New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-05-27
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
ANNALS OF A SOUTHERN WING.
POLITICS AND PEN PICTURES AT HOME AND
ABROAD. BY Henry W Hnard. LID. ov0

POLITICS AND PEN PICTURES AT HOME AND
PIP. xi, AS q. y. Putnam's sons.
Mr.. billiards. "reminiscences present an Interesting
picture OF American politics from ls4O to the Cvi war
from the point Of view of southern Whig Now that
the passions and prejudces OF that stormy period have
died away. 1t should be easy for the stanchest
Northerner to appreciate the honesty and integrity OF
this old time Southern gentleman OF Alabama, ana 10
understand the candOr and frankness WIN WHICH NC
sets down political opinions which, however as
cordant they may be with Northern tenets, help US
TO understand the feelings which led the south to
push its claims for domination over the entire 'nioh
and to regard the sacrifice Of National interests 10 inc
support and extension OF slavery as Justinabic III"
necessary Mr. billiard was, however. at no time an
extreme partisan. On the accession OF MI I!ier q"
the Presidency the Belgian mission was onered W
Mr. Hillard. and accepted, and in short tune ne set
ont for Europe In London he met Edward Everett,
then Minister there and made the acquaintance OF
MANY distinguished Englishnen as for instance OF
Robert Peel the Duke OF Wellington, LORD Lyndhurst'
Lord Brougham Mr. Bates, OF Barring Brothers, Baron
ROthschild, and Others
After short stay here he went on to Brussels.
and was in time to witness a great military rcvie" OH
the banks OF the Rhine, near Bonn, where splendid
reception was given to the visiting soveregns, states
men, diplomats and soldiers by the King ana queen Oh
Prussia Returning to Brussels he was presented at
Court and took up his diplomatic functions or course
he took an early opportunity to visit the field OF
he entertained reverence and admiration or Napoleon
which was somewhat old fashioned even then. HIS
sojourn in Belgium marked by much social fes-
tivity Brussels being at that period very gay ana
brilliant capital. After short leave OF absence 70
visit the United States he returned 10 his post shortly
before Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort visited
the Belgium Court, and he much impressed by the
agacity and frendliness Of Prince Albert Soon after
Mr.. Calhoun became Secretary Of state Mr.. Hilllar1
resigned and returned home. Clay had long been
his political favorite, but he found the President
strongly opposed TO him. and Tyler's statements
bred I'm him for the first time dstrust OF his idol
After the defeat of Clay chiefly on the Texas annex
alton question Mr. billiard persuaded to stand for
Congress, though the national Democratic victory
seemed to promise little hope Of success. He entered
vigorously into the canvass, however and after a
sharp campaign was elected.
lie entered Congress in 1s45. and took part In the
debate on the Oregon question: that debate which,
despite very "tall talk" on the part OF the South,
ended, as Joshua r. Giddings had predicted in the
settlement the dispute by peaceful negotiation and
final compromise. Then came the war with Mexico
which Of course heartily supported by the
member from Alabama. Mr.. billiards most useful
work at Washington Will probably now be thought
TO have been done OF the regents OF the Smith
sonan restitution At the discussion Of the plan upon
which the institution should be conducted, difference
Of opinion arose. Some Of the regents agreed with
Professor Henry that the funds should be appropriated
believing that that the proper mode Of carrying
out the beQuest Of Mr. Smithson: others OF the board
believed that II important TO establish library
upon the largest PLAN selecting books rare and expen-
sve and building in the course OF years an establish
ment unrivaled in any part Of the world. Mr..
Choatc advocated this plan. and displayed his re-
markabe powers, mpressing it upon the considera-
ton Of the board 1t replied that ii would hardly
answer Mr.. Smithson's expectations simply TO &C !
cumulae n great library because while 1t might aid
in the increase of knowledge it certainly could do little
toward difusing 1t among men. heard the debate
with great interest, and offered resolution as
compromise between the conflicting views OF the
eminent men about me. providing division of the
fund between the two objects; the resolution was
adopted. Immediately Mr.. Choate TO me, and
with great warmth In his manner said Sir, you
deserve q statue of marble for having settled the
question in the way you have done'"
Mr.. Hiard gives interesting account OF Charles
j. Ingersolls attack upon Webster. and his attempt
TO compel the latter to furnish the House with In
formation relative to the disposal OF the secret ser
ice fund, at the same time accusing the late
Secretary Of State with corrupt employment Of
the fund. After the appointment Of a committee
OF inquiry Webster vindicated. but good
deal OF bitterness attended the debates on Tire
question. At the conclusion OF the session
Mr.. Hllard reelected. and present at the
memorable contest which closed with the election
Of Winthrop as Speaker. lie also witnessed the drs
Quincy Adams. After third term in Congress Mr..
Hliard declined denomination but continued 10 take
an active interest In politics. and did good service 10
the Wings on the stump In several campaigns. When
Abraham Lincoln was elected the late member from
Alabama much depressed. lie that the
United States at the time presented splendid pct
ure OF national prosperity" but that soon after the
election Of Mr.. Lincoln dark cloud came over this
dazzling picture" Northern readers may be sur
prised TO learn that up to that time the govern
had been administered in the spirit OF the
Constitution but there be no doubt TO the
sincerity OF the annast.
lie opposed and made speeches against secession. but
finding his abors Ruthless with his state finally
The period OF the Is passed rapidly. and ii Is
not until the Administration Of President Hayes that
we find Mr.. billiard again In public life. lie then
received the nomination as Minister to Brazil and
during his OF that position he enabled 10 give
valuable advice concerning the abolition OF slavery in
the Empire. lie nearly getting into trouble about
tbs, for the pro slavery planters took umbrage at
letter he wrote the leader of the antsavery party
and intcrpeated the Ministry in the Chambers on the
subject. Mr.. billiard accused Of interfering in the
domestic affairs of Brazil-a grave charge TO prefer
against foreign ambassador. The Premier, however
who, together with Dom Pedro, was in sympathy with
the views OF the American Minister, made adrolt
q reply that the matter dropped. Mr. billiards.
letter Brazilian slavery is given In appendix to
this volume, and will be found well worth reading
The writer frankly comedies that the Southern states
Of the Union better Off without slavery than they
ever with il, and his argument against gradual
emancipation is sound and ststesmanliKe. AT the /
close Mr.. Hayes Administration the Brazilian Min
lister sent In his resignaon anu here his "reminiscences
are brought 10 eUncis,oh wit, i mt,, ar w,ti'e"
and they convey the impression OF very agreeable
personality and one characterized by high lntelsence