The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1899-04-21

1926, and the memory Of hat day Is
fixed strongly in his mind because of
the remarkable coincidence that John
Adams and Thomas Jefferson, both of
whom had been president of the Unit
ed States, died on that day. He re-
calls with pride the fact that he has
voted for every regular Democratic
nominee for the presidency. from An
drew Jackson to Grover Cleveland. He
couldn't stand Cleveland and quit vot-
ing until Bryan vas nominated in
1896.
He says: 81 knew Webster, Clay and
Calhoun we'll and my relations with
each of them were always friendly. 1
regarded Calhoun as the superior in
intellectual power of every other public
man of his time, with the single excep-
ton of Webster. In his public ad-
dresses he made no attempt at oratori-
cal display. and yet by his intenseness
and precision and terse marshaling Of
facts he neye r failed to rivet the atten-
not always subscribe to his theories,
but it may truly be said of him that
he himself SO thoroughly believed in
them that they became his master.
You ask me about Clay. All, there
was a wonderfully able and popular
leader and a debater of almost unriv-
aled skill. No Il knew better than
he how to present a subject, and there
is perhaps no instance on record in
which he failed to carry his audience
with him. l remember we'll his return
to the senate in December, 1849, after
his defeat for the presidency by Mr..
Polk. He showed his chagrin at hav.
ing been defeated by a man compare
lively so unknown as MI. Polk, but he
controlled himself admirably and re-
tanned much of his old prestige as
leader of his party.
"Of Webster l cannot speak in terms
of praise too great. During the debate
on the compromise measures on the
slavery question ! had opportunity to
see a great deal of him and | formed
the highest opinion of his disinterested
patriotism and ability. He loved the
union, and was willing to make any
sacrifice to preserve it. To my mind,
there was more danger Of successful
secession then than there has been at
any time since. Webster's love for the
Union was so strong that he was will
ing to face the censure of friends and
the abuse Of enemies to avert any dan
ger that he believed threatened it,"
Among other senators then promin-
ent in the public eye and who has
since become a historical character,
was Jefferson Davis. In the senate he
occupied a seat adjoining Mr.. Brad
bury's, and the two became personal
friends. Probably few people remem-
Der that Mr.. Davis once paid a visit to
New England. 1t was just before the
outbreak Of the civil war, and Mr.. Da-
Wis for several days was the guest Of
Mr.. Bradbury in his home in Augusta.
Rumors of a coming conflict between
the states were rife, and while there
was no visible excitement people of.
all parties looked forward to the fu-
ture with dread. Mr.. Davis was adj
verse to making a public appearance
during his stay in Augusta, but at the
PERSONAL solicitation OF Mr.. Bradbury
and other prominent citizens he con-
sented to address. the people. M.
Bradbury recalls the fact that he
touched upon the condition. Of the
country, but In a manner that could
not offend any Of his hearers. He adj
mitted that the clouds looked threaten
ing, but expressed his fervent hone
that the danger might be avoided.
While he spoke as q southern man and
did not attempt to Disguise his real
sentiments. he nevertheless made d
favorable impression upon his audi
nee, even upon many men who were
destined to become leaders Of the Abo-
1ition party. Perhaps none of us
agreed fully with the views set forth
by Mr.. Davis" says Mr. Bradbury. .but
my recollection is that without excep-
ton our people gave him III respectful
hearing. being convinced that he was
honest, though possibly misguided.s
MT. Bradbury was graduated from;
college In 1925. There were
tnirty-eight in the class at graduation.
Iof whom he IL the only survivor
Among his Classmates; All u whom!
were his intimate friends, were Lone
fellow, Hawthorne, Jonathan ciiIey.
and John {. e. Abbott.