Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1853-01-22
Edward Ererett,s sneech.

Edward Everett's Speech,
At meeting in Faneui Hall in Boston. on II
N27th of Oct. to consider what memorial to the ser
vices of Mr.. Webster was due from the citizens G
Boston, Mr.. Everett made the following beautifu
speech.
Mr. Mayor and Fellow Citizens.-I never arose t
address an assembly when was so little st. body o
mind to perform the duty and never felt so keenl
now inadequate are words to express such an emo
tion a, manltestly pervades this meeting in common
with the whole country. There is but one vo;c,
that ever fell upon my which could do Justice e
such an occasion. That voice, alas we shall heal
no more for ever No more at the bar will it unfold
the deepest mysteries of the law; TO more will i,
speak CONVICTION to aimrins senates; no more in
this hail. the chosen theatre of his intellectual dom
lnIon, viii 1t lift the soul with the swell of the
pealing organ, stir the blood with the tones OF
clarion IN the innost chambers of the heart. We
are assembled citizens, to pour out the full
ness of feelings; not in the vain attempt to do
honor to the great who is taken from US most
assuredly not with the presumptuous hope on our
part to magnify his name and his prase. They are
spread throughout the land. From East to West.
and from North to South, (Which he knew, as he
told you, only that he might embrace them in the
arms of loving patriotisn.) voice of lamentation
has already gone forth, such has not echoed
through the land since the death of him who was
first IN war, first IN peace, and first ii the hearts of
his countrymen." You have listened fellow-citi-
zens to the resolutions which have been submitted
to you by Col. Heard. / thank him for Offering
them 1t does honor to his heart and to those with
whom he acts in politics, and whom have no doubt
he well represents that he has stepped forward so
literally on this occasion. The resolutions are en-
phatc, sir bat feel that they do not say too much
No one will think they overstate the magnitude OF
our loss, who is capable of appreeiating character
like that of Daniel Webster. Who of US felIow-cit.
a h05 ErNz, . <loth hoa, -
mastery skill with which he would pour the full
esfulgenee of his mind en- contested legal and
constitution al principle, till what seemed hard and
obscure became as plain as day; who that has seen
him, in all the glory of intellectual ascendancy-
Ride on the whirwina and direct the storm
parliamentary conflict; who that has drunk Of the
pure fresh air OF wisdom and thoughtn the volumes
OF his writings; who, alas, sir, that has seen him
-in his happier hour
OF social pleasure, III exchanged for power,
that has come within the bengnant fascination Of his
SMILE has felt the pressure OF his hand and tasted
the sweets OF his resde eloquence, viii think that
the resolutions say too much: No. fellow-citizens,
we come together not to do honor to him but to do
Justice to ourselves. We obey an impulse from |
within. Such feeling cannot be pent up in soli- /
tude. We must meet, neighbor with neighbor, cit |
zen with citizen, man with man to svmpGthize with
each other. If we did not, mute nature would re-
buke us. The granite hills of New Hampshire |
Try shame: Plymouth Rock, which all but moved at
his approach the slumbering echoes of this hall,
which rung grandly with his voice; that silent
,ut majestic orator. which rose in no mean degree
1t his command on Bunker UiL--al, all would cry
,ut at our degcneracy and ingratitude. Mr.. Chair
nan, do not stand here TO pronounce the eUlogy OF
'Ir Webster; it is not necessary Euiogy has al
eady performed her first Offices to his memory. As
ne 1nournful tidngs have flashed through the coun-
~, the highest officers of nation and State, the most
lignied official bodies, the most prominent ndivid-
las, without distinction of Iarty, the press of the
ountry the great voice of the land all have spoken
md with one accord of opinion and feeling, and an
nanimity that does honor at once to the object of
his touching attestaton and to those who make it.
The record OF his life, from the humble roof beneath
which he born, with inheritance but poverty
nd an honored name,) up through the nr1uous
aths of manhood, which he trod with o., hc..t and
liant steps, till they condurtcd him 10 the helm of
'tate this stirring errative, not unfamiliar before,
las with melancholy promptitude, within the last
hree days, ben again sent abroad through the
nngth and breadth OF the land. II has spread from
ne Atlantic TO the Mississippi. Struggling proycrt
las been cheered afresh; honest ambition has been
,indled !; patriotic resolve has been nvigorated );
Vile ali have mourned. The poor boy at the VII
ace school has taken comfort he has read that the
iIoe was when Daniel Webster, whose father told
i'm he should 90 to college, he had to sell every
ere of his farm to pay the expense aid his mead On
he shoulder of that fond and discerning parent, and
vent the thanks he could not speak. The pale stu
lent who ekes out his scanty support by extra toll,
las gathered comfort, when reminded that the first
urist statesman and orator of the time, earned with
rs weary fingers by the midnight lamp, the means
# securing the same advantages OF education 70 a
Beloved brother. Every true hearted citizen
bro, the Union has felt an honest pride he
e-r erI,ses the narrative in rejecting that he lives
beneath a constitution and a government under
hich s,lch man has been formed and trained, and
hat he himself is compatriot With him. de docs
nore sir he reflects with gratitude that IN conie-
,uence OF what that man has done, and written, ald
aid-in the result Of his efforts II strengthen the
illars of the Unions SAFER inheritance Of civil
,bertv stronger assurance that these blessing VIII
.ndure will descend 10 his children. ! know, Ar
Iayor. how presumptuous it would be TO dwell on
INV personal OF grief in the presence OF tins
luyust sorrow, which spreads It's dark wings over
he land You will not, however, be Offended, II
w yvav d auolory for putting myself forward on this
,ccaslon, say that my relations with Nj. webster
n farther back than those OF almost any one IN tnis
community. They began the frst year ne came 70
i've in Boston. When was but ten or eleven years
I'D attended little private school III Short street,
as it was then called-it is the continuation OF
street, ke3t by the late Hon. Ezekial Web
ter the elder brother to whom Rave alluded ana
,rother worthy OF his kindred. Owing 10 iliness' OF
ome other cause of absence on his paIl Cle
vas kent TOR short time by Daniel webster; Ihen
student of law IN Nh Gore once anu oii 'tn
.sson, forty-ssyen or forty y-eisht years ago. anu
hid of ten our couaintsnce, since then never IN
errunted. bean WhenI entered public life. it was
With his encouragement. In 1888. acted. fellow-
stizens. as your organ in the great ovation wnacn
.o, rpaye him in this hal. When he came 70 tne
of State in fS4l. it was on his recon-
nendation that /, living in the utmost Pnvaey ee-
- the Aims was appointed to very high oihee
Sroad and il, the course of tho last year, he gaze
ne the ighes. proof Of his confidence, N ensrsstns
me- the eore Of conducting his works through the