Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885, May 01, 1877, Image 12

Hesperian student /, May 01, 1877, Page 132, Image 12

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Newspaper Page Text132 .Tkfkeusok as a Statesman. u- crnmcnt at liome. As Secretary of State under Washington, perhaps tlicru Is no man who has tilled the ofllco with more ability and energy. As a diplomatist, he lias never been excelled by any man in the same position. His ofllclal messages to our foreign ministers show a deepness of thought aud earnestness of purpose un equaled by any of his successors. Such had been the course- of Jefferson, when called to the Presidential chair. In this pnrt of his public service he excelled even the expectation of his friends. Al though opposed by a large minority on his first election, he was hailed with joy as President by most of his enemies after the choice was announced. So pleased were the people with his first administra tion that a second was forced upon hiin. Never has there been so nenra unanimous voice for a President since the days of Washington, as upon the second election of Jefferson. The impartiality of his first administration gained the favor of the most of his once bitterest opponents. The success of his second administration ex cecded even the first in promoting the happiness and prosperity of the Union. Such was the main political career of one of America's greatest statesmen. Jefferson was mostly a self-made man. Experience was his great teacher. His political sentiments, though now some what out of date, were in thai time do rived from pure motives. He established a party tiof has marked the course and destiny of our nation for years to come. A party that may hove lost moro or less of its original character, hut one that has never been completely overthrown by the Ultra-Federalist principle. As a cham pion of liberal institutions, and the full rights of a free people, ho naturally ad. hored to the institutions of his Southern State ; yet, from the effects of a common struggle, he bore no special prejudice to any one part of the Union. All received his services alike. When elevated to the highest honor which his country could bestow upon him, he was not ignoraut of the wants of the American people. An experience of thirty years in the service of his country, at homo aud abroad, en larged his views of constitutional govern ment. The political institutions of Eu rope and their woi kings wero studied with grcatdilligcnce. Whatever he found useful for his country was carefully not ed and preserved for future use. Thus by the blending of foreign customs with those of his own country he was enabled to pursue an unprejudiced course in his administration. As the chief executive ho was always at his post of duty. His executive abilities received the approval of the whole nation. He was always prompt in his action, and sincere in his commands, although respectful to whom they were addressed. In his decision he was always firm, yet never given until the subject in hand had been thoroughly in vestigated. Whatever was most needed by the people, ho was one of the first to dis cover, and give it his approval Whatev er he suggested to Congress was acted up on with the greatest deliberation. What ever needed reform, ho was its greatest ad vocate. What was left unfinished by Washing ton that Jefferson did not complete V What error was made by Adams that Jef ferson did not correct? Every quality so necessary to success was distinctly marked in him. In discussions he did not display that eloquence which leads men without consulting their judgment; his language was elegant, concise, and always ad dressed to the generosity of man. A judgment, guided by sincerity and truth, alone carried conviction to the hearts of his hcaivra. Al waj s an advocate of peace, and a preservir of the happiness of the people, he gained their warmest sympa thy. As a worker for the progress of sci ence and the enlightenment of the people he was rarely excelled. As a promoter of industry and economy his name will long be remembered. Never influenced by selfish motives, he ever remained firm in the practice of justice and truth.