Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-03-07

1t had been req eatedly trampled beneath
the despoiic heel OF the Southern and
Northern democracy. he was declared to
DE merely q noisy demagogue who was
re 81 ening unproi able questions and ex.
citing unpleasan,ness among Southern
brethren to the general injury OF the
country. In the eyes OF these good natured
quietists, Edward Everett, ut,ering his
polished, elaborate platitudes, which car
ried with them no lightnings of heated
indignation against national Injustice.
we're thought 10 be more statesmanlike
than the bold and scorching words Of
Charles Sumner on the barbarism oil
American slavery. and the strong and
fearless denunciation of Henry Wilson
and Salmon Z. Chase against the fugitive
slave law. The calm, poblc declarations
OF Higher Law by William H.. Sew
ard, were regarded as conclusive evidence
Of his uuiilness for whig leadership. while
his bold announcement of The "irrcpressi
ole conflict between Slavery and Free
dom and its endorsement by Abraham
Lincoln, in the debate with Stephen A.
Douglass, showed these two republicans
utterly destitute OF craftsmanship. Men
unaccustomed TO the stubborn work OF
genuine public life. pronounced Willard
Fillmore, John Bell, Horatio Seymour and
other men of mere plstitudes. the most
pacific and wise national leaders.
Standing now the most influential men,
Der OF the great republican party of the
Union. Mr.. Blaine holds headship he
has fairly won after twenty years Of man
ly, vigorous effort, growing ID wisdom
and strength with each succeeding year
equal TO every occasion ON which he is
called TO play part. Yet there are those
who concede his popularity and The con-
summste ability and tact with which he
confronts. outgenerals aud defeats the
democratic majority and is leading the
republicans 10 success. yet insist That he Is
no statesman-that he is only politician.
Very singular ideas these wonderful Crit
les have OF craftsmanship. What DC they
really mean by their use OF terms Web
ster defines 3 statesman: - man v.rsed
in the arts of governEont; one eminent
for political sh!.iues.n Brought to prac-
tical test ~e donbt if there is another man
in Inc country more thoroughly acquaint-
ed with all the forms, methods aud work
ings OF the State and national government
OF this country than James c. Blaine.
There are men who ia action aud
available power are much less than their
written and spoken words. There are
others whose speech is less than their
deeds. The latter have a reserved force
which words do not measure, but is
always made TO tell when the hour Of
effort aad trial comes. What Mr. Blaine
has accomplished when brought 10 the
test, shows that he does not belong TO
the former class. lie was early in life a
political student OF remarkable insight
and application, then an able and popular
journalist with rare opportunities for
political culture and experience. repeai.
edly the speaker OF the Naine House OF
Representatives, fourteen years q mem.
Der of Congress. Tor six years tho speaker
ofthe National House OF Representatives,
with success equsiled by none since
Henry Clay sixty years ago occupied the
position and not surpassed by the great
Kentuckisn.
The scope. the power. the success oil
Mr.. Blaiue's leadership OF The republican
minority tho country now scans Tor itself
aud Can make up its opinion. With Il
remarkable memory OF all salient facts
in The political history of the county,
with a knowledge OF men OF different
sections OF the Union surpassed by no
living American, wiih.s personal mag
neliSm rarely cquailed. he gathers men
quickly around him, aud holds them
with great tenaci,y. His administrative
qualities are of the highest order. With
an astonishing capacity tor work, all his
powers under III CROUCH discipline, with
complete mastery oil all necessary
details. lew men can accomplish so
much. A born leader OF men. buoyant,
resolute, iadefAtigable, he alwaJ proves
equal 10 what is expected OF him. Il
chosen President, his administration
would be one Of the most able and sue.
cessiul in the history oil the government.
His would prove practical. comprehen
sive. sagacious craftsmanship, thus
showing how utterly mistaken have been
the comments Of specisl class Of critics
that he is consummste master OF
political tactics. an able parliamen,srian.
but no statesman. Fortunate will IL be
Tor the country aud Tor the republican
party, if ne becomes the next National
Executive.