Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-04-04

erence to that historic speech which is
known "a Webster's reply to Iiayne, and
this publication has brought forth other
reminiscences-the story, for instance, which
Senator John NJ. Clayton used to tell of his
meeting with Webster on the morning Of
the day when that famous speech was de-
livered. Mr.. Clayton said that the little
chamber used by the senate at that day,
and which is now occupied by the supreme
court, was well filed.
Clayton saw Webster as he came into
! the chamber az cool and unconcerned
seemingly as though be had no great re-
sponsibility to meet that day, and he saw
the godlike Daniel'' fix his large and al
most unearthly eyes upon the vice presi-
dent, John Z. Calhoun, whom he expected
to thrust with mortal stab and prophecy in
the course of that speech 1t was q mo-
mentary glance. Perhaps none others than
Calhoun and Clayton saw il, but in. it
Webster revealed the only suggestion of
the great purpose which was in his heart as
he entered that chamber Then be turned
with pleasant greeting to Mr.. Clayton.
who asked him If he was well charged, and
Webster, with suggestion of humor in his
reply, answered. -Four fingers sir"
The senator who has recently written
| of Mr.. Webster, and who alluded to this
incident, explained that Webster meant
when he said -four fingers" 10 suggest such
a mighty charge of powder as is put in q
fOwling piece when big game is expected to
be brought down. But Mr.. Clayton did
not so understand the reference. At all
events. he suggested TO his friends that
Webster might have had in mind the colo
quialism Of that day by which al average
drink Of good and bracing liquor for Il
statesman was called two fingers, while a
potent and unusual ratification of that
Kind was spoken of as -four fingers
The recent conspicuous relations which
eX-Speaker Heed has maintained with ref
erence to his party and national politics
have made Of utmost interest ANYTHING
written by person of character, and whose
means of information are good, respecting
his life and career, and there is scarcely any
topic which editors OF the greater periodic
ais more gladly welcome than faithful
and yet anecdotal story of Mr.. Reed en-
brscing either his life or his endeayors.
The sums of money which have been Of
fered to men who have had q conspicuous
part in affairs for reminiscent sketches in
ticates how greatly the popular taste ia
vors such writing. Senator Ingalls, might
have received . very large sum had he
chosen to write. George W. Childs, whose
acquaintance with public men and men of
affairs was perhaps the most extensive and
certainly the most friendly which any man
Of the present generation has enjoyed. was
many times urged to furnish recollections,
and, though he did give one or two scanf pa
pers, yet he died without making such q
contribution to literature as be alone Of
ali Americans was capable of doing So the
sdyice which is given to writer's who hope
70 secure entrance to the higher magazines
b something like thisS Take "a man or
woman in whom the public Is interested,
learn something Of him or her which is not
already known. tell the story In simple and
yet graphic way. and the chances are that
your contribution will b. sccepted.~
E. j. EDwARDs.