The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1906-10-27
WEBSTER AND MONEY.

As often as nature makes demi-
god out of a man she tacks on to him
some badge of infrtnity, some sign
or token by which the less favored of
the race may know that he is not alb
solutely removed from them, but is,
in certain ways, co-heir with them in
common humanity.
The "godlike Daniel" "expound-
er of the constitution" and father of
the sentiment of American nationali-
ty, whose eloquence the applause of
listening senator's" did command, was
mighty careless about his financial
obligations, seldom troubling himself
about what he owed or about what
others owed him.
The late Erastus Corning and Web
ster were warm friends, and thereby
is explained the fact that once upon
a time Mr.. Corning indorsed Mr..
Webster'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 it went to protest. But
Webster was the great expounder, .
and the firm, not wishing to embar-
rass him, paid it.
Time passed, and when it was sup
posed that Webster's financial condi-
ton was improved Mr.. Corning was
prevailed upon by the firm to ask
Webster if he could make it convent
ent to liquidate the claim.
In answer to Corning's letter Web
ster sent note abounding in apollo
gies for the trouble he had put his
friend to, 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 salts
factory security.
Corning accepted the invitation
and went to see the expounder.
1t due time Corning returned home,
delighted and charmed with his visit
to Marshfeld.
Entertaining his partners with en-
thusiastic accounts of the great states
mans hospitality and with descrip-
tions of the various incidents of his
visit, Corning forgot to say word
about the main object of the visit.
Finally, after Corning had exhaust
ed himself in describing the good
time he had had, a member of the
firm broke in with the remark,
"Well, I suppose Mr.. Webster was
highly pleased to be able to pay the
note"
Highly pleased to pay the note !"
responded Corning. "He didn't pay
any note. He not only did not pay
the note, but he SO charmed and de-
lighted me that he got me to sign
another note for him for $5, 900, and
I am thankful that he did not ask
me to make it $1,000 for I don't
think I could have refused to grant
his request.
An old Bostonian who knew Web
ster we'll told me some years ago the
following story:
A Portsmouth On. H.) tailor had
a bill against Webster for several
hundred dollars. When Webster
was elected United States senator,
the tailor went down to the "Hub"
to see him about his bill, thinking
that he was then in a fair frame of
mind to pay it.
When the Portsmouth man got to
Boston, Webster was holding a
levee, at which were gathered the
most distinguished men of the ma
ton.
Presenting himself at the door, the
tailor was denied admission on the
ground that Mr.. Webster was engag-
ed 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 tishered to
into his presence.
Receiving the man with cordial
hand shake and a look of supreme
benignity, Mr.. Webster introduced
him, one by one, to the illustrious
company, dined him and wined him,
and in the course of time the quests,
including the Portsmouth man, de-
parted.
Upon reaching home the tailor was
asked if he got the money for his
bill.
Money for my bill, the mischiefl"
he replied. "Mr. Webster treated
me like lord, introduced me to more
big folks than I ever saw before in
all my life, and do you suppose I
could have the heart to mention that
bill to him ?''-Mew York .Amezzcan.