The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-10-14

|
settlement of national difficulties through reasonable
negotiation is now a tribute to, and profit of the
benign influence of christian faith.
| OF the terms of this new treaty with Grea, Brit
ain, it is somewhat awkward for me to speak be-
cause it has not yet been automatically published;
| am persuaded, however, that when the whole
circumstances and provisions carefully consd-
cred. it will be found at least that there has been
manifested good disposition, no, only 10 main
tain the just rights and uphold the honor of one
side and the orher but disposition to secure
peace and to bring all questions 10 happy and
speedy conclusion. But while ! greatly receive
the testimonial of our appreciation, must not neg
ect the agreeable duty towards Others de, oyiug
upon me. And, first, must bear witness to he
intelligent and active attention Of the Presdcn, of
the United States, TO his sincere ard anxious de-
sire that the whole negotiation should be brought
to an amcable conclusion. And ] would acknOwl-
edge now and here--as have at all times and
even where acknowledged obligations owe
him for the nnbroken and steady confidence he
has reposed in me iiom The beginning. | need not
say how infinitely improbable and hopeless j,
would be that negociuor, disparaged, disus,cd,
treated with jealousy, by his own Government,
should succeed in matter of this importance ;how
unequal match would such I'M one be, for the
cool, dispassionaie, sagacous representative Of one
Europe, possessing in the fullest extent the conf
dence Of his Government in making a treaty. and
fully authorized to bind it. never can forget the
l lrankness and generosity with which, after an in =
terchangc--a free and liberia interchange of opin-
ion he finally said TO me that the business was in
my hands, that upon my shoulders rested the re-
sponsbilitv, and on my decision depended the uii-
n ate conclusion of the negotiation. (Chcers)
desire also to acknowledge the cordial COOP
Grafton and aid of the gentlemen connected with
all other Departments Of the Government; and
would likewise say-what have already caused
to be said in a more official manner-ihut the
highest respect is due to the Commissioners Of
Maine and Massachusetts, for their cooperation
in securing the treaty. for their faithful adherence
not only to interest Of their own States but to tho
rights of the United States, (opplou,c) hope
shall not trcspass upon the propriey of the occns-
ion if speak of the happy selection made by Great
britain in the person Of Lord Ashberon, n thorough
| Englishmnn- doubtless well understanding and
always pursuing the object Of his own Govern
mcn, yet OF enlarged and liberal views, fully ac-
quanled with the relations of the two countries,
and always heretofore acting lavorably toward,
the Government of tho United States-he came
on, under the strong probability that whatever he
agreed to would meet the appreciation of his coun-
try And sure we are that we shall find bis
work approved at home, and he being the insru-
mcnt of an arrangement which will satisfy all par
ties conduce to the honor and interest of all
will consider thu, he has achieved the greatest Ia
bor Of all his lie.
! t.AHlavse.)
Aside from the boundary question there are 9th
crs OF moment; the correspondence will show that
there are important interests not concluded by this
| negotiation, and when it shall be laid before the
PEOPLE and read by them, | shall lock to their
Judgment with faith and rust-to thu, Judgment
by which we must stand or fall
There yet remain several subjects unsettled be-
tween England and the United States. And first
the Colonial trade with the West Indies, and
the Eastern provinces. 1t has been in my duty to
look into this question; to keep the run of it from
1929 TIL now. And am constrained to believe
Il have the misfortune TO know-ihal the opera
ton OF the present laws is highly unf,voable 10
the shipping interest, the navigation of the whole
country, and particularly of New England. This
is an important subject either for diplomacy or the
action Of Congress-and one branch. the House of
Representatives, has already reported upon tho
operation of the existing laws-a subject which
hold 10 be vital! importan, 20 tae prosperity of
the country.
Another question somewhat more recent than
this is the adjustment Of the boundary line of the
territory Of the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific
ocepn& there are powerful reasons Wy this sho, Id
be settled before the country is peopled. And Up
on several other States many American citizens
have claims for injuries encountered at their hands
and it becomes the Government of the L. States
by a calm, dsni'ied, vigorous, md decisive tone
of conduct, 10 ensure prompt justice 10 them in
these respects (cheers.)
; Gentlemen, | am here to-day as guest Twas
invited by number Of highly valued personal and
political friends 10 pnrlake ola public dinner for
the purpose Of giving them an opportunity to pass
: the usual greeting between friends utter a some
what extended absence, and TO exchange with me
congratulations upon the result of the treaty ncgo-
iaiiOns. II was at my instance, gentlemen, that
the assembly took the form 1t did aud instead of
seeing them at the festive board now meet them
and you in this place. Still. the character of the
OCCASION is the same; am still here as guest, 10
receive your greeting upon particular subjects. |
am not here with any invitation 10 address YOU o.
expectation that ! should address YOU upon topics
not suggested by previous observations II would
not be betting the occasion. in my opinion, wcre
; to use the occasion for any such purpose; be-
cause though desire, and at no disian, day hope,
to have an opportunity oima,ins known my sen-
mcns upon general political matters, aud the state
of the country and Of parties in the country. |
know very well that should be uespassing upon
the bonds or poneness were 10 do so now. For
. some gentlemen who have invited me here enter
tain opinions different from mine, and they would
very properly say, eve met Mr. Webster TO ex-
: change congratulations with him upon matters ON
, which we all agree" On that account | have
good reasons 10 Iorbear from stating how FAR am
enabled to agree with friends of many years stand
ns, and now far am reluctantly constrained 10
differ from their views, and for leavng 10 some i,
ter occasion the iuliilmcn, Of my intention in this
respect.
There is one thing, however, on which will
. speak. The Mayor has been kind enough to say
that in his Judgment, having performed my duties
10 The satisfaction Of the country, 1t might be left
! to me to take o. my own honor aud icpua-
ton. (Cheers) suppose he meant 10 say, that in
The presen, distraction Of the Wing party, aud the
conraieiy Of opinicn-if such conrariety there be