The States and Union. [volume] (Ashland, Ohio) 1868-1872, 1869-06-16
How Webster and Choate Raised
'sthe Wind. ~

The intimacy OF Webster and
Choate is well known. There can
scarcely be doubt that they loved
each other While the former was
Secretary of State, the latter was in
the Senate from Massachusetts. At
some point during this period, Choate
is reported to have found himself short.
of money, and being away from home.
in a strait to know how to relieve HIM
self. He sat in his seat in the old
Senate chamber, with a contracted
brow, plowing with both of his hands
those long blacks locks of his, as his
habit was in a rain. effort to conjure
up some way of meeting his engage
ments, when an idea struck him. II
| will go to Webster" he said to him.
self and seizing his hat he made his
way rapidly to Fourteenth street. The
great man was at home, and received
him with unusual cordially. ''But
| what is the matter. with you, Choate?"
he asked (the latter had on that Woe
begone expression which everybody re-
member). care you sick !'n Choate
took. chair, and began to run his
fingers through his hair in state of
doubt as to how he should approach
the subject of his visit. Not exactly
sick, MIR. Webster but I am short of
money, and have come up to see if
you could lend me five hundred dol
lars r. Webster leaned back in his
chair, and with eyes dilated, and the
faintest possible, CLEAN. of humor in
| the face, looked at Choate =" "Choate,
am just five hundred short myself"
he said, (Choate's chin dropped. } "'But
look here, brother Choate,P continued
Mr. Webster, 'I'll tell you what we'll
make note, sir, say at sixty days, for
rUrr.
it, and by the time it comes round We
will be at home to provide for it. y
Choate looked up with astonishment
He could see easily the note might be
made; but how the money was com
ing out of the note, was not so clear, /
and he said so to Mr. Webster. "Leave
that to me, the latter replied. Snffite
it to say, the note was made /; Choate
went back to the Senate to await the
result of his friends financial expert
ment and his great friend, placing the
note in his vest pocket, donHed that
well--remembered, broad-brimmed
black telt hat which he wore on those
times, and directed his steps towards
Coreoran's. Entering the banking
house with head erect and shoulders
set back, ''is Mr.. Coreoran in ?' in
The measured and magisterial tones
that inspired so much awe, he asked
at the counter. s'Ye es, sir" he replied
defercutially. "Please say to him that
Mr.. Webster would like to see him for
a moment" Corcoran appeared with
alacrity from his private room, and
the usual salutations were exchanged.
''Mr. Corcoran, my brother Choate is
little short of money, and has made
note for a thousand dollars (Which /
have very cheerfully indorsed for him),
payable in Boston in sixty days.
Would you discount it for him p
"Certainly,p said Corc0an, with the
greatest pleasure )" and turning to the
clerk, he said, "Give Mr. Webster the
proceeds of. the note after deducting
figures, and bringing out small bag
of gold emptied it upon the counter
He counted out a sufficient sum to sa-
tisfy the proceeds Of the note and
Mr.. Webster putting it into his pant
aloons pocket, called hack and went |
Immediately to the Capital. Going in
to the Senate Chamber he found |
Choate with his head in his hands, in |
the most distraught state of mind.
Going direeely up to him he gave
him smart slap upon the shoulders
'.Pve got it, Choate." "The d. you
have!" he replied. The great man sat +
down beside him, and they divided
the money as nearly equally as they |
could, and thus Choate's mind obtain
ed relief. The story smits to follow.
the note to maturity AID tell us who
paid the thousand dollars finally. We
suspect there is where the laugh would
come in.