Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-11-06

rae 81 We Lye ana OHcIuctcT ~ We uepctfted
Statesman
We transfer to our columns few of the remin-
iscences and personal memorials which have been
called forth by the death of DANIEL WEBSTER.
They throw new light upon the private life and
character of one whose fame was his country's
1t win be recollected says the Boston Journa that
Mr.. WEBSTER the last of the Wing heads of Depart
who left the Cabinet of JOHN TYLER when he turned
his back upon the party which had elevated him to his
high position The motives of Mr. WEBSTER in thus hold
ing to the Office which he had been caeS by Pre-
sden HARRISON to fill, have been grossly msrepresent
ed and even not fully appreciated. That they
of the most honorable character have
tertained the shadow Of doubt What taose motives
became apparent all but those of the most obtuse
in intellect who wfully bnd when the Ashbur-
ton treaty concluded The following "Reminiscences
connected with this period is given by correspondent
of the New York Tribune:
DANIEL WEBSTER was, at the period to which am re
ferring in Philadelphia either passing through to Wash
ington the East. He ut the Washington House
route for the South and was myself putting up
at the Washington House.
| soon learned that much dissatisfaction prevailed
among the Wings of Philadelphia account of Mr..
Webster's remaining in Tyer's Cabinet told that
not leading Wing of that city had called upon Mr..
Webster learned from of them the cause to be
what has been stated
Having known Mr. Webster for forty years. and believ-
ing had reached just conclusion touching the
that had determined hina to hold on in Tyler Ca
binet, and that it wholy patriotic, called Mr.
Webster, found him alone and referred the relations
in which his friends in Philadelphia
him. and to the for the change and wishing
to teTogdn him to his for remaining in the
Cabinet of Tyler after his associates had felt it their
duty to leave it. proceeded state why felt towards
him the respect If,'' said 81 lam right
In my conclusions the which governed you
in determining to continue in the Cabinet of Mr. Tyler,
they these You did not feel that would be doing
your country justice by abruptly breaking off the nego
tatons with Lord Ashburton and you wished to lay the
foundation OF relations with China by preparing with
your hand your instructions to the newly appointed
Commissioner, Mr.. Cushing"
Mr.. Webster, reaching out his hand, grasped mne
and with much feeling and emphasis said: You sir
have done justice These and these only were my
motives thank you for your just Interpretation of the
reasons that governed me in these matters"
left Mr. w, called on two of Wing friends the
same evening, and related the above They both rose
and said, g We will forthwith wait upon him" They
did SO, and accompanied them. left the city next
morning.
Allow me to add that Mr. Webster appeared to me then
have given proof only of being governed by the
purest patriotism, but by the nvncble moral cou-
rage He knew, for the press of his party violent in
its denuncations of him for tagging behind his
cates and felt how much Of fame temporary, at eastl
he must lose by his course but rising above all that
personal to himself, he resolved his and
to meet The issue.
Now allow ask if the consummation of the treaty
made by Mr.. Webster with Lord Ashburon could with
any thing like certainty have been reached by am other
mind than Daniel Eebsters? doubt it. and have Lord
Ashburton himself for witness His lordshp was free
TO speak, only Of the great and unmatched powers of
Daniel Webster but he said He did beiere The treaty
could hare been contaminated by other man."
And surely when the foundation of commercial and
other relations with China be for the first time
laid it would not become Mr. Webster have left the
performance Of that duty any other hands and espe
cally he knew Mr.. Tyler, and knew well that some
partisan appointment would have been made by that func-
tionary succeed him, with, in all probability no qua
hfcatons for the place Nobody know, if Mr. Web
ser had left the Cabinet of Tyler when other members
Of the Cabinet did and left the Ashburton treaty unfn
ished, whether it would have been made and if not
made where lives the that tell the consequences:
There was, then sefsdcrifce the part Of Mr. Web
Of occurrence The petty salary and the
petty honor Of holding his place few months longer
Secretary Of State had nothing to do with the resolve
Of Mr. Webster TO remain in that position No. no il
the puest patriotism, he prooadest Of duty
which, when put in the balance, outweghed all the odium
and all the loss Of political power and party friendship
that were brought against it. Mr. Webster dared in de-
fance Of tall, 10 do has duty-and he did it goriousy."
The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Sun fur
nshes the following anecdote connected with the
in the life Of Mr.. Webster:
will be recolected that Mr. Websers continuance
in Mr. Tyers Cabinet caused considerable hyness on the
part of many of his old political associates towards him
After brief period the ustrous statesman concluded
the celebrated treaty with England which won for him
worldwide renown. At this juhcture of our most
prominent citizens gave splendid banquet which were
large number Of Senators and members Of the House
Representatives. The conyivates had Just commenced
when the dgnhed form of Webster entering the
paror and he advanced his big eye surveyed the
psny recognising, doubtless Of those who had be-
partially alienated from him. On the instant up
sprung distinguished patriotic Senator from one Of the
large Southern States, who exclaimed, Gentlemen
have sentiment to propose The heath Of or eDiacn
citizen he negotdor of the Ashbrton treaty The company
Enthusiastically responded Webster instantly replied
Il have also a sentiment for youts Senate fhe Ladeo
States ctoUt toch Me Ash6artoH treaty colid hare bee,
nothing, md tie Hegodtor Of that treaty less than nothing
The quickness and fitness Of this Mt once banishec
every doubtful unfrendly feeling The company cus
tered around the magnate whose sprghty and edfynl
conversation failed TO excite admiration, and the
remainder Of the evening spent IN manner mos
agreeable TO all"
HIRAM KErcHuN, Of New York, who is well known al
one Of Mr. Websters intimate personal friends re-
Gently, at meeting Of the bar Of New York paid an in
teresng tribute to his memory from which we make the
following extracts
81 will occupy the attention Of this meeting for a very
few minutes in speaking Of what know Of the personal
characteristics Of Mr. Webster had long been acouaint
ed with him. From all that know from ali that have
ever seen or heard bear testimony here to-day that
Daniel Webster public man. was man Of thu biobes,
integrity 1t always seemed as lie acted undor
the immediate conviction that what he did was ~ 10
known not only to his generation but % poster;,
lie was always clear in Office. He regarded politica
power in his hands n trust and though a,wov,
willing and DESTROYS crafty his friends il he could 4
felt himself at liberty for instant in order
advance any private interest to violate his great trust
| have known Mr. Webster in private circles and in do
mestc life. bear testimony here to-day that though