The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1861-10-11
The Leadership--The President and tho
Pathfinder.

To try and test the merits of men in the
cabinet or in the field, there is no ordeal SO
impartial and decisive as war. From its
DEGREES there is no appeal.
Many to whom in time of peace the
highest qualities have been imputed, thrust
ing undeserved greatness, upon them, not
only fail when exposed to the exacting
vicissitudes of war, to achieve renown, but
absolutely lose all reputation.
Others, from whom little was expected,
grow mp gradually in public confidence and
astonish the world by revelation of great
abilities, previously unsupported.
Of these truths we have transporting evil
Truly great men, in periods Of imminent
danger and calamity are scarce. Among
thousands of educated soldiers, it is hard to
find one capable of marshalliDg, with mastery
genius, large army in the field; it is even
more difficult to find among an army of
peace grown politicians, one man, qualified
in periods of civil strife and revolution, to
WELD wisely and firmly the executive power
of nation.
In almost every great rebellion recorded
in history, the appointed ruler is the most
pitiable of men. Overwhelmed by danger
and disaster, he is by turns as weak as
child, as inconstant as the wind, and as in
capable as idiotic old age; and like Charles
the First or Louis the Sixteenth, ends bis
career on the scaffold, because he had not
the ability to govern revolution.
The first need of nation in great re-
bellion like that through which our people
are now passing, is a leader equal to every
emergency. For this leadership, two men
of very different character have occupied
the popular mind. One made so by official
position the other by the public opinion of
a great party. At the beginning of this
rebellion, the actual qualities of neither lad
been tested.
One of these was plain man raised to
high official distinction by series of happy
accidents the other of brilliant reputation,
made up of imaginary qualities, and partisan
panegyrics.
The PLAIN man is the President-an
transformations, even tempered, clear headed,
kind hearted, and jocular man; too sincere
and too honest to attempt pretension or
display, or assumption of knowledge be does
not possess.
A nation in rebellion was delivered over
to him by his incompetent predecessor, to
take care of and save from dissolution.
That predecessor had been esteemed pro-
found and experienced statesman, but when
great craftsmanship was needed, he rapidly
sunk to the level of local politician while
bis successor, who had been estimated only
as the available candidate of party. is
rising rapidly to the standard of the highest
craftsmanship. Recognizing his obligations
to the country as well as to his party, he
has sought to reconcile his duty to both,
with the great purpose Of his administra-
ton, which is to preserve the Union. To
his partisans he gave the Offices as rewards
for their fealty; to his country, wise and
patriotic service, regardless of all dangerous
partisan opinions.
Receiving the counsels Of the experienced
for consideration, he observes the logic of
events, which his acute mind clearly dis
Germs; he deliberately decides, and then
vigorously and fearessly executes.
Although lately transferred from the
quiet and obscure arena of provincial affairs
to the conduct of national polity, in the
midst of revolt against himself of unpar-
alleled resources and magnitude, he has
continued through every exigency, calm and
unprovoked, neither exhibiting passion,
defiance or bluster, nor betraying the
slightest alarm, but diligently applying
himself to "the situation" with as much
equanimity and self possession ash it were
law cause in his own county courthouse.
With the whole South in arms against
him; his own partisans clamoring for
extreme measures his generals committing
egregous blunders besieged in the mean.
while by legions of politicians, more dam
gerous than rebel armies, while bis politi-
cal opponents are seeking for causes to
precipitate the downfall of his administra-
ton, as the means of their own elevation to
power, he continues calm, self poised and
observant; sees what is to be done, and
taking the responsibility does it, thereby
exhibiting genius and forecast, which belong
only to the highest order of capacity for
public affairs.
His courage is equal to his ability AR.
mics are needed, he orders them commu-
mites menace instruction, he puts them
under martial law; traitors conspire, he
arrests and imprisons them to protect the
public interests be invades the private