The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-25

There are other gentlemen here prepared 70
speak, and, as | already have been making speech
to- nil ht, my voice is not good for addressing 30
large a gathering but beg you 10 bear in mind
that this Constitution, which was given 10 US by
our predecessors, is a sacred aud mighty prize
which should transmit unlmpsired 10 posteri-
ty-that which was formed by the deliberations OF
the greatest OF spirs--that has stood long enough
to its value TO humanity and TO the world, and
should that this prize is preserved; that the
Union ia destroyed, and with it the hopes OF the
nation. Let US rally to the rescue upon this ooca
sion and true way TO assure the South, as was
remarked by one OF the eloquent speakers who pre-
ceeded me. is TO let them alone and enforce the
Iaw--the Fugitive Slave Law. [Applause.l
II we stand by them, then we send TO the South
the assurance that all is satethat we are acting IN
good faith, and that the Union Will be preserved,
and be, have heretofore BEEN in the lam
guage of one of the speakers, band OF brothers.
thank you for the patient attention which you have
given TO what have said.
Mr.. Isaac HAzLEHURsT being announced by the
President, came forward and said
Ii gives me very great pleasure, fellow citizens,
TO appear before you on this occasion. knew that
the call for this meeting would be responded to by
the patriotic citizens of all parties II has been well
said by the gentleman who has Just taken his seat,
that platform ID the Union and the Constitution
of our beloved country Union cemented by the
blood OF patriots; Constitution the most liberal In
the world, and country teeming with life and en-
ergy--the admiration OF all nations. [Applause.l
Long before the adoption OF the American Con-
sttuton, did the idea of union enter into the hearts
of the American people.
As early as l7l3, they united under the
name of the United Colonies of New England The
close of the last century found them living under
the articles of Confederation; and in l7s7, IA you
have already heard, convention assembled In this
city for the purpose OF revising and amending and
altering the articles of Confederation.
Among the delegates to that convention was
union of signal ability and patriotism. After
| months, had almost said years, OF dehberation,
the present Consttution-thc result of mutual con-
| cession-was adopted The Union was the basis
of that Constitutions and it is our duty, under all
| circumstances, to enforce the guarantees Of that
Constitution.
Whenever law is passed which has for its OBJ
ject the enforcement of any guaranty OF that Con-
stitution, patriotism requires fidelity to the PROV.
sions of that law do not speak now OF sectional
feeling;l do not speak now Of that patriotism which
recognizes a township, county, or a State; but
speak of that patriotism which draws its inspiration
FROM and overooks and takes in the whole United
States. [Applausee:l
law is the duty of all, and that ia the duty Of all TO
enforce obedience to every law.
The Constitution of our country cannot be i'm
paired in part. Like the columns of this splendid
room, giving and taking strength, not one could
be removed without infringing upon the general
symmetry. [Applause,l The Union was the
foundation upon which our Constitution was
formed, and il is the preservation OF the Union thus
weak, it now bebods us powerful. The blessings
of liberty-our splendid triumphs in the mechanic
artsthe still greater blessings OF religious tolera
tion-these matters of history They are ours.
They cannot be taken away from Us. And this is
the result of the American Union. And are We TO
| disregard the principles OF the Constitution! Are
we to dishouor the laws? Are our brethren OF the
South to be treated entire strangers! tCries of
no. mol Are their rights their institutions, to be
| the subject of dissertation by foreign emissary
upon shores!
If this Constitution shall be invaded-if our
brethren of the South that there Is no spirit of
obedience To the law, then that perfect Union for
which the Constitution was ordained and estab-
lished, will be gone, and gone forever And, az
the beautiful structure of the republic fades away,
there will rise In its place separate States, sec
tiona interests, and burning jealou.ies. Then
what ID TO be the position OF our own dear Com
monwealth, the Keystone of the Archl When the
whole arch crumbles away, where shall be the
keystone? What ID TO be the destiny of Pennsyl-
vaniaS Where is she TO go, What substitute shall
there be for our own Union fiag2 Shall she
up lone star, or shall she stand like the keystone
sustaining the great Federal arch oil the Consttu-
ton! Applause.
Fellow citizens feel diffidence in addressing
you after the eloquent remarks that have been
made this evening. II this Union should ever be
rent asunder, who is to claim that tag-the flag of
the Union-that cheering record of trials and glo-
rious triumphs7-that flag which proclaims the
Union from every mast head-that flag which now
fioats in holiday triumph, and now Is raised amid
| the ON OF arms.
Let tina flag be the orator on this occasion, and
as il .marshals the way should go, never, OH
never let it be displayed with the mon doion."
GCrics Of "NeyerH' and great cheering
The resolutions then Put and carried with
but few dissenting voices.
The PHILADELPHIA Inquirer says the question
the resolutions was here formally offered by Gene
raj PATTERSON, president pro TEN, and with ap-
propriate and impressive remarks. On being put
to the vote, they were carried by acclamation, fol-
lowed with loud and prolonged cheering.
Mr.. JAMES PAoK then offered the following rcso-
luton, which was adopted:
ResolUed That the proceedings Of this meeting,
signed by the officers, be sent 10 the President of
the Senate and the Speaker Of the House of Repre-
sentatives of the United States 20 be by the laid
before the bodies which they respectively pre-
side
Letters approving Of the objects Of the meeting
were received from HrNRy CLAY, DANIEL VIE
STIR, DASrrts S. Dickinson, JAMES CooPrR. JAMES
BUcHkSAN, RoHEaT J. WALxRR, GEoReE NJ. DIAL
Las, and RICHARD RusH after which
HoRATIo HuBBrLL, Esq, offered the following
resolution which was unanimously adopted
Resoiued, That we unanimously approve the
manly efforts Of MILLARD FILLMORE in supporting
the dignity Of the Laws and the principles Of the
Constitution, worthy Of his exalted situation as
President Of these United States.
On motion Of Colonel PAer, the meeting then
adjourned.