The Bryan daily eagle. (Bryan, Tex.) 1895-1898, 1897-04-28

ehaole nm 70 get the education for
which he had passionate longing. but
on May 20. 1896. he and his father set
out Tor Exeter. where he was placed 10
school KEEP. by a Mr. Clifford. when
DANIEL was given In charge OF the
worthy Mr. Clifford Il was the FIRST
line be had ever been away from home
and his feelings can not be better de-
'cribed than by himself. The change
oVerpoacrcd me ! hardly remained
master " my own senses among nine
" boys who had seen 30 much more
and appeared TO know 30 much more
than I did
IL Is not 10 De wondered that the
change oyeTpowcrcd him, a rough. I'M
trained country boy. at 10 years Of
age.
IL Is said that Webster. upon leav-
Ing his son at Mr. Chords house. re-
marked to this gentleman tina, he mus,
teach Daaiol io hold his knife ana fork.
Tor he knows no more about IL than a
COW about holding a spade. Il seems
that the comparison was a good one.
Tor his manners al the table were 40
rude that the other students requested
The landlord 10 send him away. But
the kind-heartod man would not con-
sent TO tnis and refused even TO re-
monsiraie with Daniel. for he knew
that the boy vas sensitive and knew no
better
lie hit upon a plan. 90 the story
goes, which resulted Ia teaching the
boy how 20 use his knife and fork.
Webster was accustomed 10 hold them
In bis fists. Mr. Clifford one day held
bis In the same way and continued 20
DO 30 uriil Webster saw how ungracc-
iul % vas and corrected himself
AS TO his studies. bis success nj
Exeter vas not great. he himself SAYS
90. He seemed unable 20 reclte In a
room allied with boys and though he
studied hard and was Tar from stupid
De could never make a good recitation.
But what Is 10 be- wondered AZ most
OF all is that be could not be induced
TO speak 10 public. When the dav
came on which the class was 10 de-
claim, although be had learned his
piece. he was utterly incapable Of rising
nom hia seat when bis name wa
called. The kind and excellent Buck.
minister. says Daniel In bis autobloR.
raphy. sought especially 10 persuade
&c TO perform the exercise OF declama-
ton like other boys but could not do
H. Many a time did ] commit the
pieces TO memory In my room. yet
when the time came when the school
collected TO hear declarations when
my name was called and I saw an ewes
turned TO my seat could no, raise INV.
self from H. Sometimes the instruct.
ors irowned sometimes they smiled
Mr.. Buckmiasier always pressed and
entreated most vinningly that I would
venture but ! could never command
SUFFICIENT resolution. When the oee,.
sion was over ! vent home and wen,
bitter tears Of mobilization.
IT must be admitted that Webster
was slovenly and unildy In his an.
pearance. !, Is said that he rarely
washed his face and hands Many
stories are told concerning this no,lee.
able habit OF youth and the following
instance illustrates very clearly Web.
s,er's unkempt appearance and also a
sally Of wit;
Day after day Daniel appeared IN
class with his hands besmeared with
dirt. paying no attention whatever "a
the urgent appeals OF the teacher "a
keep them clean. Finally the Gilman
vas capped.
"one day Webster presented himself
In the classroom With his usual nm.
clean appearance. The teacher eonla
stand Il no longer and. quickly calllnr
the boy TO the desk. took up his dirt,
hand and exclaimed In an oaraeed tone
Webster. II you can show me anothe,
hand Ia this room az ti,ty as this on,
will not punish you
Webster quickly drew up his othci
hand ard said Here's one. professor
The teacher was wholly taken
aback by the brightness OF bis younl
pupil and admitted that he was beat.
en-. Webster took his seat wIthou, N,
thrashing.
Webster was assured hy the hind
/ principal that be was a better scholar
than most OF the boys and that nj,
constant application to his books
coupled with a prodlgious faculty fol
labor, was surprising lie also told
him that he should be placed In a high.
er class. where he would no longer b,
hindered by the boys who cared NOR,
for play and dress than for solid i'm.
provement
These were the FIRST encouraging
words says Webster. that ever re-
eelved with regard to my studieG
then resolved to return and pursue
them with diligence and with 40 much
ability as l possessed"
After a stay Of nine months AZ Ex.
ctor Dsniel was taken 20 noscaWen
n, H.. to be taught by the Rev. samuel
Wood. After one year here the rover
end gentleman Informed his pupil that
he was tired Of him aud would put him
In college at once, He went 20 Dart
mouth and did better work. learnlng
TO speak in public, and by the end Of
his freshman year had become quite !
power IN the college.