Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 9.djvu/98

 THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS gret that neither of them can examine the head of our illustrious chief magistrate. But if it could be surveyed by Doctor Caldwell, of Tran- sylvania University, I am persuaded that he would find the organ of destructiveness promi- nently developed. Except an enormous fabric of executive power for himself, the president has built up nothing, constructed nothing, and will leave no enduring monument of his administration. He goes for destruction, universal destruction; and it seems to be his greatest ambition to efface and obliter- ate every trace of the wisdom of his prede- <3essors. He has displayed this remarkable trait throughout his whole life, whether in private walks or in the public service. He signally and gloriously exhibited that peculiar organ when contending against the enemies of his country, in the Battle of New Orleans. For that bril- liant exploit, no one has ever been more ready than myself to award him all due honor. At the head of our armies was his appropriate position, and most unfortunate for his fame was the day when he entered on the career of administra- tion as the chief executive officer. He lives by excitement, perpetual, agitating excitement, and would die in a state of perfect repose and tran- quillity. He has never been without some sub- ject of attack, either in individuals, or in masses, or in institutions. I, myself, have been one of his favorites, and I do not know but that I have recently recom- 88