The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1881-09-17
CHIEF MAGISTRATES.
WHO HAVE OCCUPIED THE
PRESIDENT Al CHAIR.

The Presidents of the United States
We're generally men OF good personal ap-
pearance. The extremes in point of stat
ure were in Polk and Lncoln-the latter
of whom was six feet four, while the for
mer was little more than five feet three
Van Buren, was also small man. The
first four were men of much dignity
Concerning Washington nothing need be
added on this point. He was the best
ideal of manly beauty. even in his latter
days, and when Stewart undertook to
paint his portrait, the artist was so over
come by the majesty of his patron that
at first he was unable to proceed with his
task. John Adams lacked Washington's
noble stature and grandeur of mien. but
he was a man of much dignity. .Ieffer-
son was a noble of personnel-tall we'll
built. and imposing appearance. Mad
ison had merely a respectable look. and
being dressed in black, presented much
the appearance of clergyman. Monroe
and Washington were the only Presidents
that served in the field during the Revo-
luton. They We're together at Trenton,
where Monroe was lieutenant and re-
ceived ball which he carried through
life. He was the last of the Revelations
airy Presidents and Wore the cooked hat
and Continental uniform which became
him to a remarkable degree. John Q.
ADAMS. like his father. was stout, thick
set. and deficient in point of stature.
Jackson was tall and gaunt. with
bristling hair. high cheek bones. and a
nervous but defiant countenance. Van
Buren, lacked personal dignity in every
point. and indeed was the most deficient
of all our Presidents in physique except
Polk. Harrison was a man of much per-
sonal dignity. Tyler was spare faced
man. with a long. thin nose which gave
him Il comical appearance. 1t was his
station as President that won the hand
of the rich woman. Mrs Gardiner. rather
than any personal attraction. Polk was.
as has been said, a small man, with
cold, repulsive countenance. and hard
staring pair of eyes that were singularly
free from anything like a kindly genial
look
Taylor was heavy built man, with
rough visage. as might have been expect
ed of one whose life was passed on the
frontier He was bred n soldier and he
loved the service. His face had a pleas
ant smile at times. but was often i'm
pressed with the stern character of
life. Fillmore had a Emphatic
conference.-the except when lit up
by business or pleasure. He was agree
able in society and interesting in CONVEX
sation, to a degree much beyond his pre-
tecessors. He was of more than average
size, and of proportions that suggested
dignity, if not elegance. Buchanan was
a dull old gentleman, whose white choker
the clerical order. His coun-
tenance, however, showed that he was
not a man of progress, and rather sug-
gested the fossil order of intellect.
Lincoln was in shape the most uncouth
of all the Presidents. He did not, it is
true, have the vulgar aspect of Andy
Johnson, but there were such ungainly
and such length of limb that it
was much against his personal appear
ance His countenance was suggestive
Of deep thought, and an expression of
deep melancholy gave it an air of refine
ment. but it had none of the artificial
polish of modern society. Destitute of
i. was rich in native grace: for, |
As has been well remarked: Mr. Lin |
coin had all the instincts of gentle |
man" Andy Johnson had, as has been |
suggested. countenance which was es-
vulgar. The expression did not |
Indicate poverty or toll. but narrowness
Of mind and bitter prejudice. He and
Polk were the worst looking of the en-
tie Presidential cotcrie. Grants coun- |
tenance is too familiar to need comment. !
Though destitute of what is called "cul- |
ture, it Is suggestive of power. and also |
indicates kindly disposition. Hayes is |
4 fine looking man, and Garfield coun- |
tenance needs no further reference.
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