The Portland daily press., 1883-04-14
Recent Publications.

American Statesmen: Thomas jefferson
BY John T. Morse, Jr. Boston: Houghton,
Mi6lln d Co.; Portland: Loring, Short &
Harmon.
The American Statesmen Series, edited by
Mr.. Morse, is continued by new volume.
the Life of Thomas Jefferson. The meehan.
ical execution of the book is excellent,
though we think portrait of the subject of
the memoir would be an Improvement. We
all like to look at the Counterfeit present.
ment' of the man we are reading about.
The book is not a full or minute biography
OF jefferson. 1t is very interesting general
sketch of the principal events of his life,
and of the great political events with which
he was connected 1t is rapid review of
the leading characteristics of jefferson, and
OF the eyentful period in which he lived,
which refreshes the recollections of the read
er who is thoroughly Informed upon these
subjects, and is amply sufficient for the
needs OF one who has not the leisure for
more careful and extended study.
1t Is well written, and in the main impair.
tial, though it is very apparent that the au-
thor, Mr. Morse, is not in full sympathy eth
er with the political philosophy or the states
manship of Mr.. Jefferson.
On the thirteenth day of the present
month, one hundred and forty years will
have transpired since the birth Of Thomas
Jefferson. His memory is fresh in the
hearts of the American people, who regard
him with affection and reverence. His polltl.
cal principles possess an enduring vitality
and influence; and the leaders Of each Of
the two great parties are only too happy
when they can find in his writings authority
to sustain their party dogmas. He was the
embodiment of the idea of radical Democra-
cy. He had faith in the people. He believed
the people had the right to establish their
own government, and are the safest deposit
taries of political power. Like Abraham Lin
coin, he believed in ga government of the
people, for the people, by the people," Says
Mr.. Morse, sHe believed primarily in the
will of the people and sought primarily the
good of the people" He was political
philosopher and practical statesman-in
NACO4y III N4eil NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. u fHDrS-
sentative Democrat.
He was a Shareholder, and yet opposed to
slavery. In 1921 he wrote, ssNo.hing is more
certainly written in the book of fate than
that these people (slavesl are to be free;'
and he devised a plan for their emanelpa-
ton. He said, speaking of this institution,
'sWe have the wolf by the ears and can
neither hold him nor safely let him go.n
When the Missouri Compromise was adopt
ed in 1920, he said, "Thls momentous ques-
ton, like a fire bell in the night, awakened
and filed me with terror. considered it at
once as the kner of the Union.n How near
to the realization Of such catastrophe was
our Civil War!
During his first administration of the Pres
ideney, Jefferson developed the principles of
civil service reform which now so much inter.
est the people
When he acceded to the Presidency he
said s'the Republicans (Democratsl have
been excluded from all offices from the first
origin of the division into Republicans and
Federalists. They have a reasonable claim
to vacancies till they occupy their due
share No man." said he, "who has con-
Quoted himself according to his duties
would have anything to fear from me, as
those who have done i'll would have nothing
ohope, be their political principles what they
might" And again removals Unjust be as
few as possible, done gradually aud bot
toned on some malversation in Office or in
herent disqualification.
One of the noblest objects for which he
labored after he became President was to
eradicate party spirit and to harmonizs the
men Of all parties and unite them as one In
the support Of the Government. III 1901,
Just seated in the Presidential chair, he
wrote ''the moment which should convince
me that healing of the nation in one is
impracticable would be The last moment OF
wishing to remain where / am
The great glory Of Je fferson's administra
ton was the acquisition of Louisi ana, with
out which ours would not be the great and
powerful nation she now Is.
But we are protracting this notice too far
and viii only add one sentence more Ey-
cry man who takes an interest in public af-
fairs and in his countrys political history
ought to read this book and viii find great
delight in it.