Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-10-05
EXTRACTS

FROM THE SPEECH OF DANIEL WEBSTER, AT THE
GREAT Mass MEETING AT SARATOGA, ON THE
18TH AUGUST, 1910.
We are here, my friends, in the midst Of a
great movement of the people. That u revou-
ton in public sentiment on some important ques-
tons of public policy has begun, and is in pro-
greUs it is von to attempt to conceal, and folly 10
deny. What will be the extent of this revou-
ton, what its immediate effects upon political men
and political measures-what ultimate influence
il may have on the integrity of the Constitution,
and the permanent prosperity of the country, re-
mains TO be seen. Meantime, no one can deny
that an extraordinary excitement exists in the
country,such as has not been witnessed for half a
century-not local, not confined to any Two, or
three or ten States, but pervading the whole, from
north to south, and from east to west, with equal
force aud intensity. For an effect so general, a
cause Of equal extent must exist. No cause, 10 e.
cal or partial, can produce consequences SO gen
eral and universal. In some parts of the country
indeed, local causes may in some degree add to
the fame but no local cause, nor any nunber OF
local causes, can account for The general excited
state of the public mind.
In portions Of the country devoted 10 agricul-
ture and manufactures we heal complaints Of want
of market and low prices. Yet there are portions
of the country which are consumers, aud not pro-
ducers of food and manufacturers and ms IurcItas-
ers, they should it would seem, be satisfied with
the low prices Of which The sellers complain; but
in these portions too Of the country, there is dis
satisfaction aud discomfort. Every where there
is complaining aud desire for change.
There are those who think this excitement l.
mong the people transtory and evanescent
am not of that opinion. So far as can Judge at
tention ia public affairs among the people Of the
United States has increased, is increasing and is
not likely to he diminished, aud this not in one
part Of the country, but all over. This certainly
is the fact, if we may judge from recent inorma,
ton. The breeze OF popular excitement sblow
ing every where 1t fans the air in Alabama and
the Carolinas, aud | am of opinion when il shal
cross the Potomac, and range all along the nor
thern Aleghanies, it will grow stronger and stron
ger, until, mingIng with the gales Of the Empire
State, and the mountain blasts of New England
il will blow perfect hurricane.
There are those again WHO think these vas
popular meetings are got up by effort but | say
that no effort can get them up and no effort chi
keep them down. There must then he some zen
eral cause that animates the whole country Win
is that cause? IL is upon this point propose I,
give my opinion to day. j have no design to Of
fend any feeling, but in perfect plainness to ex
press my views TO the vast multitude assemble,
here. know there are among them many VIII
from first to last supported General Jackson.
=. hRpw there are many who, il conscience and pat
yblism had permlted, would support his success
scr, and should i'll repay the attention with whic
they may honor me by any reyiling or denuncia
ton. Again, come to play part of orator
before you. If there have been times and coca