astounded
experienced politicians and iurists by his
intuitive perception and masculine grasp OF
the most complicated subjects. lie CONVEX
ted men to his views as much by this great
faculty as by an indomitablc will. The timid
felt his inspiration, and the powerful and
factious were subdued by a sublime constan-
cy very different from the insane obstinacy
of the .Adamscs, or the dogged courage of
Gen. Taylor. He, however, surrounded
himself with able men, but he moved them
about like figures on a chess-board, trans
ferring them TO other spheres Of duty, or
kicking them, unceremoniously, overheard,
to rise no more. Van Burcn, Forsyth, Cass,
Livingston, Bcrricn, McLane, Taney, Bar
ry, Duane, Woodbury., Eaton, Dickerson,
Ingham, Branch and Butler, were his cabi-
net at different periods.
Mr.. Van Buren, had played mastery
ro1c in the political drama. Regarding poll
tics as a game, his great forte was in stock
ing the cards. His peculiar trait was cau-
ton, properly termed non-committalism. 1t
was something more comprehensive-fore-
caste and sagacity. Under the mask of great
moderation, and with something of the air
of petit maitre, there lurked vaulting
ambition. His faculty for governing men,
his untiring energy and imperturbable cool
ness, enabled him to achieve great results,
without apparent effort Thus this accom-
plished tactcian, while Adonising before his
looking-glass and toying with the square
rugged bellies Of Albany, or the more voluptu-
Gus beauties of Washington, was dethroning
Dewitt Clinton, checkmating Clay, Webster
and Calhoun, and scattering roses in his
pathway to the Presidency. When news of
the advance of Napoleon upon Waterloo
reached the Duke of Wellington, he was in
the ballroom of the Duchess of Richmond,
at Brussels, and with undisturbcd compos-
ure escorted her grace to supper. Thus,
while the great tribune of the Senate was
hurting his thundcrbofts ut Vice President
Van Buren,, threatening his political fortunes
with every blow, that gentleman sat with a
quiet smile upon his face, and with lnlmit-
able gang trail sent his snuf-box to MIR.
Clay the moment he resumed his seat. The
good humor of the Senate was restored, and
the great orator himself perceived that his
mighty effort had been fruitless. The little
magician was cup to snuff
The late John Forsyth was one of the
most accomplished men of his times. AS an
impromptu dcbatcr, to bring on an action or
to cover a retreat, he never had his superior.
He was acute, witty, full of resources, and
ever prompt-impctuous as Muratin charge
adroit as Soult when out-fanked and outnum-
bcred. lie was naughty in the presence OF
enemies, afTablc and winning among friends.
His manners were courtly and diplomatic.
In the times of Louis XIV, he would have
rivaled the most celebrated courtiers; under
the dynasty of Napoleon, he would have won
the baton of France. He never failed to
command the confidence of his party; he
never feared any odds arraycd against it
and at one crisis was almost its sole support
! in the Senate against the most brilliant and
formidable opposition ever organized against
an administration. With the ladies he was
irresistible. During his diplomatic residence
in Spain, the demand for duennas could
scarcely be supplied, and even royalty smll-
ed more indulgently than he wished. This
gallant and high,spirited gentleman died
suddenly, in the enjoyment of great popu,
larity.
General Cays have, on u former occasion,
claboratcly skctrhcd. His massive intellect,
his highly cultivated tastes, his consistent
nolitical career, the landmarks he has left on
our FOREIGN ard domestic policy--arc all mat
TORS Of history lie was a prominent ira-
ture of the jackson administration, and, by
- siuo)c Int mastery article in the North
! American Review. I,oneh, To satisfactory
conclusion the Indian question, ,,,thc great
marty and moral excitement of that period
IN cx,.;,,ucut which, IN TO the appearance