Yet, at the same time, he was a powerful
political leader, and in a time when the fate of the Republic
was decided accomplished vast practical results. Where duty
seemed to him to utter its high commands he could see no obstacle
in hostile majorities, and no restraint in the limitations
of a written Constitution. It is right, therefore Constitutional,
was the logical formula with which he dealt with every question
of State. We should be deaf and blind to all the lessons
of history, if we were to declare it to be safe that men
trusted with Executive or even with Legislative power should
act on that principle. Unfortunately, humanity is so constituted
that the benevolent despot is likely to work more mischief
even than a malevolent despot. His example of absolute disregard
of constitutional restraints will be followed by men of very
different motives. Yet the influence of one such man pressing
and urging his companions forward in a Legislative body like
the Senate of the United States, keeping ever before the people
the highest ideals, inspired by the love of liberty, and ever
speaking and working in the fear of God, is inestimable.
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