Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1844-09-13
POLITICAL.
MIR. wEBsT5R,s SPEECH,
DELIVERED AT ALBANY, August q, 1914.

the lives of individuals epochs arise in which it is
wise to pause, to review the past, to consider at
tentively the present and to contemplate probable
futurlty. we are, fellow citizens, upon the of
general election full of importance and of inter-
est-involviug questions which rise far above all
considerations of the personal qualities of the can
didates for oflicequesons Of the greatest and the
nearest bearing upon present and existing interests
and likely to affect the prosperity of the country in
all time to come.
| In my judgment, therefore, it is highly proper
in such state of things and on such an occasion,
that we should bring the past into our immediate
presence, and consider and examine it, that we
should ponder assduously on existing interests and
existing duties, and that we should exercise what
ever Of forecast and sagacity we possess in endea-
voring to discern what is, or what may be, yet be-
! fore us.
! On the third of March next, ffty-six wears will
have expired since we began our National charac.
ter and existence, under the present constitution of
the United States. In the lapse of that period we
have gone through fourteen Presidential elections,
and have elected eight and twenty successive Con-
crosses Of the United States OF these fourteen
Presidential elections, twelve have been effected
by the popular vote, according to the provisions of
the Constitution; and two have taken piece, in
pursuance of other constitutional provisions by the
House OF Representatives in Congress, and in de-
fault Of an election by the primary mode of the
country. All these successive elections have been
legal and regular. Every successive incumbent of
the Presidential office has been acknowledged in
succession to be rightfully in possession of that
office Al these elections have been conducted
without violence or disorder, without the nerfer-
ence of an armed force, and by the regular peace
able, constitutional exerion of the public will.
In my estimation, gentlemen, this is fact of the
highest Importance to us, and Of great interest and
Importance to the whole world of mankind be-
cause it proues, that acknowledgements over
Of
associations and pursuits, is yet practicable that it
has possible perinanence; that it may be contin-
ued and exercise its functions. For such Gov.
ernment has existed, has continued itself, has ex-
ercised its functions, as have said for more than
half century; and that half century, be it always
remembered has been period in history for in it
fierce wars have afflicted the nations of Europennd
revolutions without parallel, for CONFUSION and vi
olence, have shaken the dynasties of the elder
world.
1t is true, therefore that on great area there has
existed, during this period, republican and popu-
lar form Of Government. Its officers have been
renewed during this PERIOD by the choice of the
people, in which the succession of power has been
as peaceable and regular as in any of the estab-
i shed nonarches or dynasties of the ancient
l world.
In the second place our history proves that not
only is such republican government capable of
continuance and as we hope Of perpetuity, but it
powers necessary to Government, and of perform
ing all the duties requisite to the protection and de-
lence OF the country, and to the advancement of
the prosperity Of the people.
And in the third place, our history shows, that
this Government and this Constitution, though
spread over a vast portion of the earhs surface is
7 administered by wise and good men, and supported
. by virtuous community; is in its tendency sal
utary Government; that its general property is to
act for the good Of the people; and that therefore
as parental and guardian in its character as exer-
cisng its functions for the general veal it attach
# es to Itself sentiment OF general support and APP
probation.
And finally our history proves, that such a gov
eminent may exist with ali the necessary powers
: Of government with all the tendencies of saluta-
$ ry administration; and exist, at the same timewith
the perfect safety of popular liberty and of private
rights: in this respect, looking back over
the half century which has passed, we may some
what proudly challenge the world, including the
:. most advanced and enlightened nations of Europe
to show, that anywhere on the face of the earth
there exists a government which provides greater
security for private right for life and property
and greater security for popular public liberty than
), has been maintained in these United States.
Now, as have said, 1t appears to me that, in re
,r viewing the past we may congratulate ourselves
that we have set this great example,-not only to
J. our posterlty, but to the whole civilized world, -
an example which the world has desired to see
which all the lovers of civil liberty and all who are
Or friendly to popular government, have anxiously
sought to behold.
You know fellow citizens, that it has been cur
rent opinion with those who speculate upon govern
I'd ment that Republican forms of government arc
adapted only to the affairs of small countries
distinguished English philosopher, writing some
sixty or seventy years ago, said, that this having
been the opinion of political writer's the truth o
that opinion was about to be brought to test o.
hat
D. made in America. If that distinguished write
Nj had lived to this day, if he had reviewed with III
the occurrences and incidents of the last fifty year
- if he could be here to day, and see with wha
order and quiet and intelligence great public ques
tons discussed by the great body of the people
he would have said, and he would have rejoiced t.
be able to say, that the great experiment had sue
cceded in America.
Now, gentlemen, there are two propositions
IT, which it is my purpose to submit to you, and il
III support of which shall offer such remarks as
to may be able TO make, and you may be able to hear
- in this vast concourse of men.
The first is, that if this government under whicl
sh we shall have lived fifty six years OH the third da
of March next has fully and fairly to the satsfac
ton of all men, and to the admiration Of all tn,
world fulfilled the objects designed by it, then it
our interest, IT we value our happiness the hap
piness Of those who are to come after us, to sup
- port that constitution and government.
ANA, IN lhe second puce, say, that II the sue
i, cess of this constitution, for the period have mer
100 toned be fairly reierabe TO the adoption and prac
e tce Of any great system of measures, which W
10 can comprehend, which we can understand,
md which we havehad experience; then, say, if W
DOL love the constitution, and if mean to defend an
ss transmit 10 children our plain duty is, as ia
as in us lies, to pursue the same system Of publ
mo measures, and to adhere to all, and each, and ever
on one of those great principles.
Ii;l hen Is ntemen has the Cor
md sttuton of the United States fulfilled the o6lec
for which it was established?
W. To the Ineligible understanding of this que
ia ton, and the rendering satisfactory answer, "
ms must first look back TO the period of its adoption
her -. a.a,.,o;, ,vL.t ,,oro ia ,oh;oo,, a., a.. -
end,--for what significant and especial purpos
did our fathers adopt the Constitution Of the Ger
- era Government?
Now, gentlemen, however common place 1t ma
be- it is vastly important that we should remark a