The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1842-10-11
SPEECH OF MIR. WEBSTER,

know not how it is but there Is something in
the echo OF these walls, or IN tho sight Of faces
which | see before me, in the genius that al
ways hovers the place, and in the ardent and
happy feelings which it awakens, that exces me
before begin to address you.
IL cannot be doubted for Moment that this
greeting is indeed tribute to my heart and roca $
the warmest feelings that are there cherished. -
Boston is indeed my home, my cherished home.
1t is now more than twenty five years since came
with my family among you, to the professional oh.
jects and oallings OF my mind.
II is twenty years since | WAS invited by the cit
liens OF Boston to cIothe myself with the sacred
and responsible duties Of the public trusts and
look around behold many who am deli GIFTED to
say my warmest associates, and were instrn
mental in aiding in the discharge of my public
duties.
Whenever the duties Of my public life have
drawn from my home, have always felt it to
be the attractive spot towards which my affections
cenered and cherished no hope stronger than that
after accomplishing the objects entrusted to me, I
should again have the pleasure of visiting the old
scenes of Boston.
The Mayor has been kind speak of the differ
ent important works in which have been enzag
ed, and especially that which relates to the recsn,
negotiation. | hope something has been done per
manently for the Republic. 1t has been a grave, a
most important question-one which has elected
much debate, and caused variety Of opinion.
have had, 1t is true, hard SUNNI er's work-have
had many anxious days and sleepless nights, but if
the results of my labors approved by you'll am
sufficiently, abuntently compen stated.
Jt is object Of vital importance to disperse the
dark clouds that have so long existed between En-
gland ard America, for years past, and AZ the in.
auguraton of General Harrison as President, in
1S4l, was called TO the station now occupy and
although know it is bad taste to speak Of myself,
and matters of private nature, cannot refrain to
say at this time, word upon snbject in which
am concerned.
With Mr. Harrison contracted acquaintance
and friendship. was often with him in public
and private. l have made no boast OF the conf
Gence he reposed in me, but will state, that
ms he became President, he wrote to mo-
and wished me to take place in his Cabnol eav
ing to me the choice Of that place; and he also
asked my advice in the selection of other individ
uas. 1t lis wish that should take the De-
tpartment OF the Treasury and he pleased to
say that my experience in that branch Of the Cow
eminent better qualified ma for that station than
any other. lie deeply impressed with the i'm
por,ance of prompt and decisive action in relation
to The currency, believing, as he did, that it was
the Of the recent unhappy and disastrous rev
-olutions.
My preference, however, was for the place which
1 now occupy, and can say huIy and frankly,
that was not disappointed in the exigencies that
existed, from the taken in relation to it
MIR. Webster then Immediately proceeded to
speak of the threatening relations he found existing
with Great Britain land Of the steps taken to recon
cile these difficulties
Gentlemen, am here to day a guest. was
here invited by a number of highly respectable per
sona and political friends, to partake with them a
public dinner for the purpose of afording oppor
tunty to pass the usual greetings and SITUATIONS ot
friendship &toy pa respects TO my public services ,S
to render their congratulations upon the late nego
citation.
1t my request that the public dinner should
be dispensed with, and tina! il should partake of
the character ii does But the character Of
lfhe meeting is not changed-i am still our guest.
1T would. therefore, not be fitting this occasion to
speak of SUBJ ects suggested by them; and although
at some time II may be necessary to mako my pc
litical sentiments known am aware that an
occas sion like tits it would not be proper called
for. My friends came here TO meet Mr.. Webster,
and cannot expect him to speak of topics about
which they entertain different opinions.
Will say one thing, because it mas been alluded |
to- The Mayor in speak, ing of the services l had
rendered nv country, said that it lief: TO
take care OF my own honor. | suppose that he |
meant to say that in the present state of the Wing
party, IT was necessary for every man TO look out
foI his own honor. l am exactly Of his opinion -
Although no gentleman values more the advice of
friends, than do, mean 10 choose my fIiends.-
shall leave you as enlightened in relation to my
position as you were before. make no ledges-no
vows TO support this that, but shall feel as free
to act hereafter, whera my duty cas me as was
when this day awned. There is q delicacy in 4
the case, in he position IN which now stand, as
guest, and tina, delicscy is mingled with regret
when feels obliged to differ from friends, but
there is embarrassment in expressing IL. throw
all embarrassment to the winds-for a public man
has right to be embarrassed; he is called upon |,
to discharge faithfully his daty without fear fla.
,Vor. /
There were many persons in Sept. la4l, who
found great fault with for retaining my position