Weekly Trinity journal., 1859-03-05

FhemI-soclcs and Douglas.

rhensistocIcs and Douglas.
Themistocles, a celebrated Athenean states
man, lived about 500 years before the Christian
Era. In youthful studies, he neglected the ele-
CANT arts, and spent his TIME In contemplating
and admring the trophies OF Mutiades. Ills
mind was fixed on great objects, which he pursued
with steady resolution, unbiased by scruples'
undetcrred by difficulties; his aim was not merely
the good of his country; he desired to make
Athens great, that he, himself might move and
command in q large sphere. His genins was
suited to the critical circumstances of his time,
he quietly adapted himself to sudden junetures'
and sagaciously prepared for future consequent
cess By his superior eloquence and cunning, he
managed to retain popularity until rival states
man, Aristidcs, had been banshcd, leaving The
mistocles in possession OF undisputed popular
favor. All Greece resouudcd with his praises;
prosperity of state and success in war were, next
to intervention of the gods, attributed TO
Thcmstocles. But sharing the fate OF nearly
all great Athenman statesmen, he was at last
accused of treason, and flying from the country
which his splendid talents had helped to immor-
talize, Themistocles died in banishment
In the civil history of this great ancient, may
be recognized an archctype of our American
civilian Douglas Time and admlrlug historians
have, perhaps enlarged on the mental magnla-
cence of the llustrious Athcnean. The Greek
descended from noble father, though his mother
was an alien Douglas, at least. bears an illustr-
aua Tho Afficnn nulphrnpH In tho
refnements OF his national literaturc--lhe Amer.
lean cultivated letters in the workshop, The
ancient spent sleepless nights In contemplating
the achievements of his predecessor modern
is noted for untlrtng activity and wakefulness,
The purpose of the first was to make his country
great, that it might elevate hmself-the whole
life of the second has been struggle for power
The first possessed quick perception that enabled
him to seize an auspeious circumstance for self
Advancement the last has capacity to create
circumstance which mpels himself to greater
fame Themistoces seized popular attention by
wonderful oratorical powcrs-Douglas makes up
in vigor, carnestness and industry what he lack,
of eoquence The one rose to national celebrity
and popularity by the fall OF n contemporary
staesman--the other attained unprecedented
notoriety by an unpopular act Of the most prom
incnt citizen of the republic
Thus far the PARALLEL: Happily for American
statesmen, cessation Of national popularity does
not ensure eXpatriatou; but we think that Doug
las. like the Grecan, will fail Of the great
purpose OF his later life. If a candidate for
popular suffrage to- morrow, we have not doubt
but what he would speedily reach the mark OF
his high ambition. But his civil fame IL too
great, aud, lacking the omnipotencc of military
renown, the " little giant" will grow no bigger
Our Presidential requirements will, probably,
unearth another Franklin Pierce" celebrated
throughout another 4" Conk'rd," and whom the
gods have preserved from destructive antagonism
of celebrated statesmen. Our ambitious Western
WILL possibly learn ihe lesson In politics made
known to Arislides: When that great citizen and
beneiactor of Athens was about TO be banshed,
an illieraie person approached him, and not
being aware OF whom the request was made
asked him to write the name of "Aristides" ON
The she'll to he used ms ballot in his ostracism
"Why," said Aristides. what harm has this man
done, that you would Danish him ?" "None,"
said the other, nor do ! know him; but | am
tired OF hearing him called A" The Just |"