The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-07-13
Ex-yICE PRESIDENT nAIIhIN.


Hannibal Hamn, the first associate Chief Magis-
trate with the amented Lincoln is In every sense
true type of the bsckwoodsman Of the old "Pne
Tree State.n He Is as much of a representative
Of the down East Yankee as was Abraham Lincoln
the perfect embodiment Of the genuine and home
spun Western character. II is, in fact doubtful II
ever there was President and Vice President asso
ciated together who were more rustic and rural IN
their personal appearance, habits and general tenn
permanent than were Mr.. Lincoln and Mr.. Hamlin.
To use popular term, both were genuine country
men, but they were nevertheless "men of the
periodn and they will always be remembered
having directed the AFFAIRS Of the nation during the
most eventful days OF Its history.
Mr.. Hamlin, as Is well known, escaped the acct
dental Presidency of the United States by the nom-
nation of Andrew Johnson at the convention which
declared in favor OF Mr.. Lincoln for n second term.
and many Of the friends OF Mr.. Hsmiin have felt
happy that circumstances resulted in favor OF Mr..
Johnson, although they do not for moment hesitate
to declare their belief that Fate had brought Mr..
Hamln TO the accession OF the Presidential chair his
administration would have been barren of many Of
those obnoxious squabbles dlsgracefully charac
terstic of that of the Tennessee President and the
junction. the part of his friends would have been
realized or not is problem that can never be
r solved ua,0 ,n sae he woaId
have been as stubborn IN his views and
actions az was ever Andrew Jackson Andrew
public affairs according 20 the dictates Of his own
conscience rather than in obedience to the wishes or
suggestions OF the radical assembly ''at the other
end of the avenue" Those who know the man
well Of thus but they are inclined TO the belief
that his Views upon the matter and manner oil re-
construction when the war closed, were more In
sympathy with those OF Mr.. Lincoln, ana that with
the oScia mantle Of the Presidency they think Mr..
Hamlin would have inherited his policy, and that in
faithfully executing 1t the country would have been
relieved OF the prOtracted impeachment farce, in
which Ben Butler and secretary Boutwell, were the
Ever since the retirement OF Mr. namin from the
Vice Presidency he has been more or less connected
with public AFFAIRS His ambition IL not satisfied,
and 30 long as bodily health allows his abilities full
play it Is probable that he never will be. He is
deeply Interested all affairs pertaining to the CON-
mercia prosperity OF Maine, and is always foremost
IN securing legislation ia Its BEHALF Alter Mr. Lin
| coin had entered upon hts second term he compi-
mented his Old associate by making him Collector OF
the port Of Boston, position which he nlled very &C
ceptably, and probably would nave continued IN
he could have swallowed the policy OF Andrew John
SON. The potion was too nauseOus for him, however,
| and he resigned. Mr. BamIIn's administration OF
affairs at the Boston Custom House was particularly
acceptable Oh account Of the unpopalarity Of his
| predecessor. Where Mr. Goodrich had made mis-
| lakes the ex-Vice President gained wisdom from
his experience and in governing himself accordingly
! won a great many friends among the mercantile
| community Of Boston.
The victory OF Mr.. Hsmlin in securing an election
last winter to the United States Senate In spite OF
most formidable opposition Is but single Illustra
ton OF his appreciation by the people OF this most
mole OF the Eastern States since his election he has
been close observer OF public affairs, and on such
matters reconstruction and the adjustment OF Che
| Alabama CLAIMS he entertains very positive and
ORIGINAL views, and they Will be given to the country
| In a very unmistakabIe manner when he takes his
| III the senate Being practical business man.
| rather than politician or a political philosopher,
incline to the opinion thai his career III the United
states senate will be In the direction OF repairing the
| shattered financial and industrial machinery OF the
country. One thing IL certain, however--he Will
be heard FROM add II he does not aspire to be one OF
the leaders OF the senate he will take very active
part In every thing OF importance that may come be-
| fore that body.
| During the past few days Mr.. HaDlin has been In
New Bedford, Mass, for the purpose Of negotiating
the bonds OF this city in aid OF the European and
| North American Railway. He returned from there
this morning. having disposed OF them to New Bed.
| ford capitalists 80 tine amount Of over hpndre d
| IN Oup a nd dollars.