Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-06-25
RecollectiOns of an Old Stager.
From Harper's Weekly.

Recollections of an Old Stager.
From Harpers Weekly
Marshall of Kentucky, one of the most bril-
liant orators of bis time, and a man of large
scholarly attainments, who had as,much of that
mystical quality called genius as any of his con-
temporarles in Congress- was full of affcctation
In this regard. He spoke readily without prep
aratiou, his ideas following each other consec-
utively and with uncommon force but he
never trusted to the inspiration OF the moment
when there was opportunity TOR studying up
the subject and arranging his thoughts IN ad-
vance. He had a, habit. Of absen,ing himself
from the Capitol for days at time, every hour
Of which he devoted to reading and study, his
aeauaintances generally supposing him to be
engaged 10 debauch. After getting thorough
" crammed and armed at every point, he
would come into the House looking exhausted
and haggard, giving color to the notion that he
had been on frohc, and watching his oppor-
tunity, would pour .toFththe fruits OF his study
in strain of eff-hand, striking eloquence that
hardly ever failed to oastonish bis hearers And
the remark was often heard, What bril-
liant man What could be not accomplish IT
he was industrious and regular in his habits =
Mr.. Preston, for some time Mr. Caihoun'S
gentleman and q very popular orator. lie
never spoke without commanding the attention
of his hearers, and few men in Congress had
higher reputation for brilliant extemporaneous
eloauence. But be never spoke without the
most ample and careful preparation. Soon
after be retired from Congress he was chosen
president OF college 10. South Carolina. ln
An address to the students, he said he. knew OF
no such thing as genius or natural inspiration.
Whatever of reputation he had acquired was by
dipt of constant, untiring labor. lie had trus-
ted to study and hard work solely. de never
spoke in Congress or to a popular assemblage
without arranging what he had to say, and
even premeditating his sentences aud the pre-
else collocatiou of bis words. And he assured
bis hearers that the only road to public distlnc-
,iou lay through the field ofstudy and research:
Mr.. Webster vas, so thoroughly instructed
upon all subjects which came under discussion
in Congress that he was equal to. almost any oc
CASTOR, and rarely needed any special preparation
And yet he was not above the weakness OF con-
.cealing his studies and the sources whence be
drew his inspiration No man, better under
stood the weight and value OF language than
Mr.. Webster, and what he said was always
marked by precision and persplcuity; but when
coping With atormidable antagonist he omitted
no means that promised to aid him 10 the con-
test. He was accustomed to speak OF the mas
ter production of his life his celebrated reply to
Hayne, as sort of casual effort made on the
spur of the moment, without previous conslde-
ration.
Probably the two men in public life who
could most safely trust to their OVID resources
and requirements, under all circumstances,
we're Mr.. Adams and Mr.. Calhoun. The en-
dowmeuts Of Calhoun we're of higher order,
and his creative power was superior to that OF
Mr.. Adams; but the ''old man eloquent, as
he was called had memory SO tenacious, and
his knowledge was 80 extensive and exact that
he never seemed to need any special prepara-
ton. He was the most laborlous and method
dical man in Congress, and probably In the
country. He kept voluminOus diary, In which
every event incident, or circumstance OF the
dsy was carefully ,poted down; and this, with
bis habits of Industry, made him very doctor
ia all matters Of controversy and argument.
1t vas = kaowfedge Of his complete equipment
and bis power as an antagonist that prompted
the reply of Mr.. Clay, when asked when he
purposed TO renew the discussion with MIR.
Adams on the vexed question OF the fisheries
of the Mississippi, as connected with the treaty
Of Ghent. Finding himself getting the worse
OF the argument, MIR. Clay closed the consider,
alton Of the matter, so tar as he was concerned
with the remark that he should drop the sub,
ject, hoping to renew it at some future period
more favorable. for calm discussion, when ne
expected to show that Mr. Adams was altogeth,,
rim the wrong. Some time afterward friend
asked him when he proposed to reopen the
controversy. "Never!''. was his emphatic re-
ply. "A. man must be born fool who voiun.
,ar\y engages in controversy with Dir. Adams
in question Of fact. l doubt whether he was
ever mistaken in his lfe And then, if he
happens to be 10 doubt about anything, he has
Ills Inevitable dairy, iu which he has recorded
everything that has occurred since the adoption
of the Federal Constitution.
-. d
GARMENTS MADE WATERpRooF-A writer