The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-02-26

summer Of 1918 were devoted to a closer
analysis Of the fruits of Oxford and Cam
bridge learning, and to delightful recreation
in tile society Of Sir Walter Scott, Lord
Byron, Lord Jeffrey, Sir Humphrey Davy,
Sir Samuel Romilly, and others of equal
merit; the autumn and winter were given
toa thorough exploration of Italy and
Greece. Let usrause moment to dwell
upon the completeness Of this training.
Whatinan, having graduated at Harvard.
spending afte'ward four years in the society
OF the abest men Of France, Germany, and
England, and in the elabo ate study of the
great monuments Of learning which genera
tions have erected in Europe, could fail to
make HE mark when he came home? How
few at the present day enjoy such advan-
tages! Young men in our time arc in such
hurry to commence the actual business of
| life, that they arc impatient of every thing
which adds to their apprenticeship. How
few, too, will reach the erninence on which
Edward Everett stands
1t was in 1919 that Mr.. Everett entered
upon the discharge of his duties as Professor
Of Greek at Harvard. I, is not likely that
the chair was ever filled by Professor so
thoroughly fitted for the place. The duties,
however, were not sufficient 10 cncross the
leisure ofso active a mind as Mr.. Everct,s.
The cditorship Of the North american Re-
vie,o falling vacant he was invited to become
candidate for the vacancy, and the prefer
ence was at once given to him. OF the
merit Of his performance as editor Of that
periodical, it is enough to say that he raised
the HeVieto to the position it occupied some
years since, and that its subsequent circua-
,ion has been mainly due to the prestige Of
his efforts. Stress has been laid by biograph-
ers of Mr. Everett upon the success with
which he vindicatcd the United States from
the criticisms Of foreign writer's lie deserves
the compliments they have paid him, but
his replies to f'rei On critics are hut an atom
in the mass Of his services to American lit
erature and tile American mind. The
North american Review, under his direc-
tion, was fit compcer Of the Edinburgh,
and Everett no whit - inferior to Sydney
Smith and Jeffrey.
In 1924, when Mr.. Everett was thirty
years ofage, he began, simultaneously, his
career As politician and as an orator. An
Grafton which he delivered in presence of
the Venerable Lafayette in that yeaf attract
ed universal attention TO liisEextfaordipary
powers; and from that time forth lie be-
came the orator of Massaefiiisetts-a rank
which even Daniel Webster proudly conccl-
| ed to him. In the same year he was sent
to Congress from Mildlesex. In the House
he was chiefly noted for his industriots hab-
its and vast learning. He was an Invaluable
man on committees, and frequently did the
whole work Of the committee Of which he
was menlUel: On all debates Of IMPORT
ance his voiGc Was heard; but he never
| sought to make speeches. What lie said
was brief and to the point. Strangers, es-
pecialIy from New England, frequently
thronged the House when lie was to
speak, in the expectation Of hearing a grand
Grafton; but they were invariably disap-
pointed. Mr.. Everett seemingly considered
that there was n place for all things, and
that Congress was not the place for Set ora.
tions.
Aftet ten years ardiio,is labor in Congress,
Mr.. Everett was elected Governor Of Mas
sachusetts. which office he fiIle,l to the salts
faction ofthe people Of that State for four
consecutive years. in 1889 he was again
4 candidate, hut was defeated BY one vote
out Of over 100000 cast. This defeat hap
PLY left him free to accept the mission 10
England, which was rendered him BY the
administration Of General Harrison in lS4l.
lie was absent four years. during which
time he won goIdes opinions from persons
ofevety class in England. 1t is doubtful
whether ANY American statesman stands a.
high as Edward Everett in the British. .jndg.
ment mt the present time. lie was des-
cribed BY AM Eogishman as man firm
and uhbending as rock on important
questions, tetso concliatory rs to lead every
one to suppose that lie was ready to yield
every point in dispute: keer and close in
argument. "stuffed full Of facts" j" and "as ob-
stinate q. Yankee IA you could meet with
Ia t'onth's journey in New Eugland.'' ~
On bis return to his own country (which
was Matter Of deep regret to the British
arlstocfacy and govern'nent,) he ASSUMED
the President ship Of bis old University at
Caunbridge: A fortunate marriage-fort
nate u esgt respect-had happily placed
him beyond the nesessjtysof daily labor for
ia livelihood, He vsa enabled ~ ;,Jhio,s n.