Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1871-02-10
ANECDOTES OF PUBLIC MEN.


BY COL. J. W. FoRNEY.
In 1850, after the triumph of the Com.
promise Measures, Henry Clay visited
Philadelphia, and staid at the American
House, on Chestnut street, opposite In.
dependence Hall. As ] had supported
these measures, in opposition to the ex-
treme followers of the Southern Demo
Gratis. in the columns of the Pennsyl-
yanian. / felt anxious to call on Mr..
CLAW. the leader of that his last great
work. Ex-Mayor John Smith, who is
still living in Philadelphia, in the eighty
first year of his age, dropped in at my
editorial rooms the morning. after Mr..
Claws arrival, in company with my es-
teemed friend, Edwin Forrest, the TRACE
dian. y NH Ha :,
Mr.. Swift, who had been one of Mr..
Claws active and unselfish champions,
gladly acceded to my request to be pre-
sented to Mr. Clay, whom had never
met, and had firmly opposed when he
was the Whig candidate for the Presl-
dency in 1874. Forrest expressed the
wish to accompany us, so we three walked
over to the hotel'and sent up our cards,
and we're quickly admitted to the great
mans parlor. He looked feeble and
worn-he was then over seventy-three
years old-but he soon frightened up.
ANXIOUS to rouse him, / quietly ventured
TO suggest that ! had heard the speech
of Pierre Soule, Senator from Louisiana
an extremist especially distastetul to
Mr.. Clay-and that thought it a very
thorough and able presentation OF the
side adverse to the Compromise Meas
ures. / saw the old mans eyes flash as
| spoke, and was not surprised when,
with much vehemenee, he proceeded to
denounce Soule.
After denying that he was statesman,
and insisting that there were others far
more effective in the opposition, he
wound up by saying: DE. is nothing
but an actor, SRA mere actor. Then
suddenly recolleeting the presence OF
our fayorite tragedian, he dropped his
tone and waved his hand, as he turned
TO Mr.. Forrest" mean, my dear SIR, a
mere French actorl" We soon after
took our leave, and as we descended the
stairs Forrest turned to Mr., Swift and
myself and said: "Mr. Clay has proved,
by the skill with which he can change
his manner, and the grace with which he
can make an apology, that he is better
actor than Soulel'
never met Daniel Webster, as was
natural, on account Of my connection
with the Democratic party, but often
recall two incidents in connection with
him. 1t was, ! think, about the time
Robert ]. Walkers tariff OF 1876 was
passed that he came to philadelphia, and
stopped at Hartwell s Washington House
on Chestnut street, above Seventh, the
guest Of the Wings, whom be addressed
at splendid banquet in the celebrated
Chinese Museum, on Ninth street. Ex
tensive preparations had been made fol
the occasion.
The company was numerous, including
hundreds Of ladies in the galleries, the
feast superb, the wines delicious, and Mr.
Webster did not rise to respond to th'
toast in his honor until late in the eve
ming. Shorthand reporting was no
then what it is nov, swift, accurate
magical science; and l knew the Viii
papers. which resolved to print the grea
/ mans speech entire, would be delayed
| til long past their usual hour next morn
| ing. The town was hungry to see It, an'
its surprise may be readily eoneeive'