New-York daily tribune., 1866-02-22
uAss,RpsLIFE Of ARCHBISHOP HUGHES


LIFE OF TIE MOST REvEREND JOHN HIGHLs'
DD. FIRST ARCHBISHOP OF NENlORk. By
Jonx r. @. HAssARD. syo. pp Jl9. y. Appleton i Go.
The biography Of the late eminent preatc who
occupied such high position and exerted so wide
an influence both in the ecclesiastical and political
relations of this State, is here recorded with the
adelity OF photograph. To very considerable
extent, he materials OF the volume are derived
from the correspondence of the Archbishop, 20
which Mr.. Hassard has had free access and OF
which he has made diligent and most judlcious
use. The letters, although destitute of any re-
markable effusiveness of feeling, and bearing the
stamp Of the formality which perhaps is essential
to the decorum of dignitary Of the church, ap-
pear 10 be written in spirit Of frankness, and
present striking illustration of the aims and pur-
poses which were the guiding motives of his life.
Archbishop Hughes will be chiefly remembered as
the sagacoas and energetic champion If the
Roman Catholic faith in this country. He was not
man ofbrilliont parts, profound attainments IN
learning, or peculiarly elevated qualities of char
aeter. In education in genius, and in saintiness,
he was certainly surpassed by many ecclesiastics
both in our md in other lands, who have left
q fur less dazzling reputation than his. But IN
his devotion TO the interests of the Roman Church,
in the yigor Of his Episcopal administration, in the
shrewdncss Of his policy and the subtlety Of his
plans, in the art of managing men and Of welding
official power 10 advantage he was without riyal.
His accession to the diocese of New-lork was the
signal for new impulse 10 the Catholic cause. His
presence gave an unprecedented increase of pros
perity and influence to the church of which he was
prince. He reformed its organization in iinancial
and secular affairs brought il out of comparative
obscurity into conspicuous notice prepared the way
for It's power in political relations softened many
prejudces, and conciliatcd many friends. His in
uence was recognized in the highest official circles,
no less than in the private walks Of society. lie was
singulary fertile in resources, ingenious III
measures, and intrepid in action. He had passion
for controversy, and never dreaded the face of an
antagonist. With u natural turn for politics. he
avaed himself of every effective secular combina-
,ion for the prosperity of the Church. His genius
in this respect was so highly thought Of that his
connses we're courted by such experienced men as
Mr. Seward and Mr.. Thurlow Weed, with whom as
appears from his letters he was on terms OF intimate
confidence. lie was perfectly at home IN the arts
Of diplomacy and the strategy of courts. HAD he
been destined to a secular career, he would un-
ouestionaby have attained the distinction OF a
prominent statesman. But the chief energy OF ms
nature was applied TO the promotion Of the ecclesi'
asical interests TO which hc was attached by all the
ties Of BIRTH of early habit, of personal traditions
and Of profound conviction. II is in this light that
he is mainly presented by Mr. iiassard, who follows
his public career with minute fidelity and Judlclous
though scanty comment. Some curious details,
hoveyer are furnished of his private life and char
acter. the pcrtisal of which may entertain our
readers.
In lie company OF his chosen friends ne was one oi
the most genial Of men. Wit and philosophy iln ana
,nod sense flowed together from bis lips; although as
shop Bayey expressed it, there was snap 10 every
Lr he said his conversation had none of the caustlc
,ono which was so CHARACTERISTIC OF bis Wri'in8s ne
always spoke kindly Of those with whom DC hsd sus
tancd his sharpest controversies. he was charaoIo
in bis judgments, aud tender oil others rePulatlohs,
U,s strong religious convictions never ih'eiiereu WIZ
the amenities If social intercourse He wouid nave
received any one Of his old opponents WIN snoeio WI
Admirably 40 he was fitted to adorn society ne
hinged very little with the world Inc Kew MI
Bayley made great many efforts 10 vIins nun ote y,
INTO company, believing that his heutn M REQUIRED .ne
s,imnant OF variety In his daily life Az MI D. sug
. g.stop some Of the principal Cahoiic gentlemen OF
The city gave occasional dinner parties, at wnich
Protestants OF distinction, authors svnyh'' oeias
and others were invited 10 meet thc D.snop' va sucn
occa,ons Dr. Hughes always appeared 10 great adyant
400 lie had the gift of adapting his conversation TO
10 company he apprec acd the agreeable qualities OF
the other guests; his spirits rose WIN he excitement
of genial intercourse; he illustrated every topic
10, was lroacleI with some opposite bit oi
tnOlgnt-