The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-10-09
SPEECH or GOV. BARBOUR.

Al the Opening Of the Richmond ConpentioH.
Fellow-citizcns--I rise TO express TO you my pro
found sensbility al the high honor which mas been
conferred upon me by this vast assemplsge ~ ny
soantrymen am assemblage the like unto which, whe-
,her We look 10 numbers intelligence, or patriotism'
h moi been seen before in this ancient Commonweaiih
N the measure Of Mr.. Van Burens gor was hiied
nv serving master, how much more must NINE DC
full Overlooking when called upon 70 sersg suen
a,splcious omens Look at yon bright sky Heaven
has youched US day which there Is no speck TO CD,
scure like The purity Of that character when we al
delight to honor The day itself stands high IN me
American character-rendered illusrious by victory
achieved by our beloved fellow citizen, William
Uenru Harrison The whole American people have
horne testimony the distinguished services which he
rendered and myself had the honor TO bring forward
the first resolution which proposed TO make perpetual
,ecord Of the achiev ement and to proclaim him the
benefactor of his country. | hope that on tins day
even the trading, sandenng politician will stand re-
ruked and orbear by sacrilegous hand to erase the
record which his common country prepared for HIM
and in lieu of which they have been endeavoripg by
means the most foul TO write nfamy on his name
But telow-citizens we assembled for Infinitely
higher purposes than these. We are here to con-
cert measures under the blessings OF providence, 70
drive the spoilers from Office TO substitute honest men
in their places and to bring the Government back to
that simplicity economy and integrity, without which
Republican Government cannot exist 10 drive
back the Executive within the sphere designed Tor MN
the CONSTITUTIONS VI tht
laws and replace the Constitution on the eminence
from which il has been cast down This is the great
purpose understand for which we have been gather
ed together The spectacle now exhibiting through
out this vast country and Of which this constitutes so
distinguished part is the most august within the con-
ception of the human mind IAN entire nation-hf-
teen millions of freemen sitting in judgment on the
misdeeds of their evil rulers they have deliberately
inquired into the charges preferred they have examn,
ed the evidence; they have impartally decided, and
the fiat has gone forth that those rulers guilty
Look at the mighty heavings OF this vast people whose
every surge is prophetic OF the doom OF those men
wis have betrayed their trust
When look upon this assemblage when turn my
eye upon the various flags which see around me- i
feel confident that Liberty herself is delighted too look
down upon the scene and that when she contemplaies
these banners dedicated to her cause and thinks on
the still stronger hearts that surround them, she feels
that any attempt at her violation would be repealed with
ten thousand swords. But, my fellow citizens, let us
not disguise the fact that, however suspicious the
omens are have adversary to contend with,
powerful and subtle and formidable account OF the
means of corruption and usurpation which he possess
cs, and the manner in which he employs them
thank God we have virtue and knowledge. Many
usrious patriots have gone forth with the gospel OF
liberty in their hands, which they have proclaimed to
the inhabitants of the hills and Valleys and to which
every where there has been response cheering to the
hearts of fTeemen But let us beware of too much
confidence which is frequently but another name for
defeat. Let every man consider himself the defender
OF the constitution and the laws let every man de-
pend on his own exertions; let him night and day
apply himself TO the great work let him consider every
sacrifice dust in the balance compared to the great
prize for which we contcndlng. With this we
shall have nothing to apprehend The result is inev-
table
Bullet me address myself to Virginians particularly
The adversary about to take means not, as may
be supposed TO affect the great question, but to if
possible this ancient and honorable commonwealth
from the general defeat Virginia, let it be said with
sorrow and with shame, casting for moment her
former glory into dark oblivion, did once suffer her
honors be trailed in the dust when she permitted
herself to become the tail to Martin Van Buren,, Ken
dali and Company. But she feels the degradation to
which she has been reduced. She has made an effort
TO cast of the aboninabc slough Of Van Burensm
and to out again in her original events, whose
moral influence was felt throughout the United States,
and Virginia was hailed returning to her first love
Let us them as with one heart, unite and advance,
til she shall regain her position the Constellation of
States, and become again the standard bearer of
Liberty. Cloud and long continued cheering)
Finally fellow citizens, pray to God that our
councils may be directed by wisdom from above, and
than excrtons may be crowned with to the
uttermost of hopes