The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1906-10-19
WEBSTER AND MONEY
THE GREAT DANIEL WAS CARELESS
IN FINANCIAL AFFAIRS.

As Troubled Himself Little About
What He owed or About what 9th
ers Owed Him-Thc Way the Famous
Orator Charmed His Creditors.
AS often as nature makes n demigod
out Of n man she tacks Oh 10 him some
badge Of infirmity, some sign or token
by which the less favored of the race
may know that he is not absolutely re-
moved from them. but IS. IN certain
ways, co-heir with them in common
humanity.
The "godlike Daniel" "expounder OF
the constitution" and father of the
sentiment Of American nationality,
whose eloQuence the applause OF lis
tening senators" did command, was
mighty careless about his financial OBJ
legations. seldom troubling himself
about what he owed or about what
others owed him.
The hate Erastus Corning and Web
ster were warm friends, and thereby is
explained the fact that once upon a
time Mr.. Corning indorsed Mr.. Web
ster's note for considerable amount.
AS things go In this world notes must
sooner or later come due, and when
this particular note reached maturity
II went TO protest. But Webster was
the great eXpounder." and the firm.
not wishing 10 embarrass him, paid IL.
Time passed, and when IL was sup
posed that Webster's financial condi-
ton was improved Mr.. Corning was
prevailed upon by the firm 10 ask Web
ster If he could make IL convenient to
liQuidate the claim.
In answer TO Corning's letter Web
ster sent a note aboundiug In apologies
for the trouble he had put his friend
20, and wound up with most cordial
invitation TO the gentleman TO visit
him, when he would probably be in a
position TO pay him, or. at least, to
give him some sort Of satisfactory Sc
curtty.
Corning accepted the invitation and
went to see the expounder.
In due time Corning returned home,
delighted and charmed with his visit
TO Marsh6eld.
TsukeI lhIilup lilo puiNheiS WIN Nh-
thusiastic accounts of the great states
mans hospitality and with descrip
tions of the various incidents OF his
visit, Corning forgot 10 say word
about the main object OF the visit
Finally, after Corning had exhaust
ed himself IN describing the good time
he had had, member Of the firm
broke I'm with the remark, "Well, l
suppose Mr.. Webster was highly
pleased TO be able TO pay the note"
Highly pleased 10 pay the note" re-
| sponded Corning. ''lIe didn't pay any
note. He not only did not pay the
| note, but he so charmed ana delighted
me that he got me to sign another note
for him for $1,000, and l am thankful
| that he did not ask me 10 make II
$4,000 for l don't think | could have
refused to grant his request"
| An old BOstonian who knew Web
ster well told me some years ago the
following story:
| A Portsmouth q. H. tailor had a
bill against Webster for several hun
dred dollars. When Webster was
elected United States senator. the tai
lor went down 10 the "IIub" to see
him about his bill, thinking that he
was then In a fair frame Of mind to
pay H.
| When the Portsmouth man got 10
Boston, Webster was holding n levee,
at which were gathered the most dis
tinguished men OF the nation.
Presenting himself at the door, the
tailor was denied admission on the
ground that Mr.. Webster was engaged
with affairs Of state and could not be
disturbed
The tailor sent up his card, which
Webster no sooner saw than he or.
dered the gentleman to be ushered
into his presence.
Receiving the man with cordial
hand shake and look Of supreme be
nightly, Mr. Webster introduced him
one by one, to the illustrious company
dined him and wined him. and In the
course OF time the guests, including
the Portsmouth man, departed.
Upon reaching home the tailor was
asked II he got the money for his bill.
Money for my bill, the mischief!
he replied "Mr. Webster treated me
like a lord, introduced me 20 more big
folks than I ever saw before In all my
life, and do you suppose l could have
the heart 10 mention that bill 10 bimT
New York American.
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