The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1858-07-10
moro n Patriot and less q Politi
clan"

The Hon. J. J. Criitcndcu, a few days since
in response to a eougratulatory reception ten
dercd him at Coyington, on his return HON,
from, Washington, set forth the rule OF con
.uu,t uni,u ~ piuirsnvH 90 nave uuuptvu auu
acted upon during the later portion Of his
senatorial career. His declarations upon thi,
point, portion Of hieh We give below, are
suggcsli,o of considerations Of the highest
import to all who are entrusted with, or as
pirc to hc entrusted with official reSpoudbili-
ties IN behalf or the State or the Natign,-
Similar professions of integrity and patriot
-izal me- nnsn- a part Of the machinery which
demagogues employ to court the popular Ia
,or aud we generally distrust the man who
is always asserting his implicit obedience to
the convictions Of his conscience, or his fdcl-
rs to dutS and right ia the conduct Of every
matter which has happened to be entrusted
to his hands. We naturally infer that a con-
ecjousncss Of dcreietion in this respect is at
tho bottom Of the whole, and that this
prompts him TO undertake .slra viudication Of
h,s motives before they are either likely or IL
nlle to be- called in question. There are cir
cumstuuccs however, which sometimes justi-
fy and even require public man to speak Of
the principles by which hc profcsscs to be
governed in his official course, and they will
not fail to he seen or appreciated by dis
eliminating public. There are othor crcum-
stances Also such as the age, experience and
established character Of the person so doing
which readily divest such illusions Of tho UNI
favorable imputations usually ascribcd to
them. These last, particularly, are sufficient
TO cXoncratc the eminent Kentucky Senator
.. ON all improperly in being the relator of
his own integrity and patriotism. All who
know the man, will so understand il. Forty
one years ago, in 1917, he was first elected to
represent Kentucky in the Senate of the
United States aud now at the age of seven
~, after twenty years Of distinguished SER
vice in that body, and that, alternating with
till more responsible service in the cabinets
Of two administrations, he will hardly be
'ospoctcd Of aiming at popularity or Office in
q. nat he says of himscfI
Whom the late great struggle took place
10 Congress, did not know what were the
sentiments Of my people. But knew my
duty, and there was but one course for me To
iursuc. My heart swclcd with gratitude
Yhon 'earned that you approved me. and,
rather this right hand should b. chopped
III on this block than have violated my plain |
iuty. ] could have chosen another conrsc. /
here was everything to protect me In H. but |
saw the truth before me, and ns Kentuoky's |
'un followed il. | am gratifsd beyond OK
Nesslon that have your approval. ] never
- TfIHT fSTTIturSy would ~ or subscribc I
','r name TO fraud and injustice and / could .
/. q put my name TO 1t. / could not indulge
il. clrcumiocuton 60 save myself and lose
,"l country lcoul have protected myself .
"a sought the truth and the welfare of my
,YIntry.
When was last, aud Cor the sixth time
elected 70 the Sensie BY my honored old
.;atc Of kentucky, l then determined tn be
t orc OF patriot and less. a politician. ! said
mySolE you have now run the heated
reer ora politicians you have loved the
e Ne you have sought, il sou have not de-
Ghted In the combat, but now you have mr.
lived at nm age when you ought TO desert all
hese things, and devote Yourself 10
osr country what may have been cvcu4ablr