The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-02-28

erence to that historic speech which Is
known as Webster's reply TO iayne, 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 filled.
Clayton saw Webster as he came into
the chamber as cool and unconcerned
seemingly as though he had no great re-
sponsibility to meet that day, and he saw
'the godikc Daniel" fix his large and al
most unoarthly eyes upon the vice presi-
dent, John G. Calhoun, whom he expected
to thrust with mortal stab and prophecy in
the course Of that speech. IL was mo-
mentary glance Perhaps none others than
Calhoun and Clayton saw it, but in 10
Webster revealed the only suggestion OF
the great purpose which was in his heart as
he entered that chamber. Then he turned
with pleasant greeting to Mr.. Clayton.
who ask ed him if he was well charged, and
Webster, with "a suggestion Of humor in his
reply, answered, -Four fingers, sir
Tie senator who has recently written
Of Mr. Webster, and who alluded to this
incident, explained that Webster meant
when he said -four fingers" to suggest such
a mighty charge Of powder as is put in a
fowling piece when big game is expected 10
be brought down. But Mr.. Clayton did
not 20 understand the reference. At all
events, ne suggested TO his friends that
Webster might have had in mind the colo
quialism Of that day by which an average
drink Of good and brucing liquor for "A
NrtfF Ia "A
potent and unusual fertilization OF that
kind was spoken Of as -four fingers
The recent conspicuous relations which
ex-Speaker Reed has maintained with ref
trence 70 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 a faithful
and vet anecdotal story Of Mr.. Reed en-
bracing either his life or his endeavors.
The sums OF money which have been Of
/ fered to men who have had n conspicuous
part in affaiIli FOR reminiscent sketches in
/ dieatcs how greatly the popular taste IA
/ vors such writing. Senator Ingalls, might
have received a 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 scant pa.
pers. yet he died without making such a
contribution 10 literature as he alone OF
all Americans was capable OF doing 80 the
advice which j. given TO writers VINO hope
u secure entrance To the higher magazines
is something like this; Take n man OF
woman IN whom the public h interested
learn something Of him or her which il not
already known, tell the story In simple and
| vet graphic way, and the chances Are that
your contribution will be accepted.
T.. j. EDWARDS.