National Republican., 1877-02-26
onR historic cnRnEns.
The webster uouso-Tho Decatur Man

The Webster House-The Decatur Mansion.
The idcal which the ''Fsther of his Country"
entertained of the Possibilities Of the capital
promise TO be realized, already foreigners admit
the charm OF our city.
Monster Blnsson, President OF the French Ed
ucstionai Dele cation to the Exposition, declared
during his visit here, that the plan OF Washing
ton is more beautiful than that OF Paris, and that
our architects are beginning to show the skill In
managing effects, which has made the French
Capital the pride Of the present time,
While foreigners come hither on critical
thoughts intent, tho city Is the Mecca Of the
American traveller. his blood tingies with pa
triotlc srder as he walks her streets, and his
spirit thrills with Just admiration as he marks
her goodly proportions and fair adornments.
Here each State has some honored shrine, before
which It's citizens render their special homage
Naturally the Massachusetts, man seeks the
haunts sacred 10 the memory OF Webster. One
ofth most interesting Of these Is fast passing
from recognition through the changes that have
been wrought In Its appearance, and the later
associations which orer.lle tho record OF his oc.
cupatlon, like the surface writing OF palimpsest
rcfcr TO the Coroorsn house, on the northeast
corner OF II and Slxteen.an i.half streets. In
ts present form, the building Is one Of the archi
tectural successes OF the city. The position Is
cttc-and commanding gfimpses Of the white
iai adaptation to 70 es,raios % dissni sects. The
front perhaps is as imposing as red brick can be
made, while the rich.stained windows aud silded.
suggestive picture A rude cut Of the original
house, found among the effects OF an enthusi.
the present mansion, yet the old home is there
simply Incorporated With the new.
II was built by Mr.. Thomas swan. Of Maryland,
In 1918; tMo-story brick, with od.fashioned at
tic windows, and roof slopinE down to the second
story. Before the Massachusetts, deies CATION pre-.
ed BY Baron KTudner cr ne RUSSIAN sSd GfSq NJ
Packcnham, Of the British legation, so that by
Its associations 1t forms link between the old
Never, however, was !, the centre Of such thrill.
Ing intercstas during Mr.. wcbster's occupancy,
@ sc years W.ber spoSsS Mt
Ashburton, brief intervals Of social delight,
while !he rsIed question Of the boundary, and
slave trade, and the extraditlon Of criminals
pressed to solution. Here, too, he meditated the
Cushing IN isib, and Is perhaps destined to prove
the hrst step In what our friends OF the Pacific
coast call .the Chinese occupation Of America."
within these walls, when the humoroui fancy and
social cxuberance Of tho host proved as irrcsista.
pie as did hh eloquence In legislation or his logic
The Decatur mansion, diagonallv across from
the Sorcorsn house, a substantial, spacious
%h he SUrs
architecture ofrecent date, an impressive air Of
respectable antiquity. Thither Commodore De.
on the Bladensbury ground, and, as his life. blood
ebbed away, crowds of citizens gathered In the
adjacent streets, awaitink.in solemn excitement
the tragic end. ... .. b..
From this historic corner, the inaugural visitor
whose presence will soon enllyen our spirits, will
naturally proceed along Sixteenth street TO the
White House. AS he enters, with tho thought Of
webster still in his mind, he may perhsps recall
the brilliant triumph Of the grand orator In his
nnnl reply to Hayne, January 20, 1880. In the
evening OF the same day General Jackson hold
alevee, Il was understood that Webster would
tend, and the crowd that had hung upon his
words during tho day surged into the White
House as soon as the doors were thrown open.
Passing hurredly over tho courtesles to the
President, who was usually the admired cynosure
OF all eyes, they hastened 10 the east room to
congratulate Mr. Webster. Mr.. Hsyno entered
with the rest and approaching his opponent to
tender hts compliments was anticipated by Mr..
Webster, who inquired cordially, "How are you
this evening, MIR. Hayne." "None the better for
you, sir was tho hearty response amid the
amused laughter Of the adnirins witnesses.
MANIA MOVES