New-York tribune., 1876-04-22
LETTERS, FROM THE PEOPLE.
TIE LATE DIR. BROWNSON.
"REMINISCENCES OF HIS POLITICAL LIFE.

TO the EdftOr Of The Trt6nnG
SIR: The death OF Dr. O. a. Browns0n thirty years
ago would probably have excited wider as wen az
a different interest; because Though ne was theh
distinguished as philosophical aud relgicus III
auiror, he was much more popularity known as
prominent member of the Democrat party. can
well remember when in Massachusetts at lcast ne
was i'm great demand as political speaker. lie hau
han ope of the founders of the original Loco Foco
party in New-York, m organization which pushed
radical doctrines TO the extreme; but in Aassaciu-
setts he had 70 n great extent famed himself to
act with the regular Democrats. The Bos'o"
Oa0s8rrv Re7ier which he established in 1888
was as much political az it was literary and plio-
sonbieal-was in fact warm supporter ot the an
Dureu Administration. Mr.. BTownson wrote upon
poltcs with great v;gor but with good deal OF &C.
rjroony. showing the Wings, whom he regarded ~ a
conserv. tive and arstocratic party no mercy "heh
Judge Morton was elected Governor OF MaSSachu-
sets in 1889 the Wings in tho Legislature pub
lshed criticism OF his inaugural address. To TINS
DE- Brownson replied IN The Quarterly. III an article
which | cannot help thinking one of the finest
pieces of political invectve in the language AS a
platform speaker Dr. BTownson wasalittie inclined 10
distractions and tbc0rios, bat he was always listened
TO with attention. The Democrats OF MASSACHUSETTS,
at that time were fond of such discussions, and
pecally that wing Of the party which cared more iot
principles than for Offices. The great campaign OF
1910 found Dr. Brownsou Steward OF Chelsea Hos
pital, a comfortable place, to which ne was ap-
pointed by President Van Buren,.
Tie Quarterly was probably never a very profit
able publication. and in 1S43 lis subscription list
had been purchased by Mr.. OSullivan, the Proprie-
tor OF The Democratic Eercc in this city IL was
mart of the contract that DR.. Brownson should De
pernliited to print what ne pleased in TIE Her'er
and as Dr. Browuson pleased to wTitc certain very
np-Dcmocratic articles he made Mr.. OSni,Yan great
deal of trouble and cost hm good many saOScloe's
whom he could III spare. Indeed, DR.. bTo"nsoh h'I
never been a very good party man. Onui 'ie io'hu
rst IN the bosGIn of the Catholic Church his com
hatiye propeusiiies made all regular organization
distasteful to him. he had been dispder from his
b5yhood. and continued 50 through al ms midie
life. He loved discussion partly tog its own SAKE
Te was always ready for bot. when the D'mo-
Gratis and Free sellers % Massachusetts, laa between
them patched up "a fine Constitution, ne loined
with Pafrey, Hoac, ami Morton in opposing its
adoption and in securing its rejection by the people,
and thus gave the Wings fresh lease OF power
which they did not live long to enjoy.
can well recall the scns9iion occa-
stoned by the publication of d.. BFownson's )
ralig1ons novel Of Charles Elwood.' II had
an antobIographic interest which caused II TO
bs eagerly real. lis "New Views Published IN
! $50 also occas.oned much discussion. Abcnt that
time remember that DR., Brownson was extremely
effective aa pabie speaker. He had been Preach
ing nil his ife and be possessed the faculty oi hah-
ding the absrises topics in popular and interest,"
ing way. His early education must nave Deeh nm
it,d and desuitory but he became ripe general
scholar OF his psychological pocuiiai1'les ana at
tainmcnis you have already spoken c. l. g
Neto- York, April Is, 1876.