The register. (Monroe, La.) 185?-1861, 1860-01-05
Old Liner and John Slidell.

~AASS~ees
The approaching Presidential contest has
brought before the country the names of many
statesmen Of vast abilities and of much moral
worth and integrity. Such names give evidence
ofthe increase ofsolid abilities and Of statesmen
among us--that as our country increases in e.
tent and her resources are developed, just in
proportion does our talent grow up to protect
and to further developit. Prominent among
| those whose names are mentioned, stands the
name of Jno. Slidell, q. S. Senator from Loui-
slana. The use Of his name in connection with
that position has induced me to examine his
claims for it, and in SO doing shall be BRIEF
No one will deny to Mr.. slidell abilities far
above the general average his political stand
ing and his control over men indicate this He
superadds to his reputation as statesman, that
OF a profound lawyer, deeply versed in the law,
well guarded at every point to repel the ad
versary's thrust. A practice of quarter of a
century in Louisina has familiarized him with
the great principles of the Civil Law; and to
make the most of it, his law opinions are en-
titled to as much respect as those of anv law
yer in the Union, whether in Common, Civil or
Constitutional law-this is an admitted fact,
believe he has retired from the practice, but
the truth is not jeopardised by prcsuming that
ne Keeps up with the current of decisions II
his love of the law did not justify such course,
certainly his reputation as statesman would
so as t" be prepared. We know that the most
successful Generals are those who are ever rea-
ny tor contingency. Occupying then, scat
IN the U. 5. Senate and having sustained him
self with so much ability in such on array of
intellect his vilest enemy will give him credit
Of being among the foremost.
Success is generally good test of merit
the exceptions are few. 10 not mean the suc.
cess which results from The sudden and urcv-
pected accomplishment of some great event
such as may spring from brain inspired bv
'ne genius OF the moment, but Of success which
results from patient, laborous investigation.
from deep study; and withal from mind like
nature, progressive in its Recommendations a
m'hd which conquers everything susceptible Of
oeing overcome and combating that most in
tensely which resists most tiercely. The power
'hat can do this is defined by Locke to be a
seh'us--and none knew better than Mr. Locke
belng that gift which enables the mind to see
every side of the subject and to understand it
lu'ly-such mind is indeed gem. tt is
necessary that should refer to so great an
authority to illustrate my meaning and to sun-
port 1t. Mr.. Slidclls mind is of that peculiar
otaef ana has every essential requisite. He
eiaporates his theme well--he dissects it skill.
i''ly' so that its parts may be understood by
every shade of Intellect He has been su,.ass-
tul. In oil his deeply laid schemes for power
ana place he has worthy ambition which Of
course, welded to Il powerful mind, has ccptrca
MS powers to single focus and matter must
yield. speak of him in all the honorable re-
latlons OF life. The rays of strong mind and
the dictates of anoblc ambition concentrated IN
single object will move every obstacle. And
to this there must be. Judgment, calm, solid,
contempiatfve, knowing how much power to
apply and when to apply it, Too much nay dcs-
troy, too little fail to accomplish. This iutui.
ton becomes OF great value when applied to
where to place sentinels, for the game of
politics requires rules as strict as ever were en-
forced by military tribunal. In matters of
finance also Mr.. Slidcii has exhibited wonderful
powers of intellect, and in this department he
has also been successful. Such rare and Won
derful combinations of talents are seldom met
with, and when his whole .political life is
brought within the range of the eyes single
glance it tells that he has great administrative
capacity. Combine the qualities have men
TONED and you will perceive that there re-
main but two elements to harmonize the mass.
integrity of character and inAexibility of will.
Ut the former need not speak. His election
by sovereign State puts negative at rest,
and of the latter it suiices to say, that no man
in the pursuit of an object, after surlnounting
all difficulties and overthrowing all opposition,
treating with this faction, and by stroke of
diplomacy adjusting matters with that, could
be devoid Of decision of character.
1t is then evident. that Ia mental point of
view he possesses every element for President
endorsed by the CHARACTERISTIC features of his
life, which stand out strogg, bold. and patriotic
In political point of view he is acceptable
because he is of the Democratic School, aud
believe it is now conceded that that party il
the only National party whose principles are
based on the Constitution. shall not speak
of him on the score of availability, because
that word denotes a negative man, whose prin-
ciples are not strongly fixed, and consequently
may veer Northward or Southwark TO the i'm
pulses Of the people; but from the great
number spoken of for the position, I shall
choose him Us fit for the times. 1t is quite
plain, that we are in troublous times. Many
questions are distracting the country, which if
not speedily adjusted may lead to bad conse-
qnenccs. am not an alarmist, cannot believe
that our Sun Of Liberty will ever set in blood
drawn from our veins by our own acts. There
is current of patriotism flowing yet beneath
the bitter waves Of fanaticisd aspd the latter
may for moment press heavily on the former.
but an intensity for the love Of our country
will gain the mastery over every rebellious foe
tits that principle which now SAUNDERS in the
mechanics and laborers' bosom and nerves his
arm and makes him exclaim against treason
Spread over so vast country-and Boosting
of blood which has no similitude, nor never
had in the worlds history We are naturally