Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 11.pdf/361

little said in disparagement of Washington. be charitable and not too quickly to question It is true that our more modern historians the motives of others; but, sometimes, when tell us that the pretty story of Washington I read these criticisms I can't help thinking and the hatchet, which we learned in our that their authors are trying to please what childhood, is only a myth, and that, while it they conceive to be northern sentiment, — may serve " to paint a moral," yet it never that they are pandering to what they believe really occurred. Occasionally, too, we are to be Northern prejudices for a purpose, to win the favor of Northern publishers and to reminded that this same great man, in com mon with his fellows, had his faults, — that sell their books. That they may accomplish he was high-tempered and, when he got their purpose to a certain extent, I can well mad, used stronger expletives than a proper believe. There are extremists in the North code of morals would permit. But that is who still gloat over the downfall of the about all we hear in disparagement of him. South, just as there are hot-headed, pre It is true also that we are told that Clay, judiced men in the South who can see noth too, was at times profane, and that in his ing good north of Mason and Dixon's line. day he was one of the boys in his sporting But I believe that the great majority of the proclivities. But these charges were all Northern people are disposed to be fair and brought against him in his lifetime and in right. I believe that the best element of the years immediately following his death, people throughout our common country, when the facts were fresh and, if untrue, both North and South, desire the truth, — could easily have been refuted. It is true and the truth only. Hon. J. L. M. Curry, also that Webster has been criticised for in an able address on John C. Calhoun, allowing his aspirations for the presidency before the University of Chicago, said that to soften his course towards the South and he was emboldened to speak freely by the to modify, to some extent, his position on assurance of President Harper that that uni the leading questions of the day. But this versity was for the investigation of truth and This criticism is usually made in a somewhat challenged the boldest discussion. tender and even apologetic strain. In the sentiment, so creditable both to President main, however, these three, and the most of Harper and the University of Chicago, 1 believe finds a responsive chord in every our other great men, still occupy their ex alted place in the temple of fame, and there ] section of the American Union. I believe has been but little disposition to pull them it was true even before the war with Spain; down. In the case of Mr. Calhoun, we find certainly it is true now. it different. Why is this true? Is it be In the second place, I desire to dispose of cause of that principle in human nature a question that may be raised. Do w:e which must find a scapegoat for every cause object to criticism of Mr. Calhoun? Are which does not come out triumphant, and we so tender that we can't hear anything in because the South having failed in its great disparagement of him without losing our struggle, Mr. Calhoun, as the master-spirit, temper? As an answer we adopt Mr. Cal must atone for what some regard as its sins? houn's own favorite expression, " Not at all, Is it because some writers, when they happen — not at all." We have no objection to fair to come from the section aspersed, like to and impartial criticism. We have no objec pose as so broad and liberal-minded, that tion to the closest scrutiny of his every act. they can criticise freely their own heroes, His life can well stand it all. Mrs. Spurgeon, and are tempted to go farther than the facts in consenting to reveal to the public the warrant, when outsiders flatter them and romantic and tender side of her distinguished buy their books? I know that it is well to husband's life, tells us that Mr. Spurgeon