Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1868-02-27
Tht gepablitau.
Schuyler COlfax.
WASHINGTON, Feb. g.
To the Editor of the Cincinnati Gazette:

| schuyler COllaAs
WAsnIseTcS, Feb. s.
To the Editor of the Cincinnati Gazette;
The name of Schuyler Colfax is mem
toned in political circles as q probable can
iidaie for high honors. OF course, hun
dreds are studying his character with new
interest, aud giving their views 10 the pup
lie. This is well in regard 10 ali who are
presented To the people fof important posi-
tions. BY combining these partial ike,
nesscs, there is formed what may be called
n resultant picture, which very nearly
represents the man. The writer OF this Is
inclined 70 present his estimate OF the
Speaker, because he is not satisfied with
any OF the representations which he has
seen of the man, and because he has had
some peculiar opportunities for forming an
opinion. lie boasts of no intimate relations
with Mr.. Coifax, and private friendship,
therefore, does not warp his Judgment,
while he is not so far removed as TO know
him only as public officer.
During the sessions Of the Thirty ninth
Congress, and. the Fortlcth, thus Tar, MIR.
Coliax has unconsciously given me daily
sitting for his portrait or rather, | have
been sitting a short time, daily. in his pres
ence to receive multitude of impressions
which have gradually shaped themselves
into definite opinion.
The Speaker belongs to that class whose
power is invariably underrared, uf,ii
brought to some severe test They are
regarded as simply good natured, sunny
faced men, until on some great occasion
We start to see smiles changed into light
ming
He is constitutionally affable, from gen
tlemanly instincts. and on Christian princi-
pie he is uniformly courteous. This Is his
most familiar aspect, and therefore ne mas
been presented to the country as a very
prince of good nature and afiability, a
CHEEKY, sunny rian, and we areief. 10 infer,
at least, that he is not remarkable forlorce,
breadth and depth OF character.
| Truthful as this is in regard To his kindly
/ disposition, il is a total misconceptton oil
the man. Many who have only seen the
surface of his mind ask, DO you think Mr.
Coliax is great MANI"
The answer will depend upon what we
mean by "a great man." AL greatness IS
not the same. He las not the same Kind
of power which distinguished MIR. Webster,
or Clay, or Calhoun. They and their type
of political greatness belong to an age that
has passed away. Ii they could he brought
back just ds they Were, they could not he
the leaders OF this new era. Their intel
lectual power without the deep moral CON
viction that this age demands, would be out
of place In our great conflict, end worse
Than useless.
Many, in looking for the first time upon
the Thirty -i,inih Congress, said There are
no really great men here" Subsequent re-
flec;iUn changed their opinion, and history
win yetrecord thai in every element Of real
craftsmanship, In clear, broad views OF
human rights and relations, in deep, true
moral convictions, in all that constitutes
the heroic character, the leaders of the
Thirty ninth Congress were superior 10
their predecessors; and among them MIR.
Colfax was, and is. an acknowledged leader.
| They were men who met firmly the shock
of The most formidable rebellion Of modern
times and crushed II i; and then, against
the whole power of the Executive and a
great party at the North, and the rcinspir-
tied rebels, conceived and executed a safe
plan Tor restoring the South and reuniting
the country. s.en capable.of this are great
men. Now, the question of the capacity
of Mr.. Coltax, is best answered by the tact
1 for three consecutive Congressional terms,
/
scnted to- American statesmen were beinc
discussed, in "a time Of extreme peril, these
strong men invited him t. preside over
them, guide their deliberations and WELD
the great power OF the Speaker when any
grave mistake would have impcrilled tbeiI
party and the country. titH
Many of the strong men or the House
could do. perhaps. each in his own sphere
l.<xf
administering ability needed in his higl
position --fntliepOwer so 10 guide The great
mental forces oil The House so as TO reacl
q result--in the faculty. ofseeiDg at . lancs
The true aspett OF a diilictilt case, AMI o
prompt decision in that 'tact,' whicl
means an intuitive perception of what I
needed, and how II can be done, Mr.
Colfax has no superior among our public
men. i'm the House or elsewhere sritp-i ''
Standing on the front line OF principle, In
seems not disposed TO attempt all righ
things at once, but with an eve fixed on thu
ultimate goal, asks what Is praciicabienow
His convictions rest on firm, moral ant
religious basis, and therefore he is not lke
ly 10 change. 1Ie Is one Of tho l,esS lifin:
representatives Of the true American Typ
of mind-thorougl practical. workin:
right on To definite ends with great execu
y tive force, power of endurance, and an un
wearied attention to the details of business
In any higher position he would be dealin;
still with the same questions with .whicl
} he IS already familiar; he would be associ
ct 4 with the same men over whose delib
!; er ions he has presided. SO long, aud Ii
would bring tpsthe;cnluct ofsafaif, th
same clear percep ions, The same power c
, prompt decision, the same exquisite tao
and lirmncss that have distinguished bin
as Speaker; snd whether THIS kind Of great
ness is needed by The country DOW, eac
! must decide for himself.
\.
A Talk with A. ILLS View