The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1860-02-16

regular FEATURES, pale COulpleAlOn, neat
brown moustache, large sparkling eyes, brown
hair, and the expression ofhabitual study
He wears his frock coat buttoned in the En-
glish fashion, broad shirt collar turned down
over loose black neck tie, and, on the whole,
he somewhat recalls the familiar portraits of
Lord Byron. ...a.-. ...
Since the days of Pinkney, Maryland has
sent no abler man and no more finished ora
tor to the Councils of the nation than Mr..
Winter Davis As speaker of command
ing power and eloquence he had none in this.
His character, too, is above reproach and
above suspicion. Indeed, we may say. in
dependent of all POLITICAL considerations,
that know no man in public life, ofMr. Da-
Wis age whom we can place before him in
all those qualities that give promise of bril-
liant career. ......... ... . .. ..
Standing as perhaps he now does, at a
turning point in his political fortunes, ID is
not for us to predict the future. All we can
say is, that he seems to us to manifest the
sagacity to perceive, as we know h, has the
ability to maintain, the demands of his posi-
ton. Political exigencies arise in the life Of
every man who holds distinguished place,
and upon his own prescience and comprehen-
sion must depend the successtwith which he
turns them to account. We believe, from
our knowledge of the character and talents
of Mr.. Davis. that he is equal to his situation
and that he will not fail to come up to the
high expectations of his friends, and to re-
tain the confidence of the Constituency he so
well represents: while he will at the same
time challenge the respect of the country
With this lofty and inspiring prospect before
l. 7, 90 hn
ours who besets his heels. Ofthose who are
worthy to meet him in the open field of po-
ltical discussion, he will certainly entertain
no apprehensions. There are but few. eth
ther in Congress or out of it who will seek
this contest. 1t is not one ofthe least mark
ed, or least valuable Of Mr.. Davis's charac-
teristics that he possesses a commanding inf1u.
ence with the masses OF the people. His
oratorical triumphs have been won before
promiscuous crowds. In the scenes that are
before him, this quality will doubtless prove
ofgreat service, as well in personal as a
political point of view. We shall watch the
future of Mr. Davis, and of the political for
tunes of Maryland under his guidance, with
an abiding interest. He is the leader of his
party, and he is the popular favorite of the
State, and, in the developments to which the
times point, it may turn out to be his for
tune to play no inconsiderable part of the
history of the country. .
SHERMAN.
Immediately after prayers and roll-call
this morning John Sherman, of Ohio, took
his natural place on the floor as the Republi-
can leader. He called the previous question
on motion for a cion coce vote, and at once
Displayed tactics which, if they could have
been used in his own behalf, IN ight have
elected him. ... ....
vALLANDTGHAM.
Vallandigham. of Ohio, next rose, speak
ing as if he thought his words precious, and
closing his muscular lips tightly after each
syllable, as if doling out some treasure of
thought in small coin, to pc counted as it
fell. He is strong and talented man, but
one who will neverbe under-valled SO long