The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-12
DANIEL WEBSTER.
Scene ut the Laying of the Foundation of the
Capitol Extension.
National Republican.

National Republican.
Many people were present at the laying of the
corner stone of the extension of the Capitol
Many people were greatly shocked and disap-
pointed that day. then greatly surprised a8
delighted.
The hour for the announcement of the orator
had arrived, had long passed. and the multitude
grew impatient, and fearful. and respondent.
For some reason, which everybody guessed al
incorrectly, there would be no Grafton. What
could have happened to Websterl
May | venture to tell
Not without few words preliminary and
depTecatory. The iilustrous statesman termed
in his time the Godike." and generally wor-
SHIPPED, yet, 1t must be confessed, lived and
acted manlike. Social, true lover of wit as well
as of wisdom. he commonly fingered after the
feast at the friend surrounded board. Glitterng
glasses made their continuous circuit. Such
had been the case throughout the night just pre-
ceding the distinguished day, and consequently,
now, though frequently and vigorously minis
tered unto by wine and brandy and q variety Of
kindred spirits. the mighty brain moved
heavily in mists The intended orator
was utterly confused-speech nearly depart
ed-both will and power of locomotion abb
sent Hence the delay. But his appearance
to the task was not to be total failure.
a rustling IN the thropg mp yonder on the
grand central portico, among the decorating
banners; all eyes there are gazing along a human
lane which had suddenly opened from the build
ing back to the stand in front. The majestic
Iorul OF w ebSter, slowly, with EFFORT, advanced
between the living ones. His steps were decid-
eddy unsteady; friend supported him on either
side. He came. Thousands of eyes were upon
him. He reached the forward table; stood there,
tottered there hand pressed on his shoulder
TO steady him. Gently removing the kindly aid,
he spoke.
Doubt and pity. the universal alarm mo.
ment before prevalent, vanished--all gone when
his glorious voice rose on the still air,
What words! Fellow citizenslr Nothing
like it. Old Rome resounded at once; HALL
All hail"
Those three little tremendous tones Of thun-
der most musical thunder, startled and eectri-
fed the crowd Then and on went the grand
Grafton grander and grander till all the audience
felt that they had never before heard anything
so grand, and that all the ancient past could not
equal its power, Wine, any potent liquor of
mans composition, was overcome, was
conquered by the inspiration of the theme.
as the prosperity the nobility, the indicated
yet still unimagnahle eXaltation of our land rose
the before rapt vision of the sublime orator
Every soul hung on every word. The speech was
long; it was too short for any one who heard it
spoken.
Ere the set of that afternoons sun many and
many hearts, warmer and more patriotic than
ever; many glowing minds exploring depths and
heights of thought hitherto unattainable, entered
the portals of their dwelling places which were
new homes because affections and aspira-
lions entered with II EN-, TO be henceforth their
constant companions.