John Harrison Wilson, The life of Charles Henry Dana

[72] republic was in constant fear of overthrow, the provisional government was divided against itself. On every side the call was for a great man who could meet the emergencies, guide the country through the whirlpool, and secure instant safety for the mighty interests of the people. At this juncture Dana pointed out in his letter to the Tribune that it was vain to long for a great leader, and that

... as the world advances the crises of its progress are more and more beyond the control of human genius. This age seems poorer in individual greatness than other ages, because its necessities and perils are more gigantic, and individuals cannot tower above them.

And yet Dana continued to attend the Assembly and to report its proceedings. His September letters constitute a condensed but comprehensive summary of the discussions which took place over the provisions of the new constitution, whether in the press or in the legislature. They present with impartial candor the fervid eloquence of Lamartine, the unimpassioned conservatism of De Tocqueville, the sturdy resolution of Cavaignac, the shifty statesmanship of Thiers, and the lofty patriotism of Hugo. They note with approval or disapproval both the small men and the great, as they passed across the stage, and it may well be doubted if any Newspaper in the world, at that time, presented a more animated or a more truthful picture of the notable men and measures connected with that important historical epoch than that furnished by Dana to the Tribune. However much one may feel disposed to question the personal criticisms or the philosophical reflections in which these letters abound, it must be admitted that they are presented in a freshness and beauty of style which in this day at least would surely result in giving them permanent existence as a book of travels and observation.