The New York herald., 1862-01-28
THE JONATHAN WILD OF AMERICAN PO.
IITICS

From tho Norfolk Day Book, Jan. ISL
Henry Fielding "the father Of the English novel;
left cs IN his nimabie portrait OF Jonathan Wild most
admirable likeness Of tho Hen. Vim. H. Seward. COM
parson OF the two leaves lost ia wonder the fidelity
in modified form the theory Of ythagoras SO true so
faithful strong Is the resemblance that might be
excused for believing that Mr. Seward had inhabited
other body and been drawn thana century ago by
the master hand OF Fielding In order that our readers
may trace with us this marvellous resemblance shall
quote some from our famous author only sub
stituting the name Of Seward for Of that wd-wliam
H. Seward (has) every qualification necessary to form
great AS his powerful and predominent pas.
sion 10 ambition, nature has with propety
adapted all his faculties to the attaining those
glorious ends 70 which this passion directs him.
he (s) extremely ingenious In nventing designs, art
fu In contrivng the accomplish his purposes,
and rcsolatc in executing them tho exquisite
cunning Qualities him for any undertaking, so he
(s) not restrained by any Of those weanssses which
disappont the views Of and vulgar souls and
which arc comprshended In one Of honesty
what the Greeks call He (s) entirely FREQ from
those low vices Of modesty good nature which as he
(saysl imply total nseaton OF human greatness and
(are) the only qualities which absolutely render man
incapable Of making considerable figure in the world
His avarice is immense. . Tho character which
he values himself upon and which he principalIy
honors In others is hypocrisy. Tile is) always
very liberal Of honest professions aud has much goo
ness and virtue In bis mouth ne q saint nay, though he
holds honesty and modcsy In the highest contempt he
constantly practices the aiIectation Of both"
Could any biographer Of Mr. Stewards draw for us a
more admirable pictureS Could the coloring be more
vivid the likeness truthfuy In short could any
moral photograph be more faithful than that which
FsIdna has left us 10 his portrature Of widY And
could add to the quotation above the rules OF action
which Jonathan Wild laid down for his guidance, our
readers would be tempted to believe, have int
mated that Seward other form the or igna
Of the picture. With exact parallel between these
two iustrisus characters embodeDed 70 enter
tain the hope that Mr. Seward may at the end Of his
career attain the same deserved elevation which was
aJtted 70 his prootype. And in view OF the probable
results Of his crafty and aborvc attempts - statesman
ship, We think II may yet be written Of him. or Of iona
than Wild, the Great, that william H. Seward, after all
his mighty exploits, was, what few great
complish hanged by the neck tili he was dsad.v
Such fate viii be appropriate illustration Of rctr
bvtve justice for few have ever been more desery
ing Of . short prayer and long rope.
A VACANCY IN THE npBEI, GA piNrr
ne PsteYRYg 9zvess Of the 25th says-Drbs sicc,iou
on NJ Hunt 70 the Confederate Senate leaves vacsncv
In the hsadshp Of the State Department of the conssS
rate government which the President will have IN All
Among the numerous talented and virtuo,s y,
mo south from whom satisfactory selection may be-