ty. He is affable to every one, and enters freely
into conversation with all who call upon him; nevertheless, he is
extremely guarded at all times in expressing his opinions, and will
never betray himself into an unguarded sentiment. His manner of speaking
is extremely easy, and occasionally dull; and when in the Senate, he
used to take his position by leaning against the pillar behind his seat,
twirling in one hand his spectacles, while with the other he enforced,
by slight gestures, the more striking passages of his speech. His
delivery was far from animated, and his intonation was rather
conversational than declamatory. He has a quiet dignity at all times,
which is yet consistent with a polite and amiable demeanor; and while
the former inspires the respect, the latter elicits the esteem of all
who approach him.

The present Vice-President was, during the last Congress, Senator from
Maine. He was long known as an able Democratic politician, and in 1856
was elected Governor of Maine by the Republicans, in a hotly-contested
election. He is remarkable rather for a sound judgment and practical
good sense than as an orator or in the higher arts of statesmanship. He
was always listened to with attention, because all looked upon him as
well informed in the everyday duties of the Senate, and as one whose
opinion was formed from accurate observation and a clear head. He is in
no sense an orator, his delivery not being pleasant or his sentiments
couched in graceful or forcible language. He is of a dark complexion,
rather tall, with jet-black hair, a little bald, and would not be
selected as one of the leading men in the Senate from his personal
appearance. As a presiding officer, he ranks well, being apparently
posted on parliamentary law and impartial in his decisions, although he
has not the dignity and grace which lent _eclat_ to Mr. Breckinridge's
performance of the office.

Senator Fessenden, of Maine, is considered one of the first statesmen
now prominent before the country; and the ability he has exhibited, not
only in the practical details of his position but in the wider range of
comprehensive statesmanship, entitles him to a place superior to most
and equal to any of his contemporaries. Since the retirement of Senator
Hunter from the Finance Committee, (which may be considered as the most
important in the Senate,) Mr. Fessenden has executed the duties of its
chairmanship with an accuracy and vigilance which has elici