ONE of the first reflect of the actual political cor few, very few statesmen. abundance; we have p.. a trade or a pleasure of every rank and degree, fr political arrangements of ". ble echoes of their taste near the cross-roads. T almost say, meddlesonic public and municipal. in masses at the polls; are quick to act, and slow the Republic. Many ar ing, decline it; and, in t are called to political off

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such circumstances it might well be supposed, that we should have, in

ONE of the first reflections, which occurs to an intelligent observer of the actual political condition of the United States, is, that we have few, very few statesmen. We have party men and party leaders in abundance; we have politicians of all sorts and kinds, who make a trade or a pleasure of the vocation; and we have demagogues of every rank and degree, from those who guide, direct, and control the political arrangements of a city, down to those, who become the humble echoes of their masters at the village inn, or the village post-office, near the cross-roads. We are a most busy, inquisitive, and, one might almost say, meddlesome people in all public affairs, state and national, public and municipal. We discuss them; we form opinions; we vote in masses at the polls; we insist upon a voice in all matters; and we are quick to act, and slow to doubt upon any measure, which concerns the Republic. Many are eager for office; few, comparatively speaking, decline it; and, in the course of a moderately long life, multitudes are called to political offices and duties.

This is all very natural, nay, almost unavoidable, considering the popular character of all our institutions. The people are entrusted with all the leading powers of legislation and government. They frame their constitutions; appoint their rulers; select their representatives, and through them carry on the whole business of government, from that of the smallest municipality to that of the whole nation. It is, therefore, not only wise, but it is necessary, that they should bestow much time upon public men and public measures, and inquire into, and sift the tendency of all, that is done, and all that is said. Under such circumstances it might well be supposed, that we should have, in