Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1896 — Webster’s Ready Mind, [ARTICLE]

Webster’s Ready Mind,

Once, when Daniel Webster was addressing a political meeting in Faneuil Hall, the standing multitude w’ithin the hall, pressed by those who were endeavoring to enter from without, began to sway to and fro, a solid mass of human bodies, as helpless to counteract the movement as if Faneuil Hall were being rocked by an earthquake. The orator was in the midst of a stirring appeal, urging the necessity of individual exertion and unflinching patriotism to avert the dangers that threatened the political party whose principles he espoused, when lie perceived the terrible swaying of the packed assembly an,d the imminent danger that might ensue. Webster stopped short in the middle of a sentence, advanced to the edge of the platform, extended his arm in an authoritative attitude, and, in a stentorian voice of command, crle^out: “Let each man stand firm!” The effect was instantaneous. Each man stood firm; the great heaving mass of humanity regained its equilibrium, and, save the long breath of relief that filled the air, perfect stillness ensued. “That,” exclaimed the great orator, “is what we call self-government!” Try to count your mercies, and your troubles w’ill soon be forgotten.