Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1833-06-06
SKETCHES OF CHARACTER.

between two of the first men IN our coun'
try, is from the pen OF Mr.. Brooks, editor Of
the Portland Daily Adv. who spent the last
winter in Washington. II is, in the main
lust, and will be read with interest
HENRY CLAY AND DANIEL WEBSTER
Ofboth those gentlemen, am polIti
cal friend. have often heard them in the
senate, occasionally in the supreme court
and the last, at times in public assembly
have observed them 10 public as closely
rs could, and as they are undoubtedly
two Of the most prominent men IN the u
States-I might, perhaps, say, the mos,
prominent men-l propose, as wen as
can, to contrast them with each other.
Let me remark, before | begin, that
there are no two men more different m
their manners. their address, their mode
of speaking, and in the construction oil
their minds, and yet are men pre-eminent
" distinguished for the very highest gifts
ofintellect. This difference has been in
creased, rather than lessened. by the dif.
ierent schools Of men in which they have
been formed.
MIR. Webster has been obliged TO cope
with lawyers ever on the watch, and whose
education was as good if not better than
bis, and in courts where law and logic set
tied the question rather than feeling or
fine defamation. MIR. Clay has met with
different class of men, partic ularly in
the earlar courts of Kentucky, where
the science of law, was once worth little
more than assertion, ana where judge 81
Jury were carried captive by eloquent dec.
lamation, or pathetic appeal. With Mr.
Webster's antagonists, irony, sarcasm,
wit, and all the weapons OF the orator,
were insufficient TO win the cause. 10
them must be added conviction, not by an
appeal TO the passions, but to the judg
ment. With Mr. Clays antagonists all
the weapons of the orator were as useful
rs in public assembly, for in courts in
winch learned judges are not seated, and
where, as ~ the early settlement ola coun
try, the judge receives law as expounded
by the attorney, rather than from his own
knowledge, an appeal 10 the passions may
be as useful as when addressing The pub
Tic at large. mention these things, ra
Their as applicable TO Mr. Clays early
practice at the bar, than TO his subsequent
history, to account for the different ten
depcles Of the intellect Of these first rate
men.
The fgue Of Mr.. Webster is little be,
low par. The figure Of Mr.. Clay is a little
above par The address Of Mr.. Webster
is rather stiff, or when easy, effec,edIy SO
The address Of Mr. Clay is naturally easy
and though not exactly graceful, in the
Chesterfield sense of the term, yet prepos
sessing and attractive. The countenance
Of MIR. Webster is hard, harsh, aud nd
inviting. The countenance Of MIR. Clay
is crowned with smiles, and displays a
thousand varieties OF feeling On MIR
Webster's face, when he is quiet, one can
trace none Of those feelings or passions
with which he is endowed. On Mr. Claws
face, even when quiet, his whole heart, al
times, can be read-Mr Webster's in.
dlcations of talent are in his broad fore
head, which every body notes as remark
able. Mr.. Clay's indication OF talent are
10 his mouth, which is so flexible as to
be tell tale Of what is gong IN within,
and his eye brows, which display at once
to The observer, even # he is no pyhsiog
nonlst, and no student Of Layater, a man
oil extraordinary powers. Mr.. Webs,er's
ugly look at his adversarles in debate,
has often been spoken Of, and il is no ex-
asgeration 10 say he can look like Satan
himself Mr. Clay's contempt and sar
casm are conveyed by malicious smile
which can be felt but not described or a
significant gesture far more expressive
than words. MIR Webster is not grace
full, for his figue will not admit OF grace: he
is not tall enough and he is TOO stoutiy
built. MIR. Clay is not an elegant speaker
IN The drawing room sesne of the term;
his tall figure is roughly hewn; his arms
are too long; his body is not flexible
nough sometimes, and again too much so.
Dir. Webster's voice is clear, distinct, stern
and oppressive, but on The high notes al
times, unpleasant Mr. Clay's voice is as
soft as music, never iatigulDg the ear but
always inviting attention. ltis loud, clear
and distinct. MIR. Webster gesticulates
with his hands and arms alone MIR Clay,
may say, gesl,culates with propriety, all
0rer. He mods his head, hung on long
neck, SO as to make a whole assembly
smile. His arms, hands, fingers, feet, and
even his spectacles and pocket haudker
chief, aid him In debate. He stoops for
ward and backward, and from the right 10
the left with effect. Mr.. Webster ana
Mr.. Clay both express strong passion IN
their faces to advantage. The sneer 81
both is different, but perfect in The effec,,
and inimltable. Mr. Webster can look
worse than MIR. Clay, but Mr.. Clay can
look things the most provoking. The lin
preston received from MIR Webster is re
celved in silence, but is felt aud remem-
bered The impression from MIR. Clay
provokes an instantaneous laugh at the
expense of the victim. 80 MIR Nebster's
feelings are in perfect submission to HIS
will The feelings of MIR. Clay often get
the better of his Judgment MIR Clay is
excitable, and requires but little to arouse
hiw: Mr. Webster is not, and requires
much to arouse him. MIR. Clay speaks.
even on ordinary occasions, with animation
and interest: Mr. Webster is at times,
YeXatI0nSlv duil ord ofnn,A M. (Ia,,3-