John Quincy Adams

This cxtraordinary man sfiems to gain in the public cstimation as he avances in years. On# peculiarity of the old gentleman is worthy of notice by all young politicians, who would securean abiding popuiarity. He is not a slave lo party. Single handed and alone, if need be, he is ever ready to advocate what he conceives to be right and proper. He flings out hia views of every great principie that presenls iteelf, whether they interfere with the calculations of this party or that, leaving them to the impartial judgment of the pubiic, and the public does them juBtice. He s bncked by no party, and yet no manexerte such a mighty influence upon all. Now we conceive that a young man who hae capacity and energy, and who desires to excel in public life, cannot do better than to follow his example in this one thing. Suppose, for instance, euch an individual to be elected to the legislatura. Let him follow out his own judgment rcspectmg cvery measure that comes up and disdain that miserable, cowardly spirit, which has to count over how many votes it shall gain or lose by advocating or opposing each particular bilí that comes before the legislative body. Suppose his cjurse thwarts the views of a majority of his consütuents, what then? Their very opposition will bring him into notice, and though hc may be thrown by for a season, yet,ifhebe right, lie w.ill eventually triumph. He will not be forgotten, but his course will be remembered, and he will be applauded for it "Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again." It is a great tbing in politieel man to get the confidenct of community: and there is no surer way of obtaining it, than by exhibiting an unblemished moral character. in conjunction with a frank, manly, and independent course of action. Truckling, time-serving politiciana will not follow such a course. It is not in them. They ook only at present success. They look for office, emolument, ór honor, and care nothing fon that generoiifi and noble ambition, which rejoices n the pnssession of the undoubting confidence of the wise. the noble hcarted, and the good, and which anticipates the united approval of the same class of men through all coming time.