Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-08-01

WEBSTER AND Gen. HAYNE; Of S. c.
From Ex-senator Foote "reminiscences l-ln
conversation with Gen. Hayne Iventured to
refer to the great oritorical contest between him
self and Mr.. Webster, in the National Senate,
now nearly half century ago, and asked him
what he though, Of Mr.. Websters powers as a
speaker He at once answered that he sup
posed him, upon the whole, to be the most
copsumate orator of either ancient or modern
times; that his ability as reasoDer he was con-
fdent had never been exceeded; that bis magma
ton was as fertile and vi gorous as that OF Milton
or Homer; that his humor was both exquisite
and abundant: that his knowledge was unlimit
ed; that he had the most happy command OF
his temper at all times and that on certain great
occasions he had excelled all the speakers that
mad ever lived not excepting either Demosthe-
ncs or Cicero [ then asked him what he
thought of Mr.. Webster manner? He replied
that it was always grand and impressive; that
he had never heard him utter word 10 care
less or vulgar style; that lie seemed never to
forget his own dignity or to be uomindful of
the character and feelings Of others; and that
when thoroughly excited the sublime grandeur
of his thoughts and language derived great ad-
ditonal potency from his noble and soul NOV
ing eruuciation and his few but impressive GEES
lures. [ then said to him: But Gen. HayDe,
every one iu the South admired your speeches
on the occasion to which you hove been refer
ring more than they did those of Mr.. Webster
and it is said that General Jackson was 80
much delighted with the first Of your speeches
in the Senate that he had it printed on satin
for distribution among his friends at distance.
Was this 500" to which he replied: II believe
this to have been true; the people of the South
generally approved my speech because they be-
iieved that | had been defending 10 it their own
local interests and honor Gen. Jackson ad-
mired it because he thought that had success
fully indicated the Democratic cause, to the
support of which his own life had been devoted.
But you know that 10 few months thereafter,
when our notification experiment had develop
ed its gigantic proportions, and after the mem.
orable contest had occurred 10 the Senate be-
tween Mr. Calhoun and my ancient antagonist,
Mr.. Webster, General Jackson became so
great an admrer of the Senator from Massa-
chusetts, that he thought seriously of making
him Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court of the
United States upon the deceas, of the venerat-
ed Marshall. Be assured sir, be continued, Il
never for one moment have thought of com
pairing that speech OF mine, made 10 direct as
sailment of MIR. Webster and the Federal party
of old, and to the defence of which [ had
| thought proper to challenge him, to bis
great and unequaled speech 10 reply thereto;
though it is certain that for day or two it
seemed BY many that had come off victor in
the contest"
While General Hayne thus generously e1-
pressed himself could not help recurring to
the celebrated contest between Demosthenes
and ESchnes, so familiar to all, the latter of
whom, when driven into Punishment By the
superior cloquence of his great rival, is reported
to have established school of rhetoric at
Rhodes where, on one occasion, when he had
been declaimiDg in the hearing of his pupils
that very speech of Demosthenes which bad
consigned himself to exile, upon their express
ing to him their warm admiration Of it as a
specimen of oritorical power, he magnanimous
" exclaimed; IF you are pleased with this
speech when only hearing it recited by me,
how much more warmly you would have. ap-
proved it had you heard it Numbered forth by
Demosthenes himself