Juniata Sentinel And Republican

Daniel Webster and Edward Everett.

The following anecdote of these two eminent men is from the "Reminiscences of Daniel Webster," by his friend Peter Harvey, recently published:

I well remember, in the year 1847, when riding with Mr. Webster to the Dedham Agricultural Fair Ground, on a pleasant September day, he said: I have been thinking over what I propose to say if called upon to make a speech. Mr. Everett was born in the county of Norfolk; and, although it is not always wise to say complimentary things to a man's face, still I may never have a better opportunity, and I shall tell the Norfolk county people to-day what I think of their distinguished son. When I was appointed Secretary of State the first time, by General Harrison, one of the very first things I did, in the way of foreign appointments, was to select Mr. Everett to represent the government at the Court of St. James. In such appointments, it has always seemed to me that we should choose men of character, who would represent the country at large, rather than be influenced by the bias of our party; for foreign nations judge of our people by the representative men whom we send out to them. Since that time I have had many letters from eminent statesmen abroad, thanking me for sending Mr. Everett; for, in choosing him to represent us in the presence of the English people, I sent them a man as well versed in their own history as any man living, with the exception of Macaulay. I am going to tell these people today just what I think of Mr. Everett, for I honor him and love him.'

In the address which he delivered upon this occasion, he carried out his intention formed in the carriage; and, greatly to the surprise of every one, and to the astonishment of Mr. Everett himself, pronounced a noble eulogy upon his friend. Though he was to come in town in the afternoon, and the carriage was at hand, he waited, saying:

"Let us stop a moment, and see what Mr. Everett says."

"Mr. Everett unconsciously flushed rose and said: It would not be becoming in me to bandy compliments with my illustrious friend. He has seen fit to compliment me upon my attainments in international law. I should not dare to say here how much personal friendship may have had to do with the picture he has drawn; but this I will say, take from that knowledge of international law what we learned at his feet, and there would be nothing left worth mentioning."