Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-04-21

0TThe following is the eloquent and i'm
pressiye conclusion of Mr.. WEBsrER's last
great speech in the Senate, on the War; the
Treaty, &c. This country will yet see cause
to mourn that the solemn voice of warning it
contains passed, amid the din of ruthless war
and the fierce passions it engenders, unhccd-
ed -
Mr.. Prcsidcn--for good many years, have
struggled in opposition To everything which thought
tended to strengthen the arm OF Executive power
] think it is growing more and more formidable every
day. And think tina, by yielding to 1t in this, in
other instances, we give 1t a strength which it will be
difficult hereafter to resist think that It is nothing
less than the fear OF Executive power which induces
MS TO acquescc in The acquisition OF tcrrltory-ear,
fear, and nothing else
In the little p1rt which have acte in public life, il
has been my purpose to preserve the People OF the
United States what The Constitution designed to MAKE
ihcmone pc 1p!e one IN interest, IN Character
and one in political feeling When We depart from tina,
we break it all up. What sympathy can there be be
tween the people OF Mexico aud California and the in
habilan,s Of the valley OF the Mississippi aud the East
ern Staics, in the choice Of President, Do they
know the man ? Do they concur IN any general
constitutional principles Not all.
Arbitrary governments may have territories. and
distant observation-disclosures. arbitrary governments
may rule them by different laws and different systems
Russia may rule the tkarine and the provinces at the
Caucasus and kamschitka, 10y different codes, ordl-
nlnccs, or ukaseS.
We can do no such thing They mus, be Of us
rari OF Is,--or else strangers.
think see that IN progress. which viii dislgurc
md deorm the Constitution. While these irrrllorcs
remain territories, they will be- trouble and an nn-
noyance. They will draw alter them vast expenses.
They will probably require many troops we
have maintained during the last twenty Yeas, de-
fend them agaius, the Indian tribes We must main
tnin army at that immense distance. When IL y
become States they will be still more likely TO give w
trouble.
think Isee course adopted which is likely 10 turn
the Constitution OF the land into def0Ined monster
into a curse rather than blessing In tact frame
OF an unequal government, NOT founded on POI ular
representation NOT founded equality ,bu on the
grossesi inequality. Aud think 1t will 60 on, that
there is danger that il will go ON, unu the Union shall
fail TO pieces.
resist tito -da y:Iul always! WhoevcIilaters oil
whoever flies, - continue in the contest
know, Sir, that all the portents are dscouraging
Would TO God could auspcate good influences. -
Would to God that those who think with me and
myself could hope tor stronger support. Would W.
could stand where we desire to stand see the sign
fixed, 1t there were time | would gladly awaken TN
country | believe the country might be awakened
but Il may be too late. But supported unsup
uorted by the blessing OF God, shall do my duty.
zee well enough all the adverse indications. But nj
sustained by deep and conscientious sense oi duil
And while supported by that feeling and Whale sue
great interests at stake, defy inquiries, and as
no omen but my countrys cause