The daily union., 1852-12-15


witnesses before the tribunal OF history, and gave their
testimony 10 the character and of their llas-
trious compeeT, John Caldwell Calhoun They embalm-
ed in historical Immortality their rival associate, and
comTade.
would that | could borrow from the spirit of my
great eountyman something OF its Justice and magnan-
unity that might make some requlal for The dstin-
gushed tributes paid TO his memory by his illuslrious
compeers Such occasion the one have referred
to is without parallel IN the history OF this Senate and
sir fear that there is future for such another
Calhoun, Clay, and Webster, like Pitt, Fox and Burke,
have made picture our history that will be looked
upon as It's eliminating spendor They were lumina.
ries that, in many points OF view essentially differed
from each other, star dfereth from another but
they all stars OF the first magnitude Distance can
not destroy, nor can time diminish, the simple splendor
OF their light for the guidance and instruction OF an ad.
mTiBg posterity
Rivals they were on a great and eventul theatre Of
political life bat death has given them common fame
Their contest IN lie for the awards OF public opln
ion, the great lever in modern tunes by which nations
are TO be influenced.
With than mortal powers endowed,
How high they scared above the crowd
Theirs was no common party race;
Joslng by dark intrigue Tor place
Like tabled gods, their mighty
Shook realms and nations in its jar"
Before became member Of the Senate, OF which |
found Mr. Webster distinguished ornament, | had
formed very high estimate OF his abiites-and from
various sources OF high Authority. His mind, remafka.
bic Tor IT'S large capacity enriched with rare endow
ments-wlth the knowledge OF statesman, the learning
OF lurls and the atainmenis oil scholar. In this
chamber, with unsurpassed ability, Mr.. Webster has
discussed the greatest subjects that have influence
the destnies of this great coniederacy.
Well may apply To him The striking remark which he
bestowed on Mr. Calhoun" We saw before
lor OF Rome when Rome survived
have always regarded Mr.. Webster as noble model
of parliamentary debaer His genial temper, the cour
tesy and dignity OF his department. his profound know
edge o his subject and his thorough preparation, gave
him great command not only his immediate audi
ence, but gave bis mastery speeches impressive inu
ence over public opinion.
In the Supreme Court Mr. Webster was engaged in
the greatest cases that were decided by that tbu
nal and il is not saying too much 10 assert that his
gamen,s formed the basic OF some o the ables judgments
OF that court His exuberant but recthed imagination
and brilliant literary attainmenls, impaired to his eo-
quence, beauty simplicity, and majesty, and the finish
OF taste and elaboration He seemed prefer the more
deliberatve style OF speakng but when reused and as
sailed he became formidable adversary in the war OF
debate dschargng from his full quyer the oil
casm and invective with telling effect
Mr.. Webster was born in a forest, and in his child
hood and youth lived amid the OF rural life and
il was no doubt under their inspiring influence that he
imbibed that love OF nature which has given such
charm and touching pathos TO some OF his medated
productions. II always struck me that he had some
thing OF Burnss nature, but controlled by the discipline
of higher degree OF education Lifted above lae ordi-
nary level OF mankind by his genius and various intel
hgence, Mr. Webster looked upon extensive ho-
rizon than could be seen by those below him. He had
TOO much information from his various intercourse with
great men, and hs acquaintance with the opinions OF all
ages through The medium OF books 10 allow the spirit
OF blgotry to haye place IN his mind, ! have many
reasons 10 conclude that he only tolerant OF the
opinions OF Others but was even generous in his judg
ments towards them | will conclude by saving that
New E1gland especially, and the confederacy large
have cause TO be proud OF The fame of such a man
Mr.. CASS. Mr.. President, HOW ARE MIGHTY
FALLEN the pathetic lamenation when the leaders
OF Israel struck down the midst OF their services
and of their Well may we repeat that national
wall HOW ARE THE MIGHTY FALLEN, when the impress
sye dspensatons o. Providence have recently carried
mourning TO the hearts OF the American people, by sum
monlng from life TO death three OF their eminent citizens
who for almost half century had taken part ani promI-
N "a or atnaH H1f nt
war, which agtaied and divided their country Full
they were, indeed, OF days and OF honors, for
"Thc hand Of the reaper
Took the oars that were hoary"
But brighter in Intellect purer in patriotism nor
powerful IN influence than when the grave closed M
their abos leaving their memory and their career al
once an incentive and example for their countrymen
IN that long course OF trial, but trust Of freedom and
prosperity also, which il open before u.s. Often divided
"a lie, buI only by honest convictions Of duty followed
IN spirit OF generous emulation, and OF personal on.
position, they are nov united IN death, ans may ap.
propraely adopt, upon this striking occasion the beautiful
language addressed the people OF Engand by one of
her most gifted sons, when they were called 10 mourn
as we are now called bereavement which spread sor.
row. dismay almost, through the nation, and under cir.
OF difficulty and dangers far greater lhaa any
we can now reasonably anticipate ia the progress OF our
history
Seek not tor those a separate doom
Whom tate made brothers ii the tomb;
Bar search the land ofiiying men,
Where shall we lind their like again T.
And Today, m the consideration oil the message Of the
Chief Magistrate, becomes respond 10 his annun-
caton commenting itself, does 10 the universal
sentiment OF the county Of the death OF The last OF these
lamenlei statesmen as national misfortune. This mark
ol regret and respect due alike the memory OF The
dead and TO the feelings OF the living And have lis.
tened with deep emotion 10 the eloquent testimonials 10
the mental power, and worth and services OF the DEPART
ed patriot, which to-day nave been heard in this hgb
place, and VIII be heard 10 prov, and CON nenel too
by the American people The voice OF party IS hushed
in the presence OF such national calamity and the grave
closes upon the aspenty OF political contests when il
closes upon those who have taken part in them,
And well may we who have so often witnessed his
labors and his trumphs. well may we here upon this
theatre oil his services and his renown recalling the ef
Tort OF his mighty understanding, and The admiration
winch always followed its eXertion well may We come
with our tribute OF acknow edgment TO his high and al.
yersed powers, and TO the influence he exercised upon
bis auditory and IN fact upon his country He was in
deed one OF those remarkable men who stand prominent
y forward upon the Of history impressng their
characteristics upon the age in which they live and al
most making II their by the force OF their genius
aud the spendor O their fame The time which elapsel
between the middle Of the eighteenth century and our own
day was prothc ol great events and OF Distinguished
men, who guided or were guided by them far beyond
any other equal period in the history OF human society
But ~ my opinion this favored epoch has prodnced
no man possessing more massive aud gigantic intellect
or who exhibited more profound power OF Investigation
~ the grea. department oil political science TO which he
devoted himself, ~ all its yarioss ram6cations than
Daniel Webster. The structure OF his mind seemed pc
culary adapted TO the work he was called upon to DO
aud he did as other OF his country OF his age IN
deed could have done IT, And his name and his fame are
ndissoiuby connected with come OF the most difficult
and important questions which peculiar institutions
have called into discussion II was inv good fortune 10
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