The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-12-23

years, as the Johnson Annex to the Ar
ilngton Hotel.
1t was more prominently known as the
home of Mr.. Johnson during the time he
was Senator from Maryland when the
country was going through its darkest
days from 1868 to 1868. 1t is no longer
standing.
1t will be remembered that Reverdy
Johnson was an uncOmpromiSIng Union
man. He was the only border State Sena-
tor who voted for the abolition of slavery in
the District OF Columbia.
The characters of our public men might
be better known and the mySte les OF Gov
eminent better understood, if the walls of
many of these IN storic homes were Dhono-
graphs, and could he set talking at will,
revealing the secrets OF the conferences
held in the last 80 years
what politician, in fact, what man is
there in this Republic who would not like
TO turn the crank and listen to the argtI-
mentS used in the conference convened in
the johnson house, that decided, on Feb.
p, 1868, the votes of Mr. Fessenden and
Mr.. Grimes, with whom lay the balance of
power which acquitted President johnson
who had been impeached for high crimes
and misdemeanors? Again would be heard
pledges that were exacted and given.
They must, at least have been salts
factory To Mr. Fesscnden, for when Chief
Justice Chase, in his impressive manner,
asked, Mr.. Senator FeSsenden, how say
you. Is the respondent, Andrew Johnson
guilty as charged?" he firmly replied, Not
guilty"
Mr.. Grimes voted the same. They full
filled their pledgei II is well known that
Mr.. Fessenden, while not wholly in sym
pathy with all the accusations Of the
prosecuting party. had grave misgivings Of
the fidelity OF Mr.. Johnson to his party.
Whether President johnson was faithful
to the pledge he made and soIemnized at
the conference held in this house, con
temporary history must decide
Lovely women and eminent men from all
over the world have pcopled these rooms
The last party OF note that occupied this
house was the Presidential party OF Ben
jamin Harrison, which was here one week
before the Inauguration and occupancy OF
the White House.
The last home Of Daniel Webster in
Washington is on Louisiana avenue be
tween Fifth and Sixth streets, and is
known as the Webster Law Building. 1t
was those Of his friends who possessed the
open sesame To his fireside who know the
better part Of Daniel Webster.
1T IS not upon his public life that we shall
mostly dwell: that is already well known.
Mr.. Webster has written his own biography
We know what share he had in the mold
ing and shaping of public opinion We
OF this country That is already sterco-
typed upon the hearts Of his countrymen.
NO one who has ever seen Mr. Webster
VIII heed any aid 10 memory TO recall his
personal appearance. His commanding
inquire, large head, broad chest, penetrating
eyes, deep-set and cnkindled by glowing
thoughts, can never be forgotten He was
a king among men,
ms Ola nome was the place where his
rlcnds learned the depth of his friendship.
his kindness OF heart, his sweetness az
temper Men like Edward Everot, D,
Choate, William Writ, John MARSHALL MIR
Seaton. and scores more, learned here nf
the pathetic and the humorous side in bis
home life. " mo
No one need question that the great
statesman, orator, and diplomat had also a
sentimental side to his life
When he was a young LAWYER he me, :,
Portsmouth, Grace Fletcher. who after
wards became his wife. He was frc-
quent visitor at her house One evening
he had been assisting her in untieing
skeins of silk, when he suddenly stopned'
and looking up into her face, said:
Grace, we have been engaged in unite
ing knots: let us see if we cannot tie n
Knot which will not unite for a lifetime.
lie then took piece Of tape and partly
tied a knot OF peculiar style, and passed il
10 her 70 finish. This was the proposal and
ratification of their engagement.
After his death little box was found
among his belongings, upon which was
written with his own hand, Precious
documents" When opened there were dis
closed the early letters of his courtship
and the piece OF tape; the knot had never
been united
When we recall many incidents of his
boyhood's life, the grand contamination of
his manhood, and the close of his illustri-
Gus career. we say Daniel Webster was
born 4 genius. His mind like the rough.
rugged New Hampshire mountains thai
surrounded his birthplace, was fashioned
In giant mold.