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
in default of argument, to the petty malice of personal abuse, his
course has been liberal, consistent, and uniformly courteous. In private
life, he retains the dignity which appears to be natural to him; but is
yet affable and sociable, attracting one alike by the rich products of
thought and the courtesy of his manner.
Benjamin F. Wade, Senator from Ohio, is a noble specimen of a self-made
statesman. He migrated, at a very early age, from New-England to his
present residence, being entirely without means and devoid of every
thing except his own invincible spirit, with which to secure a
livelihood. The qualities which made him successful sooner than his most
sanguine expectations taught him to hope for, appear in all their
maturity in the character of the Senator. A perseverance the most
constant, a firmness approaching to stubbornness, a courage which never
feared man, and a power of application wonderful in a mind disciplined
only by rude nature, are the component elements which have promoted him
to and maintain him with conspicuous honor in the Senate of the United
States. His honest and intrepid advocacy of principle has won him an
enviable position in his party, and no one possesses the entire
confidence of the country to a greater degree than he. He was
particularly prominent in the last Congress for the bluntness and
severity with which he handled the Southern Senators, and the little
hesitation with which he exposed their delinquencies in the strongest
light. His harangues were full of impulsive, strong, and fearless
invective, and he never stopped to consider the delicacy of chivalrous
sensitiveness, when treason and conspiracy were to be exposed. Probably
no man was more feared by the other side of the Chamber, for he could
neither be cowed by threats nor restrained within the limits of
punctilious courtesy. He dealt with them in the plainest language, and
combined with powerful effect argument, sarcasm, and eloquent
denunciation. Strong sense is a leading feature of his character, and a
practical wisdom which renders him eminently capable in the discharge of
details. In private life, he is genial and always good-natured, ready
for a joke at all times, and enjoys his leisure hours with a zest which
is quickened by previous earnest toil. Although as bitter and
unconciliatory as any of his colleagues in his treatment of the Southern
statesmen on the floor of the Senate, he always manifested the utmost
good temper toward them in social intercourse, and was frequently seen,
after a sharp and irritating episode in debate, laughing and talking
with Green or Benjamin in the most cheerful manner imaginable.
We hope to present more sketches of Northern Senators in a future
number.
THE LAST DITCH.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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