Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-09-16
MORNING LEADER.
The RetIrement OF 1Ir. CiddipE-.

publican Convention in the Ashtabula district
of Ohio, discharging their long tried and fifth
iul representative, Joshua K. Giddings; for we
presume the nomination of 4 successor termi-
mates his public career. Notwithstanding the
impaired condition Of his health, which unfits
him for active labor, and the many subjects on
which we differ from him, we cannot help con-
curing with the universal feeling expressed 1t
the prospect OF his retirement.
Mr. Giddings is now the Oldest member Of
the House. For twenty-five wears his venera-
bic head AMI stalwart frame have rendered him
conspicuous among his associates, from whom
he was not less distinguished by the peenliarity
of his principles and his bold uncompromising
style OF enforcing them. EmbOdying, as he did,
in an extreme degree, the opinions of a small and
exceedingly unpopular party, he was for long
time mark for the fercest assaults of the infu
entail leaders of both the great political organ
izations; but the courage with which he has
confronted them always won a renewed tribute
of confidence from his constituents
When John Quincy Adams entered on that
career OF agitation for the right of petition,
which friendly biOgrapher declares to have
been the most illustriOus and honorable period
of his life, Mr.. Gidjings was at his side, fight
ing the same battle, and sharing, without finch
ing, in its OblOquy The vote Of censure in
1912 passed upon him by the House. for his
temerity in offering resolutions commenting
the conduct OF the insurgent slaves Of the Gre
ole, was the most noted attempt to single him
out as a subject Of intimidation. He resigned
his seat, and threw himself upon his constitu-
ency only TO be Immediately returned by 4
largely increased majority. Since then his right
to free speech has seldom been successfully
questioned and it must be confessed that he
20 aaf|
i,ln, with a vengeance" Whenever the "a
sion arises he is always on his feet 10 protest
against some new attempt of the enemy to press
forward, openly or cOvertly, or To give legisla-
tive sanction TO the projects Of that institution
which he so abhOrs- Just as regularly as a
new Congress opens, he Is up at the first oppOr-
tunity To deliver one of his "inecndiary' re-
assertions of principles, reviewing somewhat
on the plan Of Lord Lyndhurst's famous TRADES
in Parliament, the short comings Of the gov
ernment and the progress OF the cause Of
which he was I representative and yet
such has been his courtesy and regard for the
rules Of order, and such his obvious sincerity,
as TO command ultimately the respect, If not the
approval of his bitterest foes.
In this place We may perhaps be excused for
repeating an instance, not, We believe. record
ed, as it should have been in the Congressional
reports of the time, showing the spirit with
which he confronted the clustering tactics Of
his opponents. 1t happened, in the heat Of
debate during the Thirty-fourth Congress- when
the old man was launching forth certain anti
slavery thunderS which gave particular offense
TO one Of the most trueulent representatives Of
the chiyalry The latter, large framed man,
and noted as rather an ugly customer when eI-
cited, left his desk, probably with his pockets
full of " the documents and planting himself a
few feet directly in front of the aged speaker,
said something in low tone, which, coupled
with his defiant aspect and uanner, was Obyi-
ousy menace. The whole House was excited
when the Ohio agitatOr, turning an uuquailing
eve on the sOuthener, aud shaking his gray
head with defiance, exclaimed, with outstretched
arm:
And make your bondmun treulb!e,"
L" but don't come here"
1t is needless to say that the southeTner at
once retired, thinking II best 10 reserve his
discipline to a more mt occasion, or q more sus-
eeptlble subject.
The constitutional ardor Of Mr. Giddings's
Temperament disqualified him for the position
of leader and his unprecedented eccentricities,
as, for example, his remarks at a critical period
in the deliberations Of the Philadelphia Con-
yeniion which nominated Fremont, at times
frustrated the calculations Of his friends quite
/ as much as of his foes. In moments of sudden
excitement he would turn round and trlmple
down unintentiOnally right and left the ranks
/ of those whose fortunes were linked with his
own. and who, though differing in matters OF
expediency and detail, were supporters Of the
same cause. Still, It cannot be denied that be
was useful, and, IN fact, an indispensable CO.
adjutor in the political battle. The effect pro-
duced by the stormy appeals to the popular
/ heart, and his fearless and vehement denuncia-
tions Of the outrages upon humanity incident
| to tue slave system, had good effect in clear
/ ina up the doubts of the tcmperlzing and tlmidi
though well disposed politicians, and in awak-
ening an enthusiasm for the vital distractions
/ of freedom and human rights, which never fail
ed to tell in the results of the election, and on
the political history OF the country. They had
/ a most benefeent influence IN stimulating and
promoting 4 movement which cooler heads were
REQUIRED 10 organize into effective shape. His
| Congressional life Is honorably identified with
the struggle now going on against the en-
croachments and usurpatiOns Of that aristOeratl
cal element in our political system, which ha.
alone seriously intsrtered with its perfect anC
legitimate action
There is something, too, in the boldness anC
Independence of Mr.. Giddings, something in tha
sympathy which he always shows Tor the veal
and oppressed, whether it be the negro or th'
fugitive Indians, whose wrongs he has so faith
fully presented in his "Exiles Of Florida tina
commands an instructive respect, even iron
those whose convictions arc adverse 70 his own
His mania Is not q restless itch for notoriety; Il
Is certain noble rage, the overplus Of an hon
est and genuine humanity. He has not sue
ceeded in popular estimation as politician, bu
he has at last obtained a foremost place on tn
good angels book, s'as one who loved his fellow
men, and we are not displeased to find that h'
Is even now receiving something Of the respec
and admiration with which posterity will rePa,
his unfaltering and unselish zeal for great an
noble eause-N Y Ere Post.