Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-03-21
wAsurscros LAYING rHr Corner STONE


OF THE CAPiToL.-A correspondent of the
Bangor Whig tells the following very inter
esting anecdote Of Washington:
"Recent events have recalled very forcibly
to my mind the following incident which may
perhaps prove interesting to your readers at
the present time.
BsiDg on visit to Washington during the
recess of Congress in the spring of 1851, l
walked one day with friend to view the
works which wore already in progress for the
extension Of the Capitol. As we sanntered
among the pillars in the basement Of the old
building, we fell in with venerable looking
man, having the appearance Of a country
man, who seemed to be there upon the same
business that we were. We entered into
conversation with him, and he informed US
that he was Virginian, raised few miles
from, Mount Vernon. Very likely then.
We remarked, you may recollect General
Washington
Perfectly welp he replied Indeed. l
saw him when be laid the foundation of this
building. was but boy then,' he contin-
ued, but remember very distinctly bow be
looked as be stood il this way over the stone
aud settled it in its place with pry. It was
huge stone, and ~ placed, it must have rs'
quirsd no little strength to move it. But the
Geneaal was very athletic man, and moved
it apparently with ease. There was a num-
Der of boys there from our neighborhood,
and it was standing marvel to US all how
the General moved that stone. A few days
after, the General happened to bs riding by
our school house ON horseback. as we were
playing outside. We all pulled off our hats
to him and be stopped his horse for mo-
ment and spoke to US very pleasantly. One
of the boys cried out, Please, General, tell
US how it was you moved that great stone, up
yonder, the other day?' 'Oyes, General,
you moved it, we all saw you.' Well boys,
said the General, looking very serious. and
speaking slowly, and shaking bis long finger
as he spoke, Doyou see that nobody moves
that stone again."
CAssIUs NJ. CLAY, the new Minister to the
Court of Spain, was born in Madison county,
studying in Transylvania University at Lex
ingsOn, in that State, he entered the Junior
class Of Yale College, where he was gardua-
ted in 1882, and returned to Kentucky. He
devoted himself to the law, and 10 1885, was
elected 10 the State Legislature. He was re-
elected in 1887, and In 1889 was member
of the National Whig Convention at Harris>
burg which nominated General Harrison for
President. Taxing up his residence at Lex
ington be was elected to the Legislature in
1S40. He was, however defeated In 1871,
owing to his opinions ON the slavery question
which he everywhere fearlsssly expressed
He denounced the scheme for the annexation
Of Texas and in 1874 travsrsed the Northern
States. addressing immense audiences in IA
vor of the Wing Presidential candidate. 10
1845 he established the True American, an
emancipation journal, in Lexington. amid
great opposition. Upon the declaration Of
war with Mexico, he entered the service as
captain of the "Old Infantry" volunteer
company which had distinguished itself at the
battle of Tippecanoe in 1911. He was taken
prisoner at Encarnacion in January, 1847.-
He was exchanged, and returned home in the
Autumn of that year, and was presented with
sword in honor of his services. In 1848 he
labored hard for the election of Gen. Taylcr,
and in 1850 presented himself as a candidate
for Governor Of the State of Kentucky, on the
basis of political OF ganizatioH against slav.
cry. He received some 5000 votes. lie has
not since been candidate before the people,
through activein political life.