The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1862-08-01
aIanoos nom tho Senate Gallery.
A .er;.. Of paner, arr bcino n,b,;,hoa -

A series Of papers arc being Published un-
der this head In the Continental Monthly =
The following are tho "glances" at tho Vice
President and Senator Fc~endcn:
"The present Vice President was. during
the last Congress. Senator from Maine. He
was long known Ms an able Democratic poll.
tician, and in 1856 was elected Governor Of
Maine by the Republicans, in hotly' con-
tested election. fIe Is remarkable rather
for o sound judgment and practical good
sense than as an orator or in tho higher arts
Of craftsmanship. He was always listened
to with attention, because oil looked upon
him as we'll informed In the everyday duties
OF the Senate, and rs one whose opinion was
formed from accurate observation and clear
head. lie Is in no sense an orator, his deliv-
cry not being pleasant or his sentiments
couched in graceful or forcible language
lie is OF dark complexion, rather tall, with
iet.black hair, little bald, and would not DO
selected Us one OF the leading men Of the
Senate from his personal appearance. Asa
presiding officer, no ranks we'll, being nppar-
emily posted on parliamentary law and i'm
partial in his decisions, although he has not
the dignity and grace which lent eelat to Mr..
Breckinridgo's performance Of the Office"
"Senator Fessenden, Of Maine, Is consid-
cred one OF the frt statesmen now prom
inent before the country; and the ability he
has exhibited, not only in the practical de-
tails Of his position but in the wider range
of comprehensive craftsmanship, entities him
to place superior to most and equal to any
Of his contemporaries. Since the retirement
of Senator Hunter from the Finance Com
mittee (which may be considered the most
important in the Senate), Mr.. Fessenden has
executed the duties of its craftsmanship with
an accuracy and vigilance which has ELECTED
the praise of oil sides OF the house. Ills
superiority as tinancier is marked; but not
more marked than his high capacity for COM
pretending and calculating the great nation
al issues, which swallow up oil minor ones
In the magnitude Of their Importance and the
intensity of their interest. For maturity OF
judgment. dclibenteness Of thought and
manner, fearlessncss of speech, presence OF
mind never lost, and bitterness Of inyective,
no one ranks above him in the chamber
His oratory is of that substantial and yet
spirited character which at once conyinces
and interests and engages the attention OF
the mind, without wearying 1t by unrclieved
exertion. Always the master OF every topic
on which he attempts to enlighten, he is
neither foilod by the sophistries nor embar-
raised by the bravadoes Of his opponents
His eloquence is not demonstratiye, but calm.
dignifcd and earnest, apparently confident in
the correctness of his views, and yet cautious
to avoid giving ofIense to Others. He Is al.
ways listened to with the utmost respect and
his opinions are Of much weight among his
political friends. His appearance is digniiicd
and highly intellectual his forehead being
broad and indicative OF great ability, and
his general manner being in harmony with
the prominence and responsibility OF his Of
flee. Never resorting, in default OF argu.
ment, to tho petty malice of personal abuse,
his course has been liberal, consistent, and
uniformly courteous. In private life he re-
tains tho dignity which appears so natural to
him but is yet affable and sociable. attract
ing one alike by tho rich products Of thought
and the courtesy Of his manner"