New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1852-12-03
The Late Daniel Webster.

To He Editor Of The " \ Tribune:
The recent death OF Mr.. WEBSTER has pro-
duced a sensation throughout our country
equalled only by that which was occasioncd by
the death of Washington. " / still live" were
the last words Of the master mind of the age
and OF our race. The desire for posthumOus
fame operated powerfully on the illustriOus
Wcbsters noble and exalted mind in view of the
approach Of death lie Is dead; nevertheless he
"stil lives in the hearts OF his admring and sorrow
ing couniryInen. lis name ia engrayen forever the
pilars Of the Constu,ion and will live with that of
"the Father Of Country for virtue and truth
immortal.
1t seems but as yesterday when heard Mr.. Webster
speak in the United States Senate and the city of
Rochester but ala he sleeps
in dul. cold rnarbler
His voice If silenced by summons TO another world,
but thanks be 10 God his works do follow MIN"
His numerous, eloquent and beautiful speeches are
rich le acy be has left US for which, in common with
all tie lovers Of eloquence bess his memory. haze
read the best speeches both Of ancient and modern
times ard have deliberately formed The opinion, that
Mr.. Websters speech delivered in leo, on Foote'S
land resolution in reply 10 Gen. Hsyne, Is the
gumentative, instructive and eloquent speech ever
made ~ any ststes man on earth | did myself the
pleasure thus to wTiIe Mr. Webster three years ago.
He has made many other speeches in Congress AMI
e!sewhere each and all of which indicative OF his
greet ursurp assed and uneqused intellectual powers
Tie sreech Mr. Webster ina yines John Adams 70
have made in support OF American Independence,
commencine sink or swim" and ending, Independ-
ence ron and Independence forever is mos. excel
lent 1t sometimes supposed thai Mr. Adams actually
nade tht speech but the honor Of composngt belongs
TO Nr Webster 1t is taus stated in my note accom-.
psnying the speech or the 92i page Of Sweets prac.
tics. Eocution," published in 1893 neyerheIss some
persons thought was mistaken. In order 20 have me
best Of ell authority, and that which would settle the
question forever wrote Mr. Webster in the winter Of
ls49 and had the honor receive the following reply
in his own hand. writing:
WASHINGTON, Dec 81, I549
DEAR SIR | have had very frequent OccasiOns TO
answer the inquiry that which you propose 20
your letter OF the 26th of this month The speech
20 which you refer " my conposlflon. Inc Congress
Of the Revolution SAT with closed doors, and there
report Of the speeches Of members on adopting tas
DeclGsrion OF Independence We only know that John
Adams sposs in favor OF the measure with his usual
power and fervor In letter written from PiIladel-
phis coon after the Declaration made he -ad il
was an event which would be celebrated in ie 10 come
BY boufres Nominations and other modes Of pubIc re-
cicnR and on the day Of his death, hearing the ring.
ing Of belle be asked the occasion, and being told tina, Il
was Ike 4h Of July and that the bells were rnaug for
linden endence. he exclaimed Independence for ever
These expressions were used IN composing the speech
g. being Characteristic Of the man. his enti en.s and
his manner Of speech and eocuton All the rest i mine
with respect your obedient servant
DANIEL WEBSTER.
"SAauEL n SWEET, Eco"
Arong Mr.. Webster's other best speeches are those
be delivered At the laying Of the corner stone Of the