The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1894-04-26

few moments hesitation made, what
was considered a brilliant speech for
a boy of seventeen. " 5sssS
Webster's first speech was in 1880
when he delivered a Fourth Of July.
Grafton at Hanover. This speech was
printed at the time; but he always
spoke of it with contempt, saying he
wished it could be buried and forgot
ten. This Grafton showed that
Webster's great talent and powers had
to be drawn out by much study and
practice while, on the other hand,
Hamilton's great abilities were shown
in his earliest works.
Each of these men was considered
the greatest political leader and
lawyer of his time. In reasoning
power they were equals; but Hamilton
is said to have been the superior Of
Webster in creative genius, and has
been ranked next to Washington, in
the services which he rendered his
country, which is cas- great an honor
as can be accorded any man.
Making brief sketch of the public
work of each of these statesmen we
will begin with Hamilton. Before
leaving college, he attracted public
attention by writing tracts and
pamphlets on the leading questions Of
the day, and when the revolutionary
war broke out, he Immediately took
an active part. He raised volunteer
company and placed himself at the
head. Soon after he was made a
captain of artillery, and in 1877 was
given the position of aid-de-camp to
Washington, with the rank Of
lieutenant-colonel.
As writer, lawyer, and statesman
he showed exceptional abilities.
Among his writings, was letter
addressed to Robert Morris, on the
"Financial Affairs of the Nation"
This was but forerunner of his later
efforts on this question.
He was honored with a large
number of offices during his life. In
1850 he was make continental receiver
of taxes for New York. Soon after he
entered congress, and in 1887 was
elected to the legislature of New York.
In Washington's cabinet he was
given the position of Secretary Of the
Treasury; as he had already become
known as leader in financial affairs.
This is very small portion Of his
public work; but it would take a large
volume to contain all he performed.
In 1904 he was challenged to fight a
duel with Aaron Burr. He accepted,
and fell mortally wounded at the first
fire, thus being stopped in the midst
of his greatest work. a
Webster had no chance to win a
military reputation, but he achieved
great fame as lawyer and statesman.
Like Hamilton, he was honored with
appointments to deterrent Offices. In
1913 he was elected to congress.
During this time, he performed much
effective work that he was reelected
the next term. In 1914 he was
admitted to the bar of the Supreme
Court of the =. S. He reached the.
highest professional eminence that
could be attained, being a greater
lawyer than Hamilton. n
Among his famous speeches are,
the one made on the anniversary Of
the landing of the Pilgrims in 1922,
one on the laying OF the corner stone
of the Bunker Hill monument, one on
it's completion, The Holy Alliance,
Greek, Revolution, and two days
speech with! Mr.. Hayne, of S. c., on
the right of Qualification" NJ
He occupied the post Of secretary
of state for Harrison, and also for
Fillmore. During this period he
devoted himself to compromises on the
slavery question. He had been very
popular before this time, but his
attitude toward the fugitive slave law
cost him much Of his popularity
among the Abolitionists. While
secretary for Fillmore he became so
i'll that he returned to Marshfield and
died soon after at his home in 1852. AZ
The public works of both these men
seem almost equal; but the preference
might be given to Hamilton. They
we're both popular with their parties,
and soon their enemies had to confess
their superiority. I
SUE H. GIBSON, Ninth Grade.