I know of those whose serene and
wise speculations on this theme would soon reveal the limits of his
mind's range and hospitality. Yet, compared with the cheap professions
of most reformers, and the still cheaper wisdom and eloquence of
politicians in general, his are almost the only sensible and
valuable words, and we thank Heaven for him. Comparatively, he is
always strong, original, and, above all, practical. Still, his quality
is not wisdom, but prudence. The lawyer's truth is not Truth, but
consistency or a consistent expediency. Truth is always in harmony
with herself, and is not concerned chiefly to reveal the justice
that may consist with wrong-doing. He well deserves to be called, as
he has been called, the Defender of the Constitution. There are really
no blows to be given by him but defensive ones. He is not a leader,
but a follower. His leaders are the men of '87- "I have never made
an effort," he says, "and never propose to make an effort; I have
never countenanced an effort, and never mean to countenance an effort,
to disturb the arrangement as originally made, by which the various
States came into the Union.
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