Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1869-05-21
How Webster aud Choate Raised So The
t,n har-..l.-.-l Wind.N ,an ON aLaa.-r

u THE intimacy Of Webster and Choate
is we'll 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 Massachu-
sets. Atlsome point during this period,
Choate is reported to have found himself
short OF money, and being away from
home, ina strait to know how to relieve
himself He sat in his seat in the old Sen
ate chamber, with a contracted brow,
pl0wing with both of his hands those long
black locks of his, as his habit was, in
vain effort to coDjure up some way of
meeting his engagements, when an idea
struck him. "I will go to Webster" he
said to himself; and Selling his hat he
made his way rapidly to Fourteenth street.
The great man was at home, and received
him with unusual cordiality. I" But what
is the matter with you, Choate ?" he asked
(the latter had on that woe-begone ex-
preston which everybody remembers).
Are you sick ?" 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, Mr.. Webster; but / am
short of money, and have come up to see
if you could lend me five hundred dollars ?"
Webster leaned back in his chair. and
with eyes dilated, and the faintest possible
CLEAN of humor in his face, looked at Choate:
"Choate, lam just five hundred short my
self" he said. (Choate's chin dropped).
"But look here, brother Choate," con-
tinued Mr.. Webster, "I'll tell you what
we'll do; we'll make note, sir, say at six
in Boston. You shall sign it and I'll in
dorse it, and by the time it comes round
we will be at home to provide for it."
Choate looked up with astonishrnent. He
could see how easily the note might be
made; but how the money was coming
out of the note was not so clear, and he
said so to Mr.. Webster. "Leave that to me-"
the latter replied. Suffice it to say, the
note was made; Choate went back to the
Senate to await the result of his friends
financial experiment; and his great friend,
placing the note in his vest pocket, donned
that well-remembered, broad brimmed
black felt hat which he wore in those
times, and directed his steps towards Cor
coran's. Entering the banking house with
head erect and shoulders well set back,
els Mr.. Corcoran IMP" in the measured
and magisterial tones that inspired so
much awe, he asked of the clerk at the
counter. ayes sir" he replied deferen-
tally. "Please say to him that Mr.. Web
ster would like to see him moment"
Corcoran appeared with alscrity from his
private room, and the usual salutations
were exchenged "Mr. Corcoran, my bro
ther Choate is little short of money, and
has made note for thousand dollars
(which I have very cheerfully indorsed
for him), payable in Boston in sixty days
Would you discount it for him?" Seer
tainlv," replied Corcoran, with the great
est pleasure !" and turning to the clerk, he
said: "Give Mr.. Webster the proceeds of
the note after deducting the interest"
The clerk made his figures, and bringing
out q small bag of gold emptied 1t upon
the counter. He counted out q sufficient
sum to satisfy the proceeds of the rote;
and Mr.. Webster, putting it into his PAN
falcons pocket, called hack and went
Immediately to the Capitol. Walking
into the Senate Chamber he found Choate,
with his head in his hands, in the most
distraught state of mind. Going directly
up to him he gave him smart slap upon
the shoulder: "Pvegot it Choate. !" "The
ID you have!" he replied. The great
man sat down beside him, and they divid-
ed the money as nearly equally as they
could, and thus Choates mind obtained
relief. The story omits to follow the note
to maturity, aud tell US who paid the thou
sand dollars finally. We suspect there is
where the real laugh comes in.