He was one of those men not infrequently observed in public life, who, without conspicuous ability, have a certain knack for the management of men, and are able to acquire influence and even a certain degree of fame by personal skill in manipulating patronage, smoothing away difficulties, and making things easy.
This observation critiques a type of political figure who gains influence through manipulation rather than ability.
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Thoughtful men who were not in any sense political partisans gave careful heed to his words.
The absence of violent democratic innovations was the Constitution's remarkable feature.
The heart of the country is fixed on higher and nobler things.
His lightest word, sent thrilling to the rim of a vast audience, swayed it with the magic of control.
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