Madison times. (Tallulah, Madison Parish, La.) 1884-1???, 1884-04-12
BLAINE ON BUCHANAN.

Tho: Buchanan of December, 1850, and
the Buchanan OF january, 1851.
Advance Sheets of Blaine's Book.
In final analysis and true estimate of
Mr.. Buchanan's conduct in the first
stages of the revolt, the condition of the
popular mind as Just described must be
taken into account. The same infiu-
ences and expectations that wrought
upon the people were working also upon
him. There were indeed two Mr.. Blu.
chanans in The closing months of the
administration. The first Mr.. Buchanan
of November and December, angered by
the decision of the Presidential election
and more than willing that the North,
including his own state, sh ould be disci-
plined by fright TO more conservative
views and to a stricter observance of
what he considered solemn obligations
imposed by the Constitution. If the
s)uthern threat of resistance to the au-
thority of the Union had gone no farther
than this, Mr.. Buchanan would have
been readily reconciled to its temporary
violence and would probably have con-
sidered It a national blessing in disguise.
The second was Mr.. Buchanan of Janu-
ary and February, appalled, by surround
ing and increasing perils, grieved by the
conduct of Southern men whom he had
implicitly trusted, overwhelmed by the
realization Of evils which had obviously
followed his official declarations, hoping
earnestly for the safety of the Union, and
yet more disturbed and narrowed in his
mind tl.an the mass of loyal people who
did not stand so near the danger as he
or so accurately measured its alarming
growth The President of December
with Cobb and Floyd and Thompson in
his Cabinet, and the President of Janu-
ary with Dix and Stanton and Holt for
his councillors, were radically different
men. No true estimate of Mr.. Buchanan
in the crisis of his public career can ever
be reached if this vital distinction be
overlooked. 80 .-.
1t was Mr.. Buchanan's misfortune to
be. called to act in an emergency which
demanded will, fortitude and moral
courage. In these qualities he was def
cient. He did not possess the executive
faculty. His life had been principally
devoted to the practice of law in the
most peaceful of communities and t
service in legislative bodies where ht
was borne along by the force of associa
ton. He had not been trained. Il
prompt decision; had not been accus
toned to exercise command. He wa
cautious and conservative to the poin
of timidity. q - =
He possessed ability of high orde
and, though he thought slowly, he coul,
master the most difficult subject wit
comprehensive power. His service 9
ten years in the House and an equs
period in the Senate was marked bv
conscientious devotion to duty. He di'
. not rank with the ablest members 9
either body, but always bore promi
ncn part in important discussions an
maintained himself with credit.
1t is said of Mr.. Buchanan that b
instinctiyely dreaded to assume respon
sibility of any kind. His keenest crit
remarked that in the tentative period
political issues assumed by his party
Mr.. Buchanan could always be foun
two paces to the rear, but In the hou
of triumph he marched proudly In tn
: front rank.
He was not gifted with independenc
!, or self-a.sertion. His bearing towar
Southern statesman was derogatory {
I. hin, as a man of spirit. His tone tt
, wards administrations OF bis own part
: was so deferential as almost to imply
> lack of ,self-respect. He was not leade
|. amoag men. He was always led,
He was led by Mason and Soule inf
the i,nprudence CT signing the Osten
{ manifesto; he was led by the Souther
e members of his Cabinet into the inexPl
d cable folly and plunder ofliDdorsing 70
n Lecomptun iniquity; he WAS led by di
s union Senators into the deplOrable mn
}, take contained in his last annual me-
t ssee. Fortunately for him he was led
e month later by Black and Holt an
+ Stan ton to a radical change Ut his con
t. promising position. - ay.L, -,
n If Mr.. Buchanan had possessed II
IS uncomfortable will of jackson or IL
l. stubborn courage of Taylor, he coul
e haze changed the history o. the revo
y against the Union. A great opportuni,
n came to him, but he was not equal to
o Always an admirable adviser whel
d prudence and caution were the virtu
s- REQUIRED, he was fatally wanting in s.
uat:on. which demanded prompt actic
4. and nerve.
- As representative in Congress, as Se
ator, as Minister abroad, as Secretary
State, his career was honorable and 81
a cessful. His life WAS singuiariy "
y rem personal fsult or short-coming. +
4 was honest and plre-min1ed. His fan
X would have been more ensiable II
,e had never been elevated to the Pre-
o. dency.