Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1843-11-23
MIR. wEBsTER.s SPEECH.


ton OF it IN which he speaks of matters of
personal nature:
Having detained you so long in the cold. !
gentlemen, BY the discussion of these rubl;c
questions, have little to say to you----and il
will be very little---of personal nature
Gentlemen, am not q candidate for any Office
IN The gut oil the Government or the yilt of The
people. have been nominated To no office in
the course OF my liieat my own suggestion. or
recently with any previous knowledge am
private citizen; and that condition will new
er be changed by any movement or effort made
oy me 10 That purpose or at NV suggesiion.-i
In my opinion, nominations for high Offices
III the country should come--if they come at
all-!rom the free and spontaneous exercise
OIL that respect and confidence which the peo-
pie themselves may feel. All solicitation of
such nomnatons-all oanvassing for such
high trusts, regard as equally inconsistent
WIN personal dignity, and derogatory to the
character OF the Institutions of osr country.
cloud cheeriug)
As private man hold my opinions ON
public subjects. They are all such as in
their great features and general character,
have ever held. II is as impossible that
should nov tread back the path of my pol,i-
Cal Opinions as II Is that should retracc step
by step, the progress of my natural life till
FOUND myself again youth. cloud cheers)
On all the leading questions connected with
our constitution, on the importance of main
tanning the separation of the powers which
that constitution established, on the great
principles OF such a policy as shall promote
all the interests OF the country in harmonious
union, and perpetuatc the blessings OF civil
ana religious liberty, my opinions, the result
Oh no iitiie study aud some experience, have
become part of myself, they are identified with
all my habits of thought and reflection. and
though may change my views of particular
measures, or not deem the same measure o.
quaiiv proper at all times, yet am sure i, is
quite impossible that should ever lake such
"a view CT public interests or men, or of my
duty as would lead TO a departure from any
cardinal principles.
As private man | am ready to do all in
my power to uphold principles which have
ever deemed important and to suppor, me,-
sures Which the public interest i'm my Judy
ment requires; and as measures cannot be ac-
complished without men, | am ready TO sun
port men oil the highest character and hes,
principles who may be most likely TO take an
eihcient and successful lead in carrying for
ward such measures. And now, perhaps. |
ought TO close, had not the gentlemen who in
vled me to this meeting been pleased TO ey
press much appreciation of my conduct in re-
naming IN the Cabinet at Washington after
my colleagues had Withdrawn. | should not
nave alluded to that on this occasion, but for
,he reference made to it by the Committee.
am aware that many persons in the country
having no uniriendly feeling 10 me, yet think
ought have left the cabinet when NV col
leagues did so. find no fault with any one
Tor entertaining that opinion; but on the con-
'rary II any explanation be required, il will he
readily and cheertuly given. (Cheers) On
the Other hand those who delight only in
coarse vItuperaiion, and who satisfy their
sense OF caHtlor and justice simply by the rem
etliion of the cry-tereliclion of duty and in
fidelity to Wing principles, they are not en-
titled to respect and will not receive any an
swer from Inc, Cloud checrs.)
lie burning propensity to censure and re-
proach, by which some persons seem % be
actuated would probably be somewhat rebuk-
ell y Mey kncao By lchoSe adrice anil aclh
~ u, 0ppro6af'o" 4 resofced on staying in Tie
Cabinet. (Cheers.)
could not but be sensible, gentlemen. ,ha,
great responsibility attached TO that course
IL was moment of great excitement A
most unfortunate difference had arisen be-
tween thc President and the members Of his
Caoihet. There was much cxasperated feel
ing. The whole country was nnamed No
man of sense could imagine that without some
strong motives would have acted. But as
to those persons whose character leads them
to suppose that hopes of personal benefit fur
n!shed these motives, why they merit and
SHAH receive from me, nothing but centempr-
(Cheers)
] admit that then cherished very strong
desire to settle our difficulties with England
which had then reached an important point
al that was personal advantage, then was
actuated by personal motives. But as for any
other motive, | treat the charge of seeking
personal advantage with scorn. ] thought
saw an opportunity of ''doing the state some
service" To be sure it cXces contempt, but
hardly any thing of the responsibility OF regret
or indignation when persons capable of no efyD
Tort III any cause but that of making a noise.
persons whose only merit consists ir low and
unPrincIPlee aPartizanship-ntn indeed yet
Teeklng from their labors in support of the
most questionable measures Of General Jack
sons administration-an others still sodor-
Gus all over" with the perfumes of the Sub
lreasury--CTremendou cheering and roars
oil lasghier) say it does excite some con-
tempt, but no more respectable sentiment
when THEY swell their throas and cry out
like bantum cocks OH the raiI--that she
country must take care'-or Mr. Webster will
show his infdelity to Wing principles - RE
newed laughter and cheers.)
Il