Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-10-16


unon and inyigorates our sphere, sinks
forever in his ocean bed, clouds, cold and
neroetual death would environ us; and if
we suffer our other sun, the constitution,
N be turned from us-if we reject or dis
regard lis beneiits-if its beams disap-
pear but once in the west, anarchy and
chaos will have come again, and we
shall grope out in darkness and despair,
the remainder of miserable existence.
81 confess said Mr.. Webster, that
when speak OF the constitution, feel
burning zeal which prompts me to pour
ont my whole heart. What is the con-
stitution II is the band which binds to-
gether twelve million brothers. What is
its history-who made it 4! Monarchs,
crowned heads, lords or emperors No
il was none of these. The constitution
OF the United States, the nearest approach
ofmortal to Supreme wisdom, was the
work of men who purchased liberty with
their blood, but who found, that without
organization, freedom was not blessing.
They framed it, and the people i'll heir in
tclligence adopted it. And what has
been its history for forty years : Has it
trodded down any mans rights Has it
circumscribcd the liberty OF the press >
Has IT stopped the mouth of any man p
Has it held us up as objects of disgrace
abroad Quite the reverse. 1t has Civ
EN- us character abroad, and when with
Washington at It's head it went forth TO
the world, this young country at once be-
Ia. ,pto
in the circle Of civilized nations. How
is the constitution ofthc United States re-
garded abroad Why, as the last hope
ofliberty among men. Wherever you
90 You find the United States held up as
an example by the advocates of freedom.
The mariner no more looks to his COM
pass or takes his departure by the sun,
than does the lover of liberty think of TAX
ING his departure without reference to
the constitution ofthc United States.
| feel that it is not for me. much less
for those who are farther advanced in life
than am, to come to the rescue of this
constitution the young men Of the coun-
try are at this moment its main hope
Youth is generous its patriotism is free
from seliishncss 4; it is full ofjust ard ar
dent impulses, and these are feelings that |
become it. Early manhood is samguinc !
men at this state of existence have
long life before them, and they naturally |
feel deep interest in the events which |
are to influence their whole future career. |
May we not then natter ourselves that .
these young men will lay it to heart to
preserve this great patr;mony If they
are careless of their personal patrimony,
we call them wasteiul; but what shall i
we call them if they throw from them
this pearl of great pricc-,he constitution
al liberty of their country it is for the Il
young men then to direct their attention
to the preservation of that patrimony, I
the like oiwhich no other young men can
boast patrimony which neither kings
nor potentates can bequeath to their oH-
spring and which the present possessors \
have received at the price oftheir fathers
blood. lfit be necessary TO success, pol
itics must be made the business Of our
lives must be our daily occupation. Is
a neighbor in error, we must instruct and Il
enlightcn him. will not attempt to con-
ceal from you that | feel a more than
common interest-more than the interest |
of a stranger-in the sentiments and 4
course of the citizens of this state. +
cannot feel alien to it. or forget that it
was amidstth beautiful scenery Of these
hills that first drew breath that by the
kindness of revered and excellent parents
| here received my cducation-here en-
tered upon the pursuits Of manhood, and H
that by the assistance of my friends in this
state was first introduced into public life. i,
cannot then, if | would, tear myself :,
from the sinccrcst wishes and regard for !,
the happiness and welfare Of the citizens
of this state. Imay not again have an /,
of addressing so large an as J.
sembly of my friends in New Hampshire,
and it is of little importance whether or
not | engage again in political affairs (; /
but permit me to assure you that, wher-
ever | 90, shall continue TO cherish a
firm attachment to the state of my nativ- Z
ity, and grateful sense of the kindness
now and heretofore bestowed upon me.
Mr.. Webster concluded by offering the
following toast, and sat down an idst 4,
loud and long continued applause -
"Our native State rich in revolutiona.
ry merit, she will yet be found occupying
her true place in support Of the Constitu- $
lion, Liberty, and Laws" Il,