The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1889-05-11
A Great Authority.
From the New York sun.


! Many of our readers have looked on with {
/ certain shock of surprise and pain rs Bishop
4 Potter has denounced Andrew jackson, ac
/ casing him of vulgarity, which is always the
! appanage of baseness; and very likely some
/ of those who are as ignorant or as preiudiced
/ as the Bishop appears to be, have given full
credence to the accusation.
But against the aRathema of this distin
guiShed clergyman of our own day, who never
knew jackson except through the rcprezeu-
ralions of others, and the prejudice and
hostility of opposing politicians, let us set up
the Judgment of Edward Livingston, a great
man, gentleman. a statesman OF high
phil1sophic genius, whose services to his
country and to mankind cannot be obscured.
We quote from a speech upon Gen. jackson
delivered by Mr.. Livingston in the House of
Representatives siXty-three years ago, on
April II. 1926:
.'Out of this House, and | am very sorry to
say in some degree. by implication, within It,
the members have been classed either as in
discriminate supporters or opposers OF all
measures proposed by the Executive Presi-
dent J. Q. Adamsl. Hence it has been
deemed necessary for those who do not wish
to be designated by either of these denomlna-
tons explicitly to state the relation IN winch
they stand to both, and the principles on
which they intend to act, when their vote
might imply support or disapproyal OF EXeeu-
tive measures.
yielding to this necessity, | reluctantly
speak of myself, and declare that at the last
election, when the President was designated
by this House. | gave my voice in favor OF
the candidate TGen. Jacksonl who had the
greatest number of electoral votes; that l did
50 because had witnessed in him the posses
sion of qualities aud lhe eXertion of talents
which qualified him, as | thought, IN
greater degree than any other man now living
for that place Wisdom in forming his plans;
promptitude and energy in their execution;
courage utterly regardless OF danger when
required action; prudence not
to be irritated or drawn from its purpose,
when an advantage WAS to be gained by delay
stern integrity, not only incorrupuhle IN
ITSELF but debarriug all under his influence or
direction from the approach OF corruption;
the highest sense of honor; deyotedness TO
the cause of his country that anuIhllated every
of personal safety or advantage;
A talent never. perhaps, equalled. Of uniting
discoriani opinions. and directing them m
time of danger to the common defence, and
in the moment Of victory and triumph, pro
found and cheerful submission TO the laws OF
his country, even when they imposed heavy
penalty for acts done 20 preserve the law
itself aud the country from destruction.
Il preferred him, not only because be vas
bv these characteristics emInentiy quaiihed
Tor the place, bat because by his exercise OF
them thought the country had incurred a
debt Of gratitude which could only be CANCEL
I'd by the highest honors and she strongest
marks OF confidence II could beStow- No one,
,ir. can Justly appreciate the magnitude OF
hat debt who was not witness 70 the manner
in which il was incurred. who dad not see the
nature and immiuence Of the danger, and the .
,cleri,y and efficiency Of the delverance; who I.
-5uld not compare his inadequate means with .
he glorious object he made them attain; and .
= hu was not an eyewitness to one oil the .
greatest miracles. 10 the working OF which .
Aimishty God has designed to employ the 4
Of human talent and human .
courage.
we read. sir. OF she sack OF cities and OF
he deSsructiun pl.lAEe. butCheTy. violation,
nd other atrocities with which they are at
ruded and We feel emotions Of horror, but
hey arr transii0ry, and. II the tale be often
rpsaieH, We hear IL with indifference; bat
: hen yau have yourself been csaosed 20 such
hangers, when they were a. your very thFesh'
I'd. when a space that may be- iraversed Ia
ew minutes Is all that separates your home
rom cuntagrauou, yonr property lsom
flHN4Ffs FNuf wives anu E4ttttAlt sAAA@ AZ Nait
COX 20 yoa for protection, from exposure TO
he brutal iusolence Of savage sold'cry, IN
,iaca from whence there IS no retreat, aud
nth no hope Of safety but IN The courage OF
few brave bat uudlsciphncd. alarmed de
enders arrayed against three times their
,umber Of sell appo,Hted veterans. hot on
be- scgns II carnage aud booty, when you
ave seen and tet this, the Impression Is
lsver eaaced.
with me. ssr, il Is not a iradiuouSry in
ssson: have seen. have Tel; the danger.
Witnessed aad exalted in the triumph Of our
lrlivrrance. aud whcn ! forget the drl'vereF,
,hea omit any proper means IN my power
3 give TO him the distinctions which his
erviccs merit. and 30 my country the benefit
4 his virtues sud Ealopts. must be deaf to
BE- voice Of dniy and gratitude, y well a.
czardlrss Of the wishes Of those whom
cpgrscnt
Against such q irihute as tins, from vat
.ess Sho himself saE aud knew, and whose
competency cannos be questioned. bat aSalis
Be accusation Of vslganiy alleged by bishop
'otters The uobte fame Of Andrew Jackson
sill rsuia,u 20 the possession of his couatFy,
1 mankind. and. above al, Of the American
democracy.