Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1870-03-16
MEN OF THE OLDEN TIME
Some of EX-GOV. ScymOurss RecOI-
lectiOns of Them.

Inc last lecture or the course before
the Utica Mechanics Association was de-
ivered at Mechanics Hall by Gov. Sey-
mour, last evening. The subject selected,
"Recollections of Public Men,, together
with the reputation of the speaker,
brought together large audience
Gov. Seymour introduced his subject
10y referring 10 the remarkable body of
men, who forty years ago assembled in
the halls of Congress, and occupied
prominent places before the American
public. These were men who lived dur
lng eras marked 10y remarkable events,
who had been schooled in oratory and
had protited by the study of eminent
masters of elocution. The habits of the
people at that time were such that the
utterances of public men made deep
impression, and their course was closely
watched and keenly criticised. OF his
personal recollections of some of the
eminent men of that age, Mr.. Seymour
proposed TO speak. John Randolph be
characterized as the sensational man of
his day; a man of strange appearance,
stong mind and keen wit, in face and
dress somewhat reminding one of an old
woman. Alexander Stevens of Geo gia,
bears a resemblance to Randolph.
In disposition, Randolph was sharp,
shrewd, impatient, and disposed to be
malignant
Mr.. Seymour met John Quincy Adams
IN Washington, and at his residence met
Henry Clay. Adams he described as a
small man, with a frigid, uninviting, for
NAL manner. This reserve he attributed
70 ba viz
Adams in his youth, when bis native New
England was governed by a system of
mutual inspection. Clay was, or the
contrary, genial and winning in his man
ner and address. In private life Mr..
Adams possessed ability TO interest from
his vast fund of personal observation, and
In a great measure cast aside his reserve.
He was a man of great strength of will;
thoroughly in love with public life, and
determined TO die, as he did die, with his
harness on.
Gen. jackson was a tall, erect, com
handing man, with much of the military
Chieftain in his appearance, strong willed,
and perhaps possessed of quick temper,
but holding his temper under control. No
man of his time could get mad so judi
ciously. He was a good judge of human
nature, and always knew his man before
losing his temper. Uneducated himself,
and surrounded by able and disciplined
minds, he always did his own thinking,
and TO the last moment of his life exer-
cised great control over the public mind.
To this day public men are advised to edo
as Jackson did
In person, John G. Calhoun was not I'M
like Jackson, except that Calhoun pos
aessed wonderful eyes. He had a keen in
sight into the future, and was a prophet
rfther than a conspirator. In speaking he
depended entirely upon his reasoning pow
Sfs. The first word of his speech was
the first word of his argument, and the
last word of his argument was the last
word Of his speech. He possessed no
faculty of judging character, but fasci-
mated by his straightforward, frank way
with his fellow men.
Between Clay, jackson and Calhoun
the resemblance was wonderful. 1t was
because Clay and jackson were so much
alike that they hated each other as they
did. Clay possessed a rich voice. musi-
cal even to his enemies. He was chival-
rous, patriotic; by nature politician as
well as a statesman.
Webster was characterized as the great
est, and yet the weakest of them ALL
BY nature intended for a writer and a
student, and yet great man, great
wherever placed. The triumphs for
which be is remembered are literary tri-
umphs.
Among men from Oneida county,
Henry b. Storrs was characterized by
eminent public men as che from Oneida
county who eXcels US all in debate" Al
though now nearly forgotten even here,
he was the greatest American orator after
Patrick Henry. lie was man of portly,
commandingsspresenCe, with a wonderfully
musical voice, only equalcd by the voice
of Clay. His cratic and uncertain tenn
permanent was assigned as the reason why
he had been 50 soon forgotten.
Attorney General Talcou, also of this
county, was at times grand in his clO-
quence. Chief Justice Marshall said that
Talcott made the greatest legal argument
be ever listened to. OF our men noted at
that time only one representative is left,
the Hon. W. J. Bacon, late Justice of the
Supreme Court
In conclusion, the speaker believed that
the average American intellect was inn
proving, but diverted from the channels
where these men sought rcnown. Then,
too, men to be heard must be in earnest.
These men were swayed by strong pas
sions; they believed in the wickcdness of
their enemies. Now men are fiercely
attacked, but the accusers are not credited,
and we hardly dare assail a political man,
for we know not how soon we may be
called upon to affiliate with him in party
measures.