The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-06-24
ReveroY johnson.

"Swede," the Washington correspondent of the
Cincinnati Commercial says:
The respectabiity of the country will expert
ence common satisfaction in Reverdy JohnsOn's
appointment 10 the English mission. In like man
Der will II appreciate the generous and prompt
confirmation of the Senate, led by Senator Sum-
ner, who is so little given TO panegYric upon his
political opponents that on this occasion his eu.
logy had more than the merit of its hearty good
taste; 1t rose above scholarship TO manliness.
That there are gentlemen in Maryland il is not
row treason TO say, and both ReVerdy johnson
and George Vickers are worthy OF the States good
breeding. Both were Union men when the ear
hest drums beat; neither, to any recollection of
mine, ever opposed fractions or frank resistance
to the perfect success of the war. After it was
over they fell back 10 the States conservative
place, but Reverdy johnson has been favorable
to the reconstruction measures Of the Republican
party, and would, therefore, not have been re-
turned 10 the Senate on the expiration of his term
in 1869. He is the Oldest senator. Seventy-two
years, says the directory of Congress but seventy
seven says rumor. He was born at ANNAPOLIS
some years before the death of Washington and
has served his State in every hsrdworking Ca
pacity, for the past sixty years. He is probably
the best constitutional lawyer living, and his per-
soDal dignity Of character has deeper foundations
than the law; it is built in honor, patriotism and
cheerful circumstantial conviction.
Reverdy johnson has always had, to me, the
look of one of the more vOluptuous Roman en-
perors. Perhaps get the idea from remem-
brsDce OF Gerome's picture Of the Colosseum.
where selt-indulgent overwhelmed Galba, or
0tho, or somebody, is leering down at the bloody
gladiators as they cry "Are CJPsdT 80 His head
snd face are strong and intelle stusl down to the
lip; the under lip and chin are retreating, and de-
cdedy irres0lute and sef-enjoying to me. |
know that it is often a mistake to Judge public
men by these facial marks. Mr.. johnson has be-
side, lost one eye, and, while this does not make
him at all unsightly, it gives a humorous sugges-
ton OF the arena to bis face. his ears are large,
ng1~.4N -. Ill n
hsbitually big ears. His head is solid and large,
and the milk-white hairs hold fast to is,
except around the temples. His eye-sight
is now very dim indeed. His life has
been moderately successful in temporal
things. He had good farm, stock, city resi-
dtnce, but scarcely ranks among rich men.
Socially he cOuldnot be an old school Marylander,
and not delightful. His'talents are facile ones,
and he can make good plea either way. Politi-
caly, he is a o" no party man, but not trimmer.
He would never die in the fires of martyrdom be-
cause he would think that absurd as well as dis
agreeable. He viii make less "fnnekin" AN.
bassadOr than Mr.. Adams, and less after a
reserved Englishman's model; but, altogether,
had he the same extended chance probably the
most popular minister ever sent from this country
20 John Bull. There is no afectation about him,
less talent than Mr.. Adams had, but also fewer
"moocs" ana more genius. Perfectly at home
over dinner OF roast beef and old port, old
enough TO fulfill British idea Of q statesman's
American and foreign public people for half a
century, we send this most agreeable of our pub
he men to England with the Endorsement that he
is more unlike Boston Common, and also more
unlike first family Of Virginia, than any type of
man we possess. Sea-siekness, avoid him! Can
vas. back ducks and terTapius, attend him Bslti-
more, with your solitary line of merican steam.
ships, give him the best berth, and hear, ye first
cabin Uflieers. his anecdotes! Bon rOydge.
With all this ssld in Reverdy's favor. it must
alsO be admitted thst be is bad business man.
He is good deal like Daniel Webster in bis con.
tempt for money, believing that his genius is
national and ought 10 De recognized by his clients
BE never refuses fee, believes that true states
msnship ought TO accept the present situation,
and therefore, his political course is crooked as
the Pamunkey river. He undoubtedly expected
TO be made chief justice in place Of Roger fancy,
and TO this end may or may not have swung round
10 Mr.. LincOln's standpoint. He was, more than
Mr.. Chase, the slayer Of impeachment. his indu.
eDce upon Ross, Fowler and Van Winke being
positive and perfect. But who can fight anna.
bllity end talent2 AS well try to hate a bottle of
port wine, dozen fried oysters and a pretty
landady.