The National tribune., 1897-12-30

was e1-OoV- Ollmer, OF virginia, then Sec
Rotary of the Navy.
Just at that instant the gun was fred
and the explosion took place. Gov. Gilmer
was instantly killed; several others also
were killed. Col. Benton, in relating this
circumstance, said: 1t seems TO me, Mr..
Webster, as if that touch on my shoulder
was the hand OF the Almighty stretched
down there, drawing me away from what
otherwise would have been instantaneous
death. | was only Frustrated on the deck
and recovered in short time. That one
circumstance has changed the whole cur
rent Of thy thoughts and life. feel that
am different man, and want in the first
place to be at peace with all those with
whom l have been so sharply at variance.
And so / have come TO you. Let us bury
the Ratchet, Mr.. Webster
q" Nothing replied I, could be more in
accordance with my own feelings We
shook hands and agreed to let the past be
past. From that time our intercourse was
pleasant and cordial. After this, there was
no person in the Senate of the United
States of whom / could ask a favor, any
reasonable and proper thing, with more
assurance of its being gratified."
There can be no doubt that the nomina-
ton of Gen. Scott at the Wing Convention
I'm Baltimore, was a bitter disappointment
o. Mr.. Webster, but his midnight speech
after the Conven ion, when his friends
called upon him, gave no sound Of his dis
Quietude.
Mr.. Boutwell, In ''The Lawyer, the Sta es-
man and the Soldier" says: HE was then
impaired seriously in health, and in spirits
he was brok n completely. His speech is
worthy OF notice as singularly graceful
effort and as the last brilliant spark of his
expiring genius:
'"I thank you, fellow-cit zens, for your
friendly and respectful call. | am very
glad to see you. Some of you have been
engaged in an arduous public duty at
Baltimore, the object Of your meeting being
the selection Of a fit person 10 be supported
for the Office Of President of the United
States. Others OF you take an interest in
the result OF the deliberations of that as
sembly Of Wings. 1t so happened that my
name among others was presented on that
occasion. Another candidate, however,
was preferred.
az have only 10 say, gentlemen, that the
Convention did, doubt not what it though
best and exercised its discretion in the
important matter committed TO it, The re-
suit has caused me no personal feeling
whatever, nor any change of conduct or
purpose.
'"What ] have been I am, in principle
and character; and what | am, / hope to
continue TO be.
Circumstances or opponents may
triumph over my fortunes. but they will
not triumph over my temper or my self-re-
spect.
Gentlemen, this is serene and beau
tiful night. Ten thousand thousand Of
the lights OF heaven illuminate the firma-
ment. They rule the night few hours
hence their glory will be extinguished.
Ye stars that glitter in the skies,
And gaily dance before my eyes,
What arc ye when the sun shall rise?
Gen lemen, there is not one among Won
who will sleep better tonight than | shall.
III i wake ] shall learn the hour from the
consultations, and | shall rise i'm the morn
ing, God willing, with the lark: and though
the lark IS Il better songster than am vet
he VIII not leave the dew and the daisies
and spring upward 10 greet the purpling
east with more iocund spirit than pos
sess. Gentlemen, again repeat my thanks
for this mark Of your respect. and com
mend you 20 the enjoyment of q quiet and
satisfactory repose. May God bless YOU
ell. 90
Mr.. Boutwell, adds: His career as a
poiucian was ended. He returned 10
massachusetts, broken in spirit, if not
altogether crushed"
IN me case Of Mr.. Webster death did
MOI uesf9y nor even qualify the physical
ma IS {" ms intellectual greatness. When
ne lay ln ms coffin under the elms AT
HidhSiieid MS form appeared as majestic
as "hen he stood upon the rostrum in
Faneul Hall iii
lis brow was massive, his ewes were
iafpe aeep-sunken and surrounded by a
Ozark circle. His face was emaciated hut
inc engraved lines OF toll and care re-
manned He seemed a giant in repose.n