Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1850-09-05

natural 10 genius, nervOusiy fearfu, OF Delne
unable to reach that ideal which it propos.
es as the only full accomplishment of its
wishes. 1t is fortunate for the age, fortu-
nate for all ages, that Mr.. Webster. by de-
termiued will and frequent trial, overcame
this moral incapacity-as his great proto-
type the Grecian orator, subdued his physi-
Cal defect.
He remained at the Exeter Academy but
few months; accomplishing in those few
months, however, the work of years to some.
In Feb, 1897, his father placed him under
the tuition Of Rev. Samuel Woods, in Bos-
cawen-of whom his pupil always speaks in
terms of affection and respect. He boarded
in his family; and have heard him say
that Mr.. Woods's whole charge for instruc-
ton, board, &C., was but one dollar per
soeek. We pay much dearer now for much
less.
cit was on their way to the house Of Mr..
Woods that his father first opened to him
his design of sending him to College, ur-
pose which seemed TO him impossible 10 be
fulfilled. 1t was much more extravagant
than his most extravagant hopes. 1t had
never entered his mind moment. A collie
gate education in those days was something
of far greater importance than in these,
when the ability to command 1t is so gener-
al. 1t made marked man of thousands.
1t gave the fortunate graduate at once posi-
ton and influeDce-and if not genius, or
eminent ability, supplied or concealed the
want thereof. The alumnus surveyed life
from an eminence, and could aspire to its
chiefiest honors by kind of prescriptive
right.
Most grateful to his father for the pros
poet held out through his self sacrificing de-
votlon. MIR. Webster applied himself to his
studies with even increased ardor. All
that MIR. Wood could teach he learned
Among other books he read Virgil and Cic-
ero, both of whom he faithfully studied, the
latter he warmly admired. OF the Latin
Classics, presume there is not one so fa-
millarly known to Mr.. Webster as Cicero
II may seem q little strange, indeed, that
with all his early, eager, and constant study
of Rome's greatest orator, he should not
have initiated unconsciously his manner of
expression or thought. He much more re-
sembles Demoslhenes, in vigor and terseness
of style, and IN copious vehenence; whose
works in the meanwhile he never SO COM
pleteIy mastered.
At Boscawen, Mr.. Webster was fortunate
enough to find another circulating library,
the volumes of which he fully appreciated.
1t was in this library that he met for the first
time, Don Quixote, in English 81 began
to read it," have heard him say and
= \
eyes until had finished it; nor did lay
it down any time for FIVE minutes; so great
was the power ofthis extraordinary book up
on my imagination"
In the summer of this year, August, IL
81 he entered Dartmouth College as fresh
man.
His college life, as can be easily conceive
ed, was not an idle one. With such a de-
sire for the acquisition of all kinds of knowl-
edge, the danger to be feared was, that
he would undertake too much rather than
too little; that his reading would be too
miscellaneous, and that he would acquire
therefrom, habits of mental carelesness.
From the testimony of his intimates in the
college, It Is known that he read constantly.
Besides regular attention To the prescrib-
ed rules and studies Of his class, he devoted
himself to the acquisition of whatever was
useful in English history, or graceful and
becoming in English literature. He super
intended the publication of little weekly
newspaper, making selections for it from
books and periodicals, and contributing oc-
casioaally an editorial of his own. These
were, perhaps, the first of his productions
ever published. know not if they are to
be met with now. He delivered some adj
dresses while in college, before literary So
cleties, which were also published.
Ezekiel Webster-the sole brother of
Daniel of the whole blood-was destined by
his father to carry on the farm. But he had
other aspirations, and SD had his brother for
him. Accordingly, when Daniel returned
home on visit in his sophomore year in the
spring of so, he held serious consultations
with his brother Ezekiel, ia relation to his
wishes.
1t was resolved between them, that Eze-
kiel should 60 to College, and that DAME!
should be the organ Of communication with
their father Oh the subject. He lost no
time in opening the negotiation, and expe-
ttCuCCu uo $iCaS hi tuC
consent of his father, who lived only for his
children, to their design. The result was
that in about ten days. Mr.. Webster had
gone back to college. having first seen his
brother bid adieu to the farm, and place
himself in school under teacher in latin.
Soon afterwards Ezekiel went to Mr.. Woods
and remained with him till he was fitted for
college.
In March, 1901. his father carried him
to college, where he entered the freshman
class.
He had not great quickness of apprehen-
sion nor vivaciiy Of intellect, and was not,
therefore carly estimated at his full value.
But he had a strong mind, and great pow
ers Of observ alton and memory. He ac-
quired slowly but safely. Not fluent of
speech, he was always correct in language
and thought. Few excelled him in clear
ness and yigor of style, none in arguments
tive ability. He wanted but opportunity to
become a great man.
He fell dead while arguing case in
Concord, New Hampshire, in 1929. A
handsome monument was erected to his
memory in Boscawen, where he was buried.
Mr.. Webster while in college, during the