Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-10-04

our 'ctmer rrosFeriiy; and TO say that Ia my ops
n'on the p'aa proposed last year viii effect that
| result. IL a mechanic makes too--an axe, a cav,
| p'aoe-and knows that its temper 10 good and
me parts properly constructed, he kuows Il will an
.wer the purpose Tor which Il was construed aud
| | know this will
On the other oblect-to which will LAreiy al
ludc but which one Of 80 much ir,por,ance tina,
| cannot pass It by; | mean the mortiiyng state
Of the public credit Of this County. cannot help
| thinking that II the SAtesmen OF past ages were
again TO come among M, II Washington were here
| and John Adams. and Hamilton aud Madison, they
would be deeply concerned at the sad change that
| has come over our pubic credit.
am In a situation IN which am obliged to road
generality with pleasure, but not always, communi
cations rom our agents a1road. IL is distressing 10
hear them speak OF the pain they ftsl at what hey
see and hc,r said OF American credit. We have a
stock loao, the prssen, Of which is 1875 TO the
sil-ee dollar. Is there melody 10 make a ovement
m tnis mate'f Is There not man in our councils
sa'gc enough comprehensive enough, to present the
case before the American People and show them tho
inevitable consequence OF this loss OF public fah-
OF public credit may say OF our character for mo-
rals aud honestly
Some are 50 ndscreet as to talk of reppsi,,iop
Repudiate debt Docs reputation nav debt
does Il discharge the debtorl Is not The law ms, n,
permanent and inh.xiblc and enduring until the
debt Is paid or discharged! And Is q debt always
binding IN Lac aud in morale Oie people sholid
not deceive themselves. Reputation only ndls a
dis'epuiaOle acknowc5ge meni TO the disability IL
- our duty, 50 far rs Is IN our power, rouse pub
&c ieehng maininin ard assist the beneficial in~
nuenee OF law and morals, and preserve our faith
and credit. People sly that the in olligent people
oil Eutops ought to distinguish between the State
and tie General Government. Aud so they ought
and what thenl All government, is OF the PEG.
pie; and II the States repudis,e their debts and ind
no rebukc, Europe may ask how long will L, be DO.
fore the Nailona, Government will unrebu re.
pudiite her debts.
do not say wha, the Constitution authorize Con
IL
cd rs true by that body, aud the public land fund
oe really the property of tho States OF the Union,
mere Is beginning Tor come measure of regular
and Constitutional aid whereby the States may save
their credit and the credit of the People.
have detained you too long. 10 my Judgment
there remains certain important objects, fit TO en-
gage the attention Of both pubic nnd private men,
Let me remind you Of the questions with England
the prosecution OF The claims OF citizens on
foreign governmentS-tna question of reciprocal
treaiies-the colonial tTade-the most absorbing
subject OF the currency and the great subject OF the
r';t)rauon OF the national credit and character To
these oVlects am ready 10 devote my life, either in
public or private station. 60 not expect gentle
men, that much Of public service remains to be done
by me. But shall be ready, for the promotion of
these objects, to act with softer men of any party
ana OF all parties. There is danger that patriotism
IN warm party contest may be merged in marty
ieelng. believe that among sober men this con-
vc,ion IS growing setlle1-fast growing settled
the great interest of the country require far more
moderate party feelings, moro ftoedom for public
consideration; more honest ard generous union OF
wei meaning man OF all sides to uphold the insti.
lu iona and the character Of the country.
In the pursuit of these objects, in public as in
private, am willing 10 perform the part assigned
TO me and TO give To It, with hearty good will and
life.
Mr. Webster was listened to throughout with the
utmost attention, and was frequently interrupted
with bursts OF applause from the thousands present