Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1858-09-30
Edward Everett at the Great Horse
Fair, Springfield, Massachusetts.

| OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
The Hon. EDWARD EVERETT, being called
upon for a Speech delivered one of great beau
ty and eloquence, from which we select the fol-
lowing interesting incident in the Life of the
great Irishman, EDMUND BURKE
| However this may be, Sir, if there is any one
who doubts that the horse-the animal that
most concerns us on this oecaSion--is unsuscep
tib'e of the kindest feelings of our nature,
think he would be convinced of his error by a
most interesting anecdote of Edmund Burke
In the decline Of Mr.. Burkes life. when he was
living in retirement on his farm at BeaconfeldS,
the rumor went up to London that he had gone
mad ; and the fact that was stated in support
of this rumor was that he went around his park
kissing his cows and horses. 4 frie d, a man
of rank and influence, hearing the story, aud
deeming it of too much Importance 10 be left
uncorrected, hastened to Beacon<fieId, and
sought an interview with the view Of ascertain
ing the truth of the rumor Entering into CON
versation with him, Mr. Burke read to him
some chapters from his Letters on the Regi-
eide His friend Immediately saw, that though
the earthly tenement was verging back on its
native dust, the lamp of reason aud genius
Shone with undiminiShed uStre He was ac.
of his coming down, and in Il private interview
with Mrs. Burke, told her what he had come
for, and received from her this pathetic cxpla-
nation Mr.. Bnrke'S only child. beloved sou,
had not long before died, leaving behind him
invOrite horse the companion of his excursions
OF business and pleasure, when both were yOumy
and vigorous. This favorite animal was Of
course turned out by Mr. Burke. the father. in
to the park, with directions to all bis servants
that he should III every respect he treated as
privileged favOrte. Mr. Burke himself, of
course, III hs morning walks, would often stop
to caresS the favorite animal
On one occasion, as he was taking his morn
ing walk through the park, he perceived the
poor old animal at distance, aud noticed tha;
he was recognized by him The horse drew
nearer and nearer to Mr.. Burke, stopped, eyed
him with the most pleading look ofrecognilion
which said as plainly as words could have said:
" have lost him too and then the Door dumb
beast deliberately laid his head upon Mr..
Bnrkc's bosom Struck by the singuarity OF
the occurrence, struck by the recollection of
his son. whom he had never ceased to mourn
with grief that would not be comic ted, over
"heImed by the tenderness of the animal, ex-
pressed IN the mute elOquence of holy Natures
universal language, the iuStriouS Statesman
for moment lost his SclfposScSsion, and clasp
ing his arms around the neck of his sons
tavorlte animal, lifted up that voice, which had
caused the arches of Westminster Hall to echo
the nobicSt strains that ever sounded within
them, and Wrpt aloud ! Sir, this waSSeen, this
was heard by the paSSerS bv, and The enemies
OF Barke, unappeaSed by his advancing years,
by his failing health by his domestic sorrows,
made it the ground of the charge of inSai itv.
Burke is gone but, Sir, so help me Heaven,
if | were called upon o designate the event or
the period in Bnrke's life that would best Sus-
tain charge Of insanity, it wOuId not he when
in a guSh of the uOhlest and pureSt feeling
that ever stirred the human heart, he wcpt
aloud on the neck of a dead sons fayorite
horse. But, Sir it shonid rather he when, at
the meridian of his fame, when the orb of his
imperial genius rode highest in the heavens,
amid the SCOTS of cringing cOurtierS, and the
sneers Of hireling patriots, he dehased his glori-
Gus powers to the scramblings and squubongs
OF the day. aHd,
Born for the universe, narrowed his mind,
And to party gave up what meant for mankind"
Loud aud prolonged cheering
Mr. President, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
have only to renew my acknowledgment for
the kindness with which you have been pleased
to receive me, and to express my best wishes
for the continued success of your most useful
and patriotic undertaking Enthusiastic app
plause.