Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-09-25
PUBLIC MEN OF AmERIcA.


From new work which has lately been published in
New York entitled "Reminiscences Of Congress-" we eX-
tract the following brief notices. The author Is Chas W.
March, Esq.
Nh WeJser's ,Naiden Speech.
Il was on Thursday, June TO- 1918, that Mr.. Webster
made his maiden speech to the House. 1t upon GER
tain resolutions which he introduced in relation to the
neal Of the Berlin and Milan DEGREES, the first Of which
was in these words:
"Resoved, That the President of the United States be
requested to inform this House. unless the public interest
should, in his opinion forbid such commun'calon whe"
and bv whom and in what manner, the first intelligence
was given to this Government of the decree OF the Govern
ment of France, bearing date the 2oh of April lol and
purportnp 10 be definite repeal Of the DEGREES OF Berlin
and Milan"
These resolutions were not introduced 10 embaass the
Administrations but to elicit information that might throw
some ght upon the proxnae of the war; and ena-
BILE members 10 best Judge the most proper manner OF con-
Quoting it.
Mr. Webster in his speech on these resolutions, display
ed cautious regard for facts, philosophical moderation OF
tone funess Of knowledge, and amplitude OF hslor
cal illustration which astunished the House. There was nc
exaggeraoepf statement OF argument no sophsiy nor un
called for rhetoric in his speech the Oldest Pariamentaran
could not have exhibited popety and decency oil
manner or language the most able, logic more per
spcuous or more convincing There was harmony be-
tween his thoughts and their expression, that won atten-
ton and compelled admiration.
The opening Of his speech was simple, unaffected, with
out preteuson gradually gaining the confidence of The au-
dence by its transparent sincerity and freedom from augh
| A. a.
maed his words became more fluent, and his language
more nervous crowd Of thoughts seemed rushing upon
him. all eager for ut;erance He held them, however un
der the command Of his mind greyhounds with leash
nil he neared the close of his speech, when warmed by
the previous restraint he poured them all loh one a''e'
another, in glowing language,
The speech took the House by surprise not 50 much
from its eloquence as from the vast amount OF historical
Knowledge and Illustrative ability displayed in 1t. How
person. unr7ned to forensic contests and unused to public
affairs. could exhibit so much parliamentary tact such nice
appreciation OF the difficulties of difficult question, and
such quiet facility in surmountng them puzzled the mind
The age and experience of the speaker had prepared the
House for no such display, and establishment for time
sublued the expression ofits admiration.
"No member before" says person then in the House
sever rved the attention of the House so closely IN his
first speech Members left their seats where they could
not see the speaker face face and sat down, or sood OF
the floor fronting him. All listened ai'entvey and silent
" during the whole speech and when it was over, many
went up and warmly congratulated the orator. among whom
some not the most njggard of their compliments who mos
dssented from the views he had expressed"
Chief Justice Marshall, writing 10 friend some time
after says cat the time this speech was delivered, did
not know Mr. Webster but was so much struck with II
that did not hesitate then to that Mr. Webster was
very able man, and would become of the very first
statesmen in America, and perhaps the very fist"
The speech Immediately raised the author to the frs
consideration in the House, and gained him great eputa
ton throughout the country The object proposed was
merely information respecting the time and manner in which
the revocation of the Berlin and Milan DEGREES reached the
President Cerrain opponents. however, of the Admins
raton used the introduction of the resolutions as an opO
tunity of assault upon it, particularly related to its con
duct of the war; The National lneligencer-he organ
of the dominant pary-says in the paper OF June lo MS
debate has now assumed such character that, although
there but little opposition to Mr. Nebsters notion
has become necessary for the advocates OF the present war
for the friends of the Administration, the defenders OF then
country's reputation repe the violence OF their oppo
nens and in turn pursue the utmost receses OF their CO
vers, and drag them forth into the light of day"
But Mr. Webster took part in the debate aer 1t had
assumed acous character his object being not to omen
party quarrels but to carry out national purpose.
His resolutions were carried by a large majorlty the
first by vote Of 97 to 26 and President Madison, in obe-
dence the call of the House, communicated ul and sat
isfacory information upon the subject.
The following sketch of Mr.. Clay will be read with in
terest Those who have lately heard 'the old man elo-
quent, have been quite asonshed TO find that under the
least excitement he yet displays an energy that brings back
the recollection of his best days:
Henry Clay as Speaker
Certainly no one presided any de5erative bo
DIV. in this country with more personal popularity and III
duence than Mr. Clay He governed the House with more
absolu,epess than any Speaker that preceded followed
him. 1t was power founded upon character and manners
Fearless energetic decided he swayed the mid by supe
rior will, and governed the bold, through sympathy.
chivarc bearing easy address, and warm heart, drew
oround him crowds of admirers He cutvaed--wha ou
GREAT men too much neglect-lhe philosophy of manners
None knew better than he the wondous power in seeming
triiles how much word, tone, look can accomplish
what direction give to the whole character OF opinion an'
conduct There seemed nothing constrained IN his courte
sy-no,fng stimulated; all his was simple unat
eced arden fiji were not genuine, he had early arrived
at the perfection of art and concealed the art.