FORGOTTEN CONGRESSMEN

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 2, 1880

FORGOTTEN CONGRESSMEN.

How ephemeral is political fame! Among the thousands who figured in their day as senators and representatives of Congress, the names of but few are familiar to the present generation. Clay, Webster and Calhoun made an impress on the history of their country, which, perhaps, will never be forgotten. The class of statesmen standing next to them in ability are even now almost faded out of the public mind. John Forsyth, of Georgia, was one of the most accomplished off-hand debaters that ever appeared in the United States Senate; yet how few of the 48,000,000 of people now dwelling in this land of ours know that such a man ever lived. William C. Preston, of South Carolina, was an orator of great power and a senator who

reflected honor on his State. After his death, how soon was he forgotten. Webster's reply to Robert J. Hayne is likely to keep his (Hayne's) memory fresh in the mind of the reader. Otherwise he would have been lost to the recollection of posterity; yet he was one of the most brilliant men of his day.

William T. Barry, of Kentucky, was one of the most eloquent of men, and played a conspicuous part in the politics of his State. It is safe to say that a large majority of the present voters are not apprised of the fact. Felix Grundy, of Tennessee, was noted for eloquence at the bar and in the halls of Congress. It is only the political student or the survivors of the era in which he cut his most prominent figure who know anything about him. Maryland kept Gen. Sam Smith in Congress thirty-nine years, and we venture to say that thousands of the politicians of the present day never heard of him. The same may be said of Nathaniel Macon, of North Carolina, who represented that State in Congress thirty-seven years. We might go on and specify a score of others, equally talented and influential in their day and generation, who are but seldom thought of beyond the precincts of their blood relations.

If such should be the fate of these distinguished politicians, what is to become of the men who are now strutting on the political stage? A large majority of them will not be remembered five years after they have been consigned to private life. Such is political fame.—Louisville Courier Journal.