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THE CONTRAST.

There is not, in this nation, two public characters in more open contrast, than those of Henry Clay and Martin Van Buren. I speak of the qualities and actions which essentially distinguish them and without relation to the private accomplishments, or the minor incidents of the lives of either, for in the latter there exists some agreement. In the first place I will notice their public conduct.

Mr. Clay commenced the arduous life of a statesman, in the Legislature of Kentucky. His efforts were a persevering, yet unsuccessful struggle for the rights of the enslaved African. This forms the frontispiece to the volume of his fame, and in this action may be read his appropriate motto.

Those words of anshine—

"The World!"

The Legislature elected him to the U. S. Senate where he took an active part in the proceedings of that body. Thrice he was translated to the House of Representatives, and was elected speaker the first day he took his seat. He was ever chosen to that dignified office, as long as he served in Congress. Here, for eighteen years he took a leading part in every measure that concerned the welfare of his country. When a foreign power made demands on our code, his eloquence kindled the war which retrieved our honor. His talents as a diplomatist aided in securing an advantageous settlement of peace in enthusiastic terms of liberality. In Congress the forma recognition of the independence of South America, under Providence dispelled the dangerous storm which the Missouri question excited in the halls of our national Legislature. His wisdom as a legislator established the American System as the immutable policy of our government. Wherever manufactures flourish, or roads and canals unite and enrich our common country, they bespeak the foresight and wisdom of this great statesman. His recent services in the Department of State, exhibit a perfect acquaintance with our foreign affairs and a masterly power of conducting them to advantage.

Now what can be said for Mr. Van Buren? What deeds of public usefulness has he devised? What services has he performed for his country? I call on his best friends to hold them up to public admiration! His political career has been confined, chiefly, to New-York. There he has always been distinguished for his talents: but how has he exercised them? Why, simply in political intrigue. It was he who arranged the whole machinery of those politics, which has trammelled her elections, and prostrated the independence of her yeomanry at the polls. It was he who laboured to paralyze the enterprise, and destroy the reputation of the lamented Clinton. When in the enjoyment of twenty five years political chicanery, he was elected Governor of New-York, here he testified his respect for the office, and the people who conferred it, by abdicating it, in favour of a subordinate, and accepting a place, more tempting to his cupidity, under the general government.

Thus is all that is conspicuous in the public course of Mr. Van Buren. Let the reader compare it with the sketch of Mr. Clay, and mark the contrast.

The one is magnanimous, bold and open: the other, crafty, cautious, and disguised. Mr. Clay is genius, eloquence and patriotism. Mr. Van Buren is subtle, insinuating, and selfish. The fame of the former is founded upon virtuous principles and manly conduct: whereas the reputation of the latter rests upon the slippery basis of political artifice.

The following remarks of the judicious Blair, furnish a striking view of these two men of integrity, and the man of artifice. There will be no difficulty in applying them to the subjects of this concise article.

Integrity is the foundation stone of all that is high in character among mankind. Other qualities may add to its splendor: but if this essential requisite be wanting all their lustre fades. When I draw the character of one who claimed the admiration of the world, and after I had ascribed to him eloquence, valour, and every endowment that is shining and captivating, did I add, that he was a man of too much art to be trusted: I appeal to every one, whether, by this single stroke, the whole character would not be sunk and degraded!

An interested and crafty man may perhaps rise into intrigue and high station; he may be rich and powerful but will never be a great man. He must be feared, and externally honoured and courted: but in the secret thoughts of men, he finds no respect. We all feel, that magnanimous sentiments cannot dwell in the same breast with selfishness and deceit.

He who rests upon an internal principle of virtue and honour, will act with a dignity and a boldness, of which they are insensible who are wholly guided by interest. He is above those little tricks and cautious restraints, which fetter and embarrass their conduct. That firmness which the consciousness of rectitude imparts, gives vigour and force to his oratoricals at every great occasion. It adds double weight to all the abilities of which he is possessed. It even supplies the place of those in which he is defective. They who oppose him are obliged to honour him. They look up to him with a secret awe, as to one who moves above them in a superior sphere, regardless of their good or ill opinions, of their promises or their threatenings: like one of those celestial luminaries, which hold its course through the system of orbs with which it is connected, without being affected by the commotions or disorders of the elements below. Such a man as is trusted, and relied upon, as well as esteemed, because all know where to find him, and upon what system he acts. His actions to friends and followers, to himself without courting there; and though his progress towards fame should be slow, and interrupted at first by counteracted arts, it is nevertheless certain and secure. The public may be misled for a while, in judging of real merit; but it is seldom unjust at the last.— When men act their part in trying circumstances, their characters continue to come forward to view, and at length fully ascertained, and almost always rated as they deserve. How corrupt soever the world may be, they cannot withhold approbation from him whose conduct is marked by uniform integrity and honour. Enemies he will have; but the public favours him: the multitude of men wish him success, and destine him, in their thoughts, for every step of his preferment, before he arrives at it.