Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-05-21

Z. NJ. ard about g, tue utmost harmony and
good feeling having prevailed throughout Col Ethan
Stone oficiated as President, and Majors ID. Gwyne
and w. Rufin as Vice Presidents.
fine. band of music was in attendance and the
following excellent toasts inerspersed with appro.
prute ans, were enthusiastically drunk.
I. Our Country aud its Institutions
g Our Federal Union-It WILL be preserved
3. The President of the United States
L.. The memory of Washington. [Drank stand
ing.]
5 Our Distinguished Guest-A life of forty years
IN the public service, as statesman and a soldier
entities him to the warmest gratitude of his fellow
citizens ond the kindest recollectons of his coun
try
So soon as the applause which followed this toast
ceased General HARRISON rose and said:--
Mr.. President and Fellow Citizens-
l can soy with truth, that / am ut loss for
language, adequately to convey my sense of the
ooigations winch your kindness upon this OCCASION
has imposed upon me. 1t is the most acceptable
recompence that c-uld receive for any ser vices
which have been able, either in a civil or mil
ltary capacity, to render to my ceuntrv.-It IS
rue tnat thirty-nne years have passed away since
hrst entered INTO It's service; and It is equally So
that during that time have passed. h urh mapv diff
cult scenes In the discharge oftrusts such as were
comnitteo to me- 1t is most probable that others
m'ght nave succeeded better than did but will
not admit that any could have exerted greater do
gree of zeal and fidelity.
In reference TO the discharge of the duties of the
important character. which lately filed in foreign
misconduct
been brought against me, by the Government of that
country, never doubted but that should be udged
by the whole American people, in the spirit of Justice
ana generosity But, If ! should find myself dsap-
pointed IN my estimate of my claims upon the favour
and good opinion of such of my fellow citizens os
were forn'erly unacquanted with me- still believed
that IN the estern section of the Union with large
portion OF whose population, was bound bv the stroHo
ties OF common service and common danger should
hnd mere patriotic judges of nv conduct If aoain
disappointed, L knew at least, that had still n re
source IN the kindness, the sersbitv and the friend
ieenngs OF those IN whose society have spent the
last kfteen years OF my life The scene before me
the numbers and characters of those who fill this
splendid room, the very ateing terms in which the
TOAST which has just been given is expressed and The
applause with which 1t has been received affords am
pie evidence that, III this point least have not
been mistaken. | have not the least reason to 10
heve, that the great body of the people of the n
states, are not satisfied with my conduct From
many OF the BEST and most able men of both the
political parties. have received the most atterno
marks OF appreciation; there are however few ,yho
nave expressed some doubts ofthe correctness of my
course, and one two have decidedly condemned
IT, ask your indulgence, while very briefly reply
to their objections r-'
IL is SAID tina my pamphlet contains full evidence
that | suffered my feelings to be too deeply engaged
IN the affairs of Colombia Examine the situation of
o9ionnia-confrast 1T with that of the country in
Whch was born and had spent the previous wears of
my lie and then say fit possible that should
not have my feelings most deeply interested for the
suherlDgs and degradation under which the inhab;
Tan OF the former were laborng. In my own coun-
try. each individual worshpped his Creator in the
manner dictated by his own conscience. In CoJom-
oa foreigners as well natives, were obliged to dis
pense altogether with il, to exercise it both as to
iom ana principles, upon the dictation of the Gov
eminent. In the United States, the people enioyed
liberty restrained only by laws enacted by themselves
Inc people of Colombia were called citizens but
they had no rights; and the country Republic with
OUT either laws or liberty. A despotism, riuorou,
! q fho
and the persons. Of the people. Could an American
by BIRTH and in principle, and know these things
without feeling, and deeply feeling, for the degrade
ton OF his species? 1t remains to he sbewn thu,
this feeling produced any act, which was ncompnti
PIE with the public character sustained NV know.
ledge OF the intended instruction of Gen. Cordova
ana Inc dissatisfaction of the people, with the Gov
eminent, are adduced furnishing this evidence
And why not my knowledge of the existence of The
other plot, that of the members of the Government
10 nix the yoke of despotism permanently upen tho
people, admitted as evidence that was party in
Ihat scheme also? beg you, fellow Citizens 10 OBJ
serve that the power which said to be giyen to
zen Bolivar, by the people, was acknowledged 10
De temporary only 1t was to cease and the Gov
eminent to be restored to the people, whenever the
eSgency which was supposed to have required it.
saouid nave passed away. He had himself fixed its
iint TO the first of January succeeding nv arrival
IN Colombia If it is proper, to designate as a con
Pacy the efforts OF the people, to prevent the con-
tnuance OF this power in his hands what terms shall
we apply to the conduct of the members of the Cow
eminent, upon using the temporary power which
was placed IN their hands, for specific object, to
with the aid of foreign powers IAN entire change
IN the principles and character of the Copstitut;on
without the knowledge appreciation of the people?
am much deceived. if the question is to be decided
upon the EaxIms adopted and published by the Amer
lean people, IT the former would not be considered as
Justihable act, and the latter as a eonspiracv Rpt
my conduct In relation to each, was the same took
no part with either, against either Is 1t possible
tnat any American can believe, that should have
communicated to the party in power the information
sessed of the designs and movements of patriots
w nat! an American Minister perform The part of
Pahoer and informer to such a government as
ae nescroed Become the instrument BY which men, con
g iof Their unaienable rights, would be brought to suffer
dsatm With charge Of this kind. Justly exh
against me- how could have borne the indignant frov us
counymen every where? How expect be received by
y my friends and neighbours the 6rm defenders of your own
s,s, ana the known wewshers all who are contendpr
; ' p oertes! How could expect be permitted bv
TO return in safety the bosom of nv own IA
odueu with the curse of having deprived other families of
projectors 10y sending to the scafold men, who if tired