The Nashville daily union. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1862-1866, 1864-05-27
General WadsWOrih.


American democracy has produced, the
rarest and the most needed is Just that
Of which the lamented General was the
representative. Of scholars and clergy
men, politicians and lawyers, sailors
and soldiers, rich men and sSillfui
mercantile men, we have plenty; but
Of men Of the peculiar position, in1u-
enee and personal character of Gen.
WadswOrth, we have by far too few.
In the great success of our demo-
cratic society, so far as the masses are
concerned, We have come to overlook
some of the conspicuous advantages of
a landed aristOcracy. 1t is a great
matter for a nation to have one class or
set Of men, raised by their means and
social position above dependence on
popular applause and favor, aud yet
with permanent interest in the soil
and the success of the Government.
Our American theory is that such a
class should not be made legally per-
manent, because il depresses other
classes, and we sacrifice the distin-
guished individuals it might bring
forth to the general welfare Of the
masses But still, if we can have men
whose circumstances enable them to
obtain the best education, both in
books and affairs; whose property as
well as whose personal honor secures
them against the temptation of brides;
who are independent of office and
party, and yet have patriotism enough
to throw themselves into national
affairs, it is an immense advantage to
the whole country. Our public men
are not generally rich enough, or in
dependent enough; they have not
usually enough Of that individually
which is more apt to be cherished in a
class, independent in income, and re-
spected in position There is wOfully
wanting among them a high sense Of
personal honor
Our historians have by no means esti-
mated sufficiently the immense adyan-
tage, during the Revolution, of the in
dependent income, and the courteous
and gentlemanly habits of Washington
and many Of his compeers. 1t gave
them a certain control over the people.
Beside the moral dignity which to us
shines forever from those heroic men,
there was also something of the dignity
of an aristOcracy. We have no doubt
that the mere fact alone Of Washington's
never taking pay for his services till
the war was over, had a considerable
influence over the popular mind In
the beginning of this civil war, we saw
the vast advantage which the South
possessed, even in their base imitation
of an aristocracy They had at once
to their use men accustomed to lead and
to command. A democracy is always
at disadvantage in the beginning of a
war, but noting can equal it in resources
or in the men it educates as the strug-
gle goes on.
We are fast producing leaders and
military men who viii have no insig-
nifcant name in the most distant his
tory. Still, to possess public men who
are high in social position, education
and habits of control, and independent
Of the popular whinl, would be an ines
Unable blessing to the Free States.
Our rich and landed men are in gener-
al a selfindulgent, good natured class,
who are inclined to let public affairs
20 rs they will As class, they exert
no influence on the nation they trans
nit with few brilliant exceptiOns) no
heroic patriotic memories to their de-
scendants
Gen. Wadsworth has the high merit
of having sacrificed all nis luxury, and
the ease and sclat of his high social pO-
sition, and devoted himself 10 his cOun-
try. His example has undoubtedly had
a great influence; but a greater iniiu-
ence still was exerted by him, almost
unconsciously, in the qualities which
nc exhibited-such qualities as are by
no means common among our public
men. and which, to q certain degree,
sprang from his position He was a
" gentleman in the highest sense ut
terly unapproachable by any peeuniary
consideration :" frank and Outspoken.
and not forever trimming his words to
suit the. popular gales with true
lznightly feeling for the weak and OPP
pressed, and therefore a great sympa-
thy for the slave, and an equally un-
bounded detsstation and indignation
at the stakeholder and the traitor.
Amid the guarded words of most North
ern leaders at the Outburst Of the war,
it was refreshing to hear one loyal man
who did. not hesitate 10 ayOW that he
hated the rebellion and slavery, and
meant to fight them wherever be could.
The negroes will long remember with
gratitude his humane administration at
Washington. With him slave.catohers
and traitors had but little to hope.
Even Gov. Seymour, in his scanty words
of praise, awards him the glory Of hay
ing sealed with MS life his devotion TO
his peculiar principles, as II loyalty
and heFoism and patriotism belonged,
in the Governor view, to the class of
peculiar and fanatical principles.
In his great canvassin this State, Gen.
Wadsworth was defeated, but il was a
defeat SO honorable that his friends can
remember il as a victory 10 induce
nent Of honor or office could make
him cover or even conceal his princi-
oiples, and they were principles which
have now become national
Few men have left such a position
and fortune. at such an age, to expose
themselves 10 wounds ard death Tor
their country. Great as his loss Is to
the nation, the legacy OF his example
Is one which will enrich all coming gem
eratious on this continent who viii en-
ioy peace and union and liberty Tor
many centuries, because such men in
this Nineteenth Century were willing 10
live and proud TO die for the Republic.
N u inns