Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1869-12-02
Daniel Webster---Advice Given to
Stephen A. Douglas.

The following characteristic and striking
anecdote, among others which we have seen in
Mr. Harvey's collection, we were permitted to
copy for publication. twas related to Mr..
Harvey by Mr.. Douglas himself, not a year
previous to the death of the late statesman, and
illustrates most strikingly the character Of Mr..
Webster for magnanimity and generosity
qualities which he possessed, though he did not
ALWAYS or often obtain credit for the possession
of them by the world
The annecdote, as related by Mr. Douglas,
was TO this effect He had always been op-
posed, politically, to Mr. Webster, although
their personal relations were friendly, and no.
thing had passed between them which was cal
cuated to interrupt such relations. Afterma-
ny years of service in the lower House Of Con-
gress, Mr. Douglas was elected to the Senate,
and there brought into more immediate inter-
course with the great men who held seats there;
first and foremost, as he said with emphasis,
the great Webster, then Clay, Calhoun, Critten-
den. Benton, and others. Having good share
of ambition by nature, he was not unwilling to
measure swords with the great leaders of the
Whig party, and felt that any senatorial hon
ors won 10 debate with such men, would be
worth contending FOR. Not many weeks after
he had taken his seat, such an opportunity, he
thought. presented itself In the course Of
some discussion in that body having party re-
lations to the measures Of the Government Mr.
Webster spoke with feeling and great dcllber-
alton. Douglas says, "now is my tme'-and
at once replied to the great statesman with con
fdence, aud with such ability as lie could com
mand. not doubling that what he said would
elicit an immediate reply from Mr.. Webster.
In this, however, he was doomed to a morti-
flying disappointment. Mr.. Webster listened
with the most respectful attention to his speech,
but instead Of offering to make any reply,
merely resumed his occupation at his senate
rial desk, with All expression of quiet kindness.
Some few days after this occurrence, as they
were passing from the chamber to the rotuuda,
they came in contact. Mr. Webster, after sa-
lutng him in the most friendly manner, drew
his arm within bis own, walking to a remote
part of the rotunda, and at once spoke to him
on the subject Of the debate Of few days pre-
yious Douglas" said he, Il have watched
your career with interest for some years. You
have earned, and deseryedly 50, a high reputa-
ton. You are young, and have hope, many
years of public life yet in store. You come
from the great valley which is TO give, soon,
laws and destiny to the Republic. 1t will soon
TEEN with such wealth, population and intlu-
ence, as almost makes one giddy to contem-
plate. You are great fayorite with your
State and may aspire to the highest honor
which the Republic has in store for any Of her
sons. Now, having said this, Douglas, | have
this further to say-and do so in all sincerity
you have my best wishes for your success;
and shall venture to give you a little advice,
and it is Just such as would give to my own
son under the same circumstances. In the de-
bate the other day, in which you made rather
a smart speech, thinking to get from me re-
ply. and at the same time some degree Of ho-
nor from little controversy with an opponent
who is regarded, perhaps, as leading Senator
i fully understood your modye-and, if
had been disposed, could have made youap-
pear in a light you would not covet. / had
that idea in my mind, but RETAINED out Of sin
cere kindness for you. Now this is what
wish to say-you are too much Of a man to G.
nact such part in public affairs. 1t isnotne-
cessary for You to do so. Your success will
not be promoted, but rather retarded, by it
Besides. senatorial hOnors are never so won.-
Never speak, except from conviction, and
when you have something to say on the sub
iect under discussion; then freely and forcibly
saw what YOU have to say, and, whatever the
case may be. you can never be discounted"
said Mr. Douglas: Il felt how excellent
was the advice, but, above all, how noble aud
disinterested was the heart that dictated it.
From that hour to the close Of Daniel Web
sters great career, never failed to feel how far
superior he was to any other man 1 had ever
known, in all those characteristics which got
make great. a noble and good man."
Wiir,ing'on Nina Tribune.