Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-07-28
How Webster and Gh0ate Raised 'fhe
Wind.

The intimacy of Webster and Choate is
we'll known. There can scarcely be q doubt
that they loved each other. While the for
mer was SecretTry 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 q
strait to know how to relieve himself.
He sat in his seat in the old Senate Cham
Der, with contracted brow, ploughing
with both hands those long black locks Of
his, as his habit was, in vain
effort to conjure up some way
of meeting his engagements, when
an idea struck him. Il will go to Web
ster," 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. 'sBut
what is the matter with Choate?" he asked
(the latter had on that woe-begone express
sion which everybody remembers.) care
you sick p Choate took a chair and began
to run his fingers through his hair in q
state of doubt as to how he should approach
the subject of his visit 'fNot exactly sick,
Mr.. Webster; but am short of money, and
have come to see If you would lend me five
hundred dollars ~ Webster leaned back
in his chair and with eyes dilated, and
with the faintest possible gleam OF humor
in the face, looked ut Choate. 'sChoate, /
am Just five hundred dollars short myself, -
he said. (Choates chin dropped.) 'sBut
look here brother Choate," continued Mr.
Webster 'Pll tell you what we'll do; wen
make note, sir, say at sixty days, for one
thousand dollars, payable IN Boston. You
shall sign it and I'll indorse it, and by
the time it comes roundwe will be at home
{,, 10 10
constituent. 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 1T 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 donned
that well remembered broad brimmed
black felt hat which he wore in
those times, and directed his steps towards
CorcOran's. Entering the banking house
with head erect and shoulders set back.
els Mr.. CorcOran IMP" in the measured and
magisterial tones that inspired so much
awe, he asked the clerk at the counter.
eyes, sir" replied he, defepentially. please
say to him that Mr.. Webster would like 10
see him for moment" Corcoran appeared
with alacrity from bis private room, and
the usual Salutations were exchanged.
"Mr. Corcoran, my brother Choate is a little
short OF money and has made o note
for thousand dollars (Which I have very
cheerfully Endorsed for him. payable in
Boston IN sixty days. Would you discount
it for him?" Certainly" said Corcoran,
with the greatest Of pleasure" and turn
ing to the clerk, he said: ''Give Mr.. Web
ster the proceeds of the note after deduct
ing the interest" The clerk made his
figures, and bringing out q bag of gold
emptied it upon the counter. He counted
out a sufficient sum to satisfy the proceeds
of thenote; and Mr.. Webster putting it in
his pantaloons pocket called d hack and
went Immediately to the Capitol. Going
into the Senate chamber he found Choate,
with his head in his hands, i'll the most
| distraught state of mind. Going directly
up to him he gave him smart slap upon
the shoulder, saying, 1--WE got it, Choate. -
''The ID you have p 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 OBJ
tanned relief The story omits to follow
the note TO maturity and tell us who paid
the thousand dollars finally. We sus-
pect there is where the laugh would come
/ in.
PEABoDY's MUNuIcENCE.- The following
are the principal items of Mr.. Peabody s
public gifts. In addition, he has given
many thousands of dollars privately, and