Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-12-21
TRIBUTE TO Mn. WEBSTER.


We are indebted to friend for copy OF an AID.
dress delivered before the Phi Beta Kappa Society
of Bowdoin College, Maine, at its anniversary in
September last, by the Rev. DR.. SPRAsUE, of Al
bany, New York. If our limits permitted we
should be happy to transfer to our columns the
whole of this able learned, and eloquent address,
which adds much to the already exalted reputation
Of this distinguished scholar and divine. But we
are unable to do So We cannot, however, for
bear from laying before our readers an extract from
it, conveying tribute to the eminent gentleman
whose name is at the head of this paragraph, as
just as it is eloquent. 1t opportunity to re-
Duke the reckless animadversions which few of
the clergy Of New England and esewhere-some
in Congress and some out-have poured forth upon
Mr.. WEBSTER.
Such tribute from gentleman of DR.. SpRAGuE's
learning, piety, and Christian patriotism, cannot
fail to have its just influence upon all candid and
sober-minded men.
The subject of the Address is the Perpetuty
of Intellectual Influence The following is the
| extract:
eff were TO select from the whole intellectual nobility Of
the present day whose influence especially states.
man, furnishes apt illustration Of my subject any
other should have occasion look beyond New Eng
land and the which refer has already become SO
much the property Of history that decacy does forbid
to alude to it; while yet it is much household word that
necessity hardly requires that should pronounce it. That
ustrious man. nearly half century ago. hard at work
at neghborng college in the cultivation Of his intellect
and he has been hard work. almost SINCE for the well
fare of his country speak not Of the distinctive hue Of his
political opinions Of any particular position he may any
time have assumed; but, overlooking all party distinctions
speak Of him earnest, honest, ar-seeng patriots
of wisdom and Of nights great truly repose in
action in thoughtful moderation in ressess power
honor him fit to be baance-whee in political
chansm which shall give each and every part of it steady
safe, and effective operation honor him one who has
than shown himself able stand up in serene
grandeur amidst warning elements, and make his voice
heard above the oudes swell Of the Storm declaring for his
country his whole country, forever honor him as one who
has given additional value to the privilege Of being Amer-
and whose name we have only speak rebuff many
of the pay caumnes of other nations There have been
periods in our history when all parties have united in tribute
Of homage to his public characters and when he has
peared on the arena Of political conflict and mingled in the
hottest of the fight he has stood in much equ-
vocal attitude in respect to either dignity integrity and his
very advesaries have felt constrained do him homer His
vocation has been that Of statesman and there bis influence
and his honos have chiefly centeed and yet he has
sonay brought offering to the Of literature, which
has given him place among her renowned beneactos
The productions of bis pen distinguished alike by chaste SIM
pGcy and rugged strength, may fairly challenge comparison
with the most classic productions Of antiquity. His thoughts
are like chain Of diamonds and his style like crystal stream
Even Plymouth Rock and Bunker Hill have been invested
with new attractions by the power Of his eoquence and
long the stands witness for religious freedom and the
other witness for civil freedom each will be witness also
to the majesty Of his intellect Yes he will live through
all coming time will live continually brighter and stronger
and more widely dused life. And if the State where he
was born and nurtured the State in which Of his pub
lie life has been passed. should venture attempt monopo
lie his fame or hereafter to build his monument his coun-
try would cry out that he belonged hers the world would
cry out that he belonged to her and these universal claims
would be echoed and e-echoed by each passing