The Portland daily press., 1869-05-19
Hsw Webster and Cheatc Raised "The
Wind.c~

The intimacy of Webster and Choate is
well known. There can scarcely be a doubt
that they loved each other. ', hile 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 himself. He sat in his seat in the old
Senate chamber, with contracted brow,
ploughing with both OF his hands those long,
black locks OF his, as. his habit was, in a van
effort 10 conjure up some way OF meeting his
engagements, when an idea struck him. II
will go TO Webster" he said to himself; and
sezing his hit he made bis way rapidly to
Fourteenth street. The great man was at
home, and received him with unusual cor
diality. But what is the matter with YOU,
Choate?" he asked 1.-THE latter had on that
woe-begone expression which everybody re-
members) AIe you sick ?" Choate took
chair, and began to run his fingers through
his hair, in slate OF doubt as to how he
should approach the subject OF his visit.
Mot exactly sick, Mr.. Webster; but l am
short of money, and have come up to see if
you could lend me S500?" Webster leaned
back in his chair, anu with eyes dilated, and
the falntest possible gleam OF humor in his
face, looked at Choate, sChoate, L am lust
$500 short myself" he said. (Choates chin
dIopped). "but look here, brother Cnoate,"
continued. Mr.. Webster, "I'll tell you what
we'll do; we II make note, sir, say at sixty
days, Tor $1,000, payable in Boston
I ou shall sign it and IN endorse it, and by
the time it comes round we will be at home
to provide ior It," He could see how easlIy
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 results OF his friends IL
nancal experiment; and his great friend,
placing the note in his vest pocket, Jonned
that well-remembered, broad brimmed, black
telt hat which he wore on those times, and
directed bis steps toward Corcoran's. Enter
ing the counting house with head erect and
shoulders well set back. is Mr.. Corcoran
imp in the measured aud magisterial tones
that inspired so much awe, he asked OF the
clerk at tue counter. es, sir" he replied
deterentialiy. Please say to him that Mr..
" ebster would like 10 see him tor a mo-
ment." Corcoran appeared with great alac-
rity nom his private losm, and the usual sal
utatiohs were exchanged. Mr.. Corcoran,
my brother Che. .te is little short OF money,
and has made a note TOR 81 ,00J (which /
have very cneerluly indorsed Ior him. paya-
bic in Boston in sixty days. w sud you dis
count ii ior ni..?" Certainly" repned Cor
coran, with the greatest pi asure;" !" and turn
ing to the clerk, be said, "Give Mr.. Webster
the proceeds OF the note, alter deducting inter-
est. Inc clerk made his figures, and ring
ing out small bag OF gold, empLied it upon
the counter. He counted out sufficient sum
to satisfy tile proceeds OF tue note; and Mr..
Webster, putting it into his pantaloons pock-
ct. called hack and went Immediately to the
AHaaI