I also saw Mr. Webster at the inauguration of Edward Everett
as President of Harvard, April 30, 1846. It was perhaps the
proudest period of Webster's life. It was also, perhaps,
the greatest day of the life of Edward Everett. Webster had
been Everett's great over-shadower. Gov. Everett would have
been, but for him, the chief public man and the orator of
Massachusetts at that time. He had returned from the Court
of St. James crowned with new laurels, and had been called
to succeed Josiah Quincy as the head of the University. By
a simple but impressive inaugural ceremony the Governor had
just invested Mr. Everett with his office, and delivered to
him the keys and the charter. Everett was stepping forward
to deliver his inaugural address when Webster, who had come
out from Boston a little late, came in upon the stage by a
side door. President and orator and occasion were all forgotten.
The whole assembly rose to greet him. It seemed as if the
cheering and the clapping of hands and the waving of handkerchiefs
would never leave off. The tears gushed down the cheeks of
women and young men and old.
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