The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2, No. 2, August, 1862: Devoted to Literature and National PolicyVarious
History
The Continental Monthly, Vol. 2, No. 2, August, 1862: Devoted to Literature and National Policy
Various
Literature, Modern -- 19th century -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century -- Periodicals
We considered, in the last number of THE CONTINENTAL, some of
the leading orators and statesmen who, in the last Congress, represented
the States now in rebellion against the Constitution. It can not be
denied that, by their secession from the floor of the Senate, that body,
which undoubtedly exhibits the best specimens of American eloquence, was
deprived of several of its fairest ornaments; but we believe that a
consideration of those Senators who remained faithful to the interests
of their country, will discover the fact that in them was displayed at
least equally conspicuous merit in oratory and legislation. A distinct
contrast was discernible between Northern and Southern eloquence; the
latter being of an impulsive and passionate character, unadorned
generally by the graces which mental culture lends to that art, (which
might be inferred from their well-known temperament,) while the former
appears to be more deliberate and thoughtful, indicating by its elegance
and harmony the refining and systematizing influence of education, and
partaking of the natural phlegm peculiar to inhabitants in colder
regions. While Southern eloquence seemed to endeavor to elicit feeling
and passion, Northern orators looked for their success rather to the
conviction of the understanding than to the indulgence of the weaker
elements of human nature. By pleasing and subtle sophistries, by
enthusiastic ebullitions of resentment and indignation, or by the more
amiable contrivances of patriotic and virtuous sentiment, Benjamin and
Davis sought, if they could not convince legislators, at least to
attract to their peculiar doctrines the impulsive and credulous masses
among their own people. On the contrary, it was apparent that Northern
statesmen, confident in the exercise of intellectual resources, relied
on the intelligence and reason of their auditors and constituents, and
seldom resorted to that species of oratory which was employed by their
adversaries, and which may be called in a manner strategetic, when
logical accuracy was likely to meet with more satisfactory and more
permanent success. Before we proceed to notice the eminent Senators from
the North, we propose to dwell briefly upon several who, though
representing slave States, were, in the last Congress at least, loyal to
the Government; several of whom, however, are now engaged in treason,
while others remain true to their allegiance.
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