The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-11-01


there will be. TRUST that marble and brass in the
hands Of the most skilful artists our country has
produced, will be put in requisition to reproduce
hall-,he Iineaments of that noble form and beam
ing couutenance on which we have 80 often gazed
with delight. But after all, fellow citigeos the
blest monument must be found in hisworks. There
he will hive and speak to Us and our children when
brass and mar BILE have crumbled into duet As a
repository of political truth and practical wisdom
applied to the affairs of Government, know not
where stail find their equal. The works Of
Burke naturally suggest themselves to the mind as
the only writings in our language that sustain
the comparison. Certainly no compositions in the
English tongue can take precedence of those OF
Burke. in depth OF thought, reach of forecast, or
magnificence Of STYLE l think, however, it may
be said without Partially, either national or per.
sonal that whilst the reader ia cloyed at last with
the gorgeous finish Of Burke's diction, there is
severe simplicity and significant plainness in
Webster's writing that never tires. an
It is precisely this which characterzes the states
man in distinction from the political philosopher
In political disqusition elaborated in the closet,
the palm must perhaps bs awarded 70 bprke over
conflicts Of the Senate, man against man, and
opinion against opinion In the noble war OF debate
where measures are to be sustained and opposed,
on which the welfare OF the country and the peace
OF the world depend, where often the line of intel.
lectual battle is changed in q moment-no time TO
reflect, no leisure to Gull words, or gather up illus
trations, but all to be decided by vote, although
very different matter; and here Mr.. Webster was
immeasuraby the superior Accordingly, we find
historically Incredible as il sounds, and what
am ready to say will not believe though 1t Ia TN
qpcstonably true) that these inimitable orations
Of Burke, which one cannot read without thrill Of
admiration TO his fingers ends actually cmptied
the benches of Parliament. All, gentlemen, it
was very different with our great parliamentary
orator. He not only chained to their seats, will
ing, or, il there was such thing, unwilling Sena
tors, but the largest hall small for his au-
dience. s..
was expected to speak upon the great questions
then pending before the country, not only was the
Senate Chamber thronged 10 its utmost capacity
at an early hour, but all the passages to it, the
rotundo of the Capitol, and even the avenues OF the
city, were alive with the crowds who were desir-
Gus of gaining admittance. Another Senator, not
q political friend, was entitled to the floor. With
equal good taste and good feeling, he stated that
che was aware that great multitude had not come
together to hear him, and no was pleased to yield
the floor to the only man, as he believed, who
could draw together such an assembly" This
sentiment-the effusion of parliamentary cour-
tesy-will, perhaps, be found no inadequate ex ,
precision of what will finally be the judgment Of
posterity. gr.. .... .. .....
from the lips of our friend just before they were
closed forever, the most remarkable are those
which my friend billiard has just quoted-I STILL
LIVE" They attest the serene composure of his
mind, the Christian heroism with which he was
able to turn his consciousness in upon itself, and
explore, step by step, the dark passage Ozark to
US, but to him trust already lighted from above)
which connects this world with the world 10 come.
But know not, Mr.. Chairman, what words could
have been better chosen to express his relation to
tho world he was leaving-"l still live. This poor
dust is Just returning TO the dust from which it
was taken; but feel that live in the affections OF
the people to whose services have consecrated my
days. still live. The icy hand of death is already
laid on my heart, but shall still live in those
IF wi I hay mt d m IL.
low -citzens, and which now leave them as the
last bequest Of dying friend"
MIR. Chairman, in the long and honored career
of our lamented friend there are efforts and tri.
umphs which will hereafter fill of the brightest
pages in our history. But greatly err If the clos
ing sccne--the height of the religious sublime
does not, in the Judgment of other days, far tran
scend in interest the brightest exploits OF public
life. Within that darkened chamber at Marshfeld
was witnessed q scene Of which we shall not rea-
Oily find parallel. The serenity with which he
stood in the presence of the King OF Terrors, with
out trcpidation autter for hours and days of ex
pectaton; the thoughtfulness for the public bust
ncss, when the sands were 60 nearly run out; the
hospitablc for the reception OF the friends who
came to Marshfeld; that affectionate and solemn
leave separately taken, name by name, OF wife,
and children, and kindred, and friends and fami-
iy down To the humbest member of the house
hold the designation of the coming day, then near
at hand, when fali that was mortal of Daniel Web.
ster would cease to exist" the dimly- recollected
strains the funeral poetry Of Gray, last faint fash
of the soaring intellect, the feebly- words
of tho Holy Writ repeated from the Ups OF the good
physician, who, when all the resources of human
art had been exhausted, had drop of spiritual
balm for the parting soul; the clasped hands, the
dying prayers. Oh! my fellow citizens, this is a
contamination over which tears OF pious sympathy
will be shed ages after the gories Of the forum and
the Senate are forgotten.
~ ''His suferings ended with the day,
81. IA, Yet lived he mt its close;
And breathed the long, long night away,
In statue like repose.
But ere the sun, in all his state,
Illumed the eastern skies,
He passed through giory's morning gate,
And walked in Paradise"