raised in our old quarrels, and taking a broad
view over this Democracy, we see Jefferson firmly placed in each of these
groups.

If we search in Jefferson's writings and in the contemporary records to
ascertain what that power was which won him these positions, we find that
it was no personal skill in cajoling friends or scaring enemies. No
sound-hearted man ever rose from talk with him with a tithe of the
veneration felt by those who sat at the feet of Washington or Hamilton or
Channing. Neither was his position due to oratory: he could deal neither
in sweet words nor in lofty words. Yet, in spite of these wants, he
wrought on the nation with immense power.

The real secret of this power was, first of all, that Jefferson saw
infinitely deeper into the principles of the rising Democracy, and
infinitely farther into its future working, than any other man of his
time. Those who earnestly read him will often halt astounded at proofs of
a foresight in him almost miraculous. Even in masses of what men have
called his puerility there are often germs of immense worth,--taking
years, perhaps, to show life, but sure to be alive at last.

Take, as the latest examples of this, three germ-truths which have
recently come to full life, after having been trodden under foot for fifty
years.

Early in our national life Jefferson declared against the usurpations of
the national judiciary. Straightway his supporters were divided, mainly
between those who sorrowed and those who stood silent; while his opponents
were divided only between those who laughed and those who cursed. But who
laughs now? Jefferson foresaw but too well. The usurpations of the
national judiciary have come in shapes most hideous,--in the _obiter
dicta_ of the Dred Scott decision, and in the use of quibbles to entangle
our defenders and set loose our traitors.

Take an example of another kind. In his early career Jefferson gave forth
a scheme of harbor-defence by gun-boats and floating batteries. This was
partially carried out, and only partially; so it failed. On these
gun-boats and batteries his enemies never tired of trying their wit, and
certainly seemed to make a brilliant point against his foresight and
economy. But, in these latter years, many Americans besides ourself,
visiting Cronstadt during the blockade by the Allied fleet, saw not only
how the Allies failed of a conquest, the first summer, for want of
gun-boats, but how the Russians protected themse