Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1858-08-25

from the presidency. Certainly no similar
tactics were resorted to by any party for ma
ny subsequent years. Then, as heretofore
re marked, it was Jefferson who was founder
of the obnoxious system, the apostle of the
hated creed; and on such the rage of oppo-
nents, and particularly of conquered oppc-
nents; falls with tenfol1 more violence than !
on the lieutenant or successor, however close |
ly he may follow IN the footsteps Of his pre- |
Gecessors.
But, in truth, Madison owed much of his |
immunity to kind of prudence which JEFF
erson never possessed. He SO far concurred
in all the practical political views of the for
mer that it would be very difficult, we appre-
hend, to point out an important difference
Nay; he had separated from the first great
President, who had so loved aud trusted him,
Co follow the standard of Jefferson. He sat
eight years in the cabinet Of the latter with
out recorded nonconcurrence of views. But
in expressing an opinion for the public ear,
he carefully abstained from all but the pure
logic Of argument. He went not a word be-
yound the necessary point He questioned
no ones motives-he retaliated no hostile per-
| sonal assault He never suffered an extra
Deous sentiment, calculated co provoke preiu-
dice, to creep into his writings, or even his
! conversation. Where such expressions be
| necessary, he guarded, so far as crcumstan-
ces would allow, against their publicity; and
he took especial pains to recall and destroy
| his private political correspondence,
Jefferson, on the other hand was per-
fectly fearless talkcr and writer We fGG
him making some efforts, il. his early career,
to prevent the publication Of letters which
might compromise him as the leader of par
ty, and always dreading to get into newspa-
/. c
! pondence will show that no man was ever
more gratuitously open on the most danger
Gus topics 1t was next to impossible for him
| to suppress an abstract conclusion growing
out of or suggested by his topic, however
much to his keen knowledge of men might ad-
monish him of the danger thus incurred. In
his conversation he was still more conmuni-
cative His political lieutenants often stood
aghast at his freedom. And he added great
ly to the effect of his disclosures ny the ener-
gy of his expressions. The thought that, ut
tered by another, would have attracted little
notice, often Kissed like fiery missile in his
nervous and burning diction, And it also
often happened that the pith of his expression
kept the Congreye rocket flying, which other
wise wddid have speedily dropped to the
ground. The effect of his startling abstrac-
tions has already been illustrated in the case
of conservative and excellent Charles Carroll.
Mr.. jefferson, in the animation of writing
and speaking. generally forgot to put in the
limitations-the ''ifs" and ''buts," which not
only take off the sharp edge of the thought,
but leave such convenient holes for prudent
men to creep out at !
Far be it from us to intimate that any lit
tie cunning, much less shade of duplicity
] ii -, Oh &C N,Ii
had constituted him different man, in some
particulars, from his predecessor; and it wa
| as appropriate and light that the one shoul
follow out his own peculiarties as the other
r Men may not only differ, without blame, i
their modes OF action, but each will play hi
s part most efficiently who plays his nature
= one. If, when extraneous moot question
n came up, Madison reiapsed into grave sllenC
| | it was like Washington; if he parried uI
c necessary curiosity by neat turn, 1t was lik
S Franklin. His caution was purely defensive
= He never employed it to assail, or surprise
# or take an advantage of an opponent 1t wa
: the result of temperament. and not of cowal
e dice. He passionless, because reaso
e and logic guided the steady movements of a
= his faculties.
o 1t has been perhaps already remarked tn;
o Jefferson and Madison were peculiarly Gale,
n ted-the other restrained. One determine
n the other followed up ami supplied ii
i chain of argument, or like the cable trie
!. cautiously smote each link, to make sure th
= it had no flaw.
1t They also had that difference iu person;
y peculiarities which seasons intercourse, an
ID draws closer the bands of friendship Je
ol fcrson was six feet two ard a half inches
is height; Madison five feet and between S
o. and six and half inches JefTerson's NOV
SIS ments were unrestrained, swinging and Dol
Madison's, though graceful, were precise.
I'd Calm authosity sat in Jeferson's eye, al
ut urked in the firm intonations of his vote
~ In a stage-coach in crowd, In any stu
l. tions, he at once attracted notice-at on
J. was recognized by high and low lead
ht of men. The Impression which his loo
Id conveyed was that of great 6rmness and ge
c. tleness combined-of powerful energy in pt
rk feet repose Madison, in public, appeared
or a stranger like polished and contemplate
a professional man or student, who was TAXI
n a look out on the busy world.
cir A characteristic of Mr. Jefferson's cow
'e, sation has been given-its boldness. 1t
'a- not. as he became advanced In life, Off
of evince enthusiasm; he made no effort at S
ed tanned brilliancy; and he utterly lacked "
Or His discourse abounded with information a
to thought, and was garnished with old ia
Ill ioned courtesy and compliment. as old arc
lin lecture exhibits rich and quaint carving
his This was in the style of the pre-revolution
i've court of Virginia, or of that of ST. Lie
lu XVI, partly rubbed off by latter associatio
nd His conversation, however, was always pie
ing 20 the listeners. and occasionally with
,ed young deepened iEto that earlier strain. w
zen his thoughts spontaneously arranged tt'
re, selves into the striking and stately dictior
err his early writings. 1t then fell with in
9Th ssribabie force on the ears of his hearers.