Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1903-03-19

people retain their love for Ou
form of government.
Mr.. Jetferson's discharge of hii
diplomatic duties was marked by
great ability, diligence and patri
otism. While he resided in Paris
he was distinguished in the high
est circles of the French capital
by his political knowledge. Nc
Minister then in Paris command.
ed or enjoyed a higher regard
than did the Minister from this
then infant Republic.
Although Jefferson was a mas
ter Of political craft, he did not
trim his sails to every flaw on the
ocean, but waited through the
long, unpromising days, with a
noble patience, the powerful and
steady gale he was sure would
carry the Nation on its rue
course. His time came during
l703, during his first administra-
tion by the purchase of Louisi-
ana. 1t seems incredible that this
acquisition was denounced with
bitterness surprising the partisan
rancor with which later genera
tions have been familiar. No
abuse was too malignant, no cpl
tibet too coarse, no imprecation too
savage to be employed by the as
sailants of the great Philosophical
Statesman who laid so broad and
deep the foundation of his coun.
try's growth and grandeur Presi-
dent of feeble Republic, conten.
ding for a prize which was held
by the greatest military power of
Europe, and whose possession was
coveted by the greatest naval
power OF the world.
Mr.. Jefferson so conducted ne.
gotiations that he placed the am
bition of the United States sue.
cessfully between the necessities
of the one and the aggressive de-
sign of the other; willing to side
with either of these great powers
for the advantage of his own coun
try, not undertaking the dangers
of war, yet ready to engage in 1t
for the control of the great water
way to the Gulf, the President
made the largest conquest ever
peacefully achieved, and at a cost
30 small that the total sum expen-
ded for the entire Territory does
not equal the revenue which has
since been collected on its soil in
a single month in time of greatest
peril
England's acquisition would
have proved in the highest degree
disastrous to the Union. If Loui-
'iana had been seized by her from
Napoleon, as Jefferson feared. !
Florida soon after cut off from the
other possessions of Spain by easy |
and prompt negotiation would |
nave fallen INTO her hands, as they |
lid into the hands of the United |
States few years after. England
would have had her colonies plan
ed on three land sides of the In
on, while on the front her formi-
liable navy confronted the young
Republic
But fortunately we had a Pres
dent who was far sighted enough
o see the dangers to be guarded
gainst, and by the acquisition of
louisiana brought incalculable
wealth, power and prestige to the
Jnion, and must always be regar.
ed as the master stroke of policy
7Pich advanced the United States
rom a comparatively feeble Ma
ion lying between the Atlantic
nd the Mississippi to a continen- !
al power of assured strength and {
'oundless promise. 4
No statesman ever lived in any :
&c who impressed on mankind :
is own sentiments in reg ard to |
olitics and government, or infus-
l his own opinions more deeply
ito the opinions of others. or Civ :
n a more lasting impression to the ,
urrent OF human thought, than ,