Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-04-06


of strength which inspires fear. But our
progress is onward-we are in condl-
tion already to pay back the great debt
of civilization, OF literature, and science,
which we have received from others
And we can show them more perfect mo-
dies than ever existed before of dome stlc
arrangements; and, even in legislation,
some things worthy oithelr regard. But,
gentlemen, our systems and our prlncl-
pies, which are strictly and purely Amer
lean, however we may have been aided
by the experience Of other nations, in
theirresults are strictly American. These
results are designed to oycrrun the civil
iZed world. There are two promnen ut
features III our country-lirst, very pop
'ular government, restrained by the con
stitution; and secondly, universal educa-
ton. Popular government, and popular
education, 20 together, and are at this time
the universal cry of civilized man. Ev-
cry man demands participation in the
affairs ofgoyernment, S will not be rcius-
ed: and he demands the knowledge nee
.
basis of these principles, let Us maintain
unshakcn lirmness. DO we hope any
thing better for ourselves, or those " no
are To come after US, than the preserya-
ton ofour government in It's full powers!
DO we say that We could enjoy more
blessings by any change i'll this govern
mcnt! | should answer not. As fathers,
do we wish to leave political blessings to
our children, greater than those which
we ourselves have enjoyed as members Of
the community Is there any thing that
we can desire, but that our country which
we must soon leave TO others, may enjoy
the same blessings that have fallen to our
lot. For myself, can only say, that
desire to thank God that | live where |
live, and was born where | was born, and
feel grateful to the Givcr of all good, that
the portion ofeXistence allotted to me has
been mcted to me in this glorious cOun-
try-that | live where there has been
such development of truth, OF liberty,
and virtue, unparalleled on the eauh.-
Let me be where will, shall feel proud
to be citizen of the United States
Through good report, and evil report, ]
will have this consolation at heart, that |
am citizen of Republic yet unequal
led in the world for the freedom OF lis in
stitutions, its virtue, and its liberty, and
ITS unboundcd prospects OF future happi-
ness.
Ii does appear to me, that our course
Is onward-slraight forward. We need
not turn to the right, nor to the leit-our
path is as plainly marked as the milky
way in the heavens. If we follow it with
true patriotism, if we are true to our
country, we shall finally attain to a state
Of glory and honor never reached by any
other nation under Heaven.
Gentlemen, very gratifying part of
my duty remains yet to be periormed.-.
You have kindly signilied your tokens of
regard--you have been pleased to do that,
which of all circumstances, makes it ac-
ceptable to mysell--that it should be ex-
pressed as your written sentiment, by
such eminent persons. Gentlemen, if |
have made any attainments in the know
ledge of the constitutional laws, 1t is IN
the school OF such masters as we see a.
round Us. While yet youth, and who'll
" unknown, and without the least eXpec-
tation Of being known, beyond very
narrow circumference, | have passed
days and nights, will not say in tedious,
but in hard and laborious study, OF the
Judlcature Of this country. owe to
these learned and distinguished persons
the most sincere and devoted homage, s
it is a pleasure on this occasion, that
have this public opportunity Of repaying
them, so far as it can be done by the poor
tribute Of my most humble regard and at
lection | will spare your patience far
iher, when you shall allow me to propose
this toast
The City Of .Ntp- York-IIersclf the
nobest eulogy on the union of the states.
Mr. Webster sat down amidst three
times three cheers.