The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1870-11-11


vective The keenness of his sarcasm
which he generally directs against tin
measure he is discussing and not his oppo
nents is most effective. His language, lik'
| Webster's, is vigorous, terse, pure English
rejecting ornamentation, free from any
kind of atfectation and marked by manly
simplicity. He is like Henry Clay, in hi
direct and candid craftsmanship, his sin
cerity, openness and freedom from equivo
cation or Observation-Disclosures which
made the "sage of Ashland" so dear to the
public heart Mr.. Clay carried all before
him by his grace, manner and person, bril-
lance and eloquence, and communicated
to men and masses his own enthusiasm.
Judge Thurman commands attention, and
carries conviction by the quiet yet forcible
carnestness of his manner. His oratory
like Calhoun's, is plain, strong, wise, con
else and impressive; his great power con-
sists In the plainness of his proposition, in
the clearness of his logic and his earnest
sincerity. His manner ofspeaking is rapid
forcible and pressing. He is never tedious
and never tires; disdaining all rhetorical
flourishes and circumlocution he comes at
once to the point; possessed of an analyti-
cal mind and fund of good common
sense, he makes clear his views and leaves
no doubt as to his meaning. AS debater
he is the peer of any in the Senate, which
arises from his extended experience his
quickness of repartee, his thorough self
possession and control of self, with quiet
humor which never fails to disarm the feel
ing Of bitterness which too often arises
from debate, and to win the respect of his
opponents. He is always most thought
full and respectful to his political oppo-
nents. This taken in connection with the
powerful magnetism of his manner, gives
him in return the respect and kindliest
feelings of those he opposes but in his at
tack upon what he conceives to be wrong,
he is most determined and implacable.-
Judge Thurman excels as leader in a
legislative body, where his extended legal
and general business knowledge can con-
troll and direct, but he has no taste or in
clination for that party leadership which
consists in the dexterity and shrewdness
of guiding and controlling men for party
ends. Without intending indvidious com
parsons we look in vain for any other in
either branch of Congress who has &C
corded him the position of leader, either
through his indomitable will, energy and
ability, as was the case with the late
Thaddeus Stevens, or like Henry Clay,
who led his party by his giant intellect,
brilliant oratory and fascination of manner
We find able lawyers; good business
men, excellent parliamentarians men of ex-
pericnce and business habits, brilliant ora
tors and most ready and able debaters, but
none possessing that rare combination of
qualities necessary for popular leader as
in the case of Thaddeus Stevens or Judge
Thurman, both leaders of opposite par
ties and most diverse in their qualities,
except, indeed, in their readiness of de-
bate and indomitable energy, and in these
respects differing as widely aa possible.
Stevens in debate was personal, bitter, Sc
we're and stung with the sharpest sarcasm,
while Thurman equally as ready, is good
humored, pleasant and genial, and instead
of leaving scar he awakes smile.
Judge Thurman commands the respect
and cooperation of those who willingly ac-
knowledge him leader by his great ability,
honesty Of purpose, and the wonderful mag
netism of his manner To be leader in either
branch of Congress is a position of which
any one may well be proud, so seldom is
there found any one who possesses the
necessary qualities to fit him for such an
honor. The more creditable too when
held by the possession of the best, finest
and kindiiest traits of character with which
God ennoblcs man, as is the case of Judge
Thurman, whose moral virtues are not
eclipsed by the intellectual powes which
have enabled him to rise to the exalted
position he now occupies. 1t is remark
able fact that with all the acknowledged
ability, experience, personal merit and
public spirit which exists to such large
degree in the forty-second Congress, there
is but one who has had assigned him the
place of leader, while in the past such men
as Webster, Clay, Calhoun, Clayton, Silas
Wright, Cass, Douglas, and others in both
Houses were fully recognized during the
same period of time as unquestioned lead
ers. Thurman in the estimation of those
who have witnessed his most brilliant and
successful career in the Senate during the
past session, takes rank as leader with
those giants who occupy so great space
in the political history of our country
twenty years ago. Judge Thurman is a
statesman of broad and liberal views, q de-
voted adherent of his party, an enthusiastic
lover of his country ard the Union, and
better than all, is-what all our public of
ficials should be, no matter what their par
ty-a true man.