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

MIR. WEBSTER's SPEECH ATFANEUIL
HALL.

KNOW not now IL IS, NT mayor ana tentlenei,
know no, how it is, but there is something either
in the echo OF these walls or in the sea Of upurned
faces which see before me, or in the genius
which hovers over this place tanning with its wings
the feelings Of every bosom into an ardent and pat
riolic glow, there is something which eSctes me
strongly, deeply, too deeply, almost, for express
ion 1t canno, be doubted that this saliralion and
greeting of my fellow citizens is a tribute which
feel in my very heart. Boston is indeed my home
my cherished home. 1t is now more than twen-
ty-ive years since that came here, to pursue in
this enlightened metropolis, those objects in pro-
tessonaI and private life, by which designed 10
suhsst and in which | was to find my happiness
II is about twenty Years since, was invited to
cohe myself with public trust, as the represent
tatiye of its citizens; and ii gives me infinite pleas
urc to see here, today, among gentlemen OLA
more advanced period in life, not few Of those
Who were originally instrumental in inducing me
to devote myself to the service of the people OIL
this town; and whenever the duties Of public life
have Withdrawn me from this, my ONE, it has
nevertheless been the attractive spot TO which al
my local affections tended, and now when the pro,
gress of time will shortly bring about period
even if il be not fastened by The course of events
when the duties of public life will yield to the
repose becoming advanced in years, cherish nc
hope apart from living in your midst, portaking Of
your fortunes, whether for good or for evil, and
leaving to those who bear my name,an inheritance
among you.
The Mayor has spoken very kindly TO you, gen
llemen of my public conduct. especially in rea-
ton to the recent negotiation with England. hope
fellow citizens, something has been done which
will be permanently useful but do no, assume
the merit. | have endeavored to do my duty and
though it caused me some hard work. | am moi
altogether unused TO hard work. have had some
anxious days and slecpless nights, but if the re-
suits of my exertions shall be beneficial, my hbors
will be amply compensated; my other days will be
happier, and my other nights oisweeer repose-
My object was, if possible, to dlspcrsc the clouds
which have been lowering over England and the
United Staes-to determine questions which,
had existed for several years, and which
though not always threatening war, yet never as
sured us feeling of permanent peace. Gentle
men, when the lamcned General Harrison was
called to the Chief NlagiSacy Of this nation, at
his inauguration in 1871, he called me to the place
now occupy, and although it is very bad taste to
speak much of ones self, yet here among friends
and neighbors (cheerS)I wish TO say word or two
on that subject. (.ippiause md cries ego on"
With General Harrison, had contracted an nc
anu IIIcHtNHp, NH'U WV N''' Hbl
members Of Congress; after that saw him AT his
own house and elsewhere. | have made and do
make, no boas, of The confidence it was his pleas.
nre to repose in me, but circumstances hardly
worth serious notice, have rendered i, not improp-
er for me TO say that, M Don as he was elected to
the Presidency, and without one word from me on
the subject, he wrote to me, inviting me TO fill II
place in his Cnhinel-leaying the choice Of
that place to myscr-und requesting my advice rs
TO whom he should ask TO assume the remaining
posts At the same time he rather expressed n
wish that should go into the Treasury Depart
ment, for he was pleased to say that he knew
had paid some attention 10 currency and finance
and could feel the wants and necessities OF the
country in those respects, which had been the
moving causes Of the revolution that had placed
him in the Presidential chair 1t so happened thai
my preference was for the place III the Cabinet
| which now fill; felt all its responsibility ant
knew all its labor, but can say,iruly and frankly
| that whatever attention TO currency and finance
may have given, felt more competent 10 under
take the management of other concerns than tn,
daily drudgcry Of the Treasury Department.
was rot nsensinlc to the nature Of the work bcior,
me, nor to the danger OF war with Great Britain
! The cause Of that immediate danger might no
have been fully understood, hut lis apparent spec
dy outbreak was close at hand. To the circum
stances will ask youi attention for moment.
In 1871 Alexander Mcleod was arrested in lhi
country. A year or two before, the british Gov
eminent had authorized Il military excursion init
the territory of the United States for the purpos
Of DESTROYING steamboat which, ii was alleged
had conveyed assistance to the insurgents in Cana
da The act was ovowcd BY the British govern
ment as public act Alexander Mcleod, VIII
I rn,,,,,i symputhv no nj inIit Iuul
happened to be an agent in the performance o
that public act. lie was afterwards arrested il
New YORK md held to trial for homicide, ON nc
count of it-according TO my apprehension Direct
adverse to the well settled and well received doc
trine Of public law. With US, If a ci,iz'n of th
United States. nj itary man. had received order
10 pursue n certain object, which orders he mus
either obey or be hanged, and had afterwards bee
arrested, tried and convicted within the dominion
of another power and condemned to an ignonlni
Gus punishment, would not all Of US cry out 70
redress or vengeance. Any elevated government
where citizen was accused BY another power, il
consequence of obeying its orders, would say il
the words of old "dium qui tecir'-l am respon
sible. A communication from the British govern
ment upon this subject reached the department
few DAYS after the organization OF the govern
mcni of General Harrison. do not think II re
quisite to speak Of all that was said on that snhJeo
hut | will say that if all which was known u
Washington had been communicated 10 The who'll
country, the shipping interest, the navigation o
the country Of New FngIand in particular, aud al
other interests connected with II, would have bee
depressed more than one half
That crisis thought might be avered. first b.
unfolding public law ard secondly by dcnandln
an apology for whatever in The conduct Of the OH
Il ..,s...