Daniel Webster

Centenary of the Great Statesman's Birthday.

One hundred years ago today, in humble farm-house in the little village of Salisbury, in the State of New Hampshire, Daniel Webster was born— a period midway between the last battle of the Revolution and the recognition Of the independence of the United Colonies by King George.

In his twentieth year he graduated at Dartmouth College and entered at once upon a career in which he shone resplendent as lawyer, legislator, statesman, expounder of the Constitution and defender of the Union. He first represented in Congress the Portsmouth district of his native State, and next the city of Boston in the same body. He was afterwards for many terms a Senator from Massachusetts, and at the close of his life, Secretary of State. If he had been chosen President his fame could not been increased a cubit's Measure— but that office then as later, was reserved for inoffensive mediocrity. He died at Marshfield on the 24th day of October, 1852. Thirty years have passed, and yet to our discredit, if not to our shame, it must be said that no memorial of his name or fame exists in the Capital of the Republic he honored by his citizenship.

An effort will be inaugurated at Willard Hall this evening— the time most fit and appropriate as the centennial anniversary of his birth, and the place one that he has often made Majestic by his presence— which we do not doubt will result in erecting in this, the capital city, a colossal Memorial statue. The meeting will be presided over by Mr. Blaine, and a cordial invitation is extended to all who take an interest in so worthy an undertaking to contribute to it by their presence.

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Daniel Webster, The Washington Post, Jan 18, 1882.