The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1881-09-10
CHIEF MAGISTRATES.
The Personal Appearance of the Men
Who Have Occupied the
Presidential Chair.

The Presidents of the United States
were generally men of good personal APP
pcarance The extremes in point of stat
ure were in Polk and Lincoln-the latter
of whom was six feet four, while the for
mer was little more than five feet three
Van Buren was also small mln. 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, aud 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 WashiIgton's
noble stature and grandeur of mien, but
he was u mau of much dignity. Jeffar-
son was noble of personel-tall, we'll
built, aud of imposing appearance. Mad
isou, 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 revolu-
ton. They were together at Trenton,
where Monroe was Lieutenant and re-
ceiyed ball which he carried through
life. lie was the last of the revolutionary
presidents and wore the cooked hat and
Continental uniform which became him
to remarkable degree. John Quincy
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 countenanee. Van Buren lacked
personal dignity in every point, and in-
deed was the most deficient Of all our
Presidents 10 physique except Polk.
Harrison was a man Of much personal
dignity. Tyler was a spare faced man,
with 4 long, thin nose, which gave him a
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. 4 small man, with cold, repulsive
counteuance, aud hard staring pair Of
eyes that were singularly free from any
thing like kindly genial look.
Taylor was heavy bulk man, with
rough visage, as might have been expect
ed Of one whose life was passed on the
frontier. He was bred soldier, and low
ed the service. His face had a pleasant
smile ct times, bat was often impressed
with the stern character Of military life.
Fillmore bad lymphatie countenanee-
dull. except when liz up BY business or
pleasure He was agreeable in society
and interesting in conversation, to 4 de-
gree much beyond his predecessors. He
was Of more than average size, aud of
proportions that suggested dignity, if not
elegance Buchanan was a duh old gen
,leman, whose white choker suggested the
clerical order. His eoun,enanee, howev-
CT, showed that he vas not 4 man Of pro-
grcss, aud rather suggested the fossil or
der Of intellect.
Lincoln was 10 shape the most uneouth
Of all the Presidents He did not, it Is
true, have the vulgar aspect OF Andy
johnson, ba. there were such ungaiBly
manners and such length Of limb that 1t
was much against his personal appearance.
His connteaanee vas suggestive of deep
thought, and an expression Of deep mex
ancholy gave il an air of refinement, but
Il had none of the artificial polish Of mod
ern society. Destitute Of culture, it was
rich ia native grace; for, as has been well
remarked Mr.. LincOla had all the IN
tincis of a gentleman" Andy johnson
had, As has been suggested, q countenanee
which was essentially Vulgar. The ex-
preston did no, indicate poverty or toll,
bat uarrowness Of miad aud bitter Preju-
dice He snd Polk were the worst look
ins Of the entire Presidential eoterie.
Grants eouutenanee Is too familiar to need
comment Though destitute of what IS
called "ealsure, it IS suggestive of power,
aud also indicates kiadly disposition.
Hayes Is a 6ae looking man, and Garfield $
eountcnanec needs no further reference.