Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-05-04
Mr.. wEBsTEEs RECEPTION AT:BosToN.


The brief Speech Of Mr.. WEBSTER at Boston,
IN reply to the remarks of welcome made by Mr..
BENZ X. CURTIS ip behalf of large number of its
assembled citizens, is reported SO much better in
the Boston papers than the Telegraph account which
we published two days ago, to leave no room for
doubt that the republication of this more full and ac-
curae version will be acceptable to all our readers.
we therefore copy it as it appears in the Boston
Daily Advertiser. II is not at all probable, how
ever, IN view of what is said in the Boston papers
OF the difficulty of reporting this Speech under the
peculiar circumstances of its delivery, that this
sion OF it is entirely free from imperfection.
The " Atlas" states that for an hour or more
prior TO the time Mr.. WEBSTER was expected, the
space IN front of the Revere Hotel began TO be
hlled, and at twenty minutes past five the gathering
was very numerous. The windows Of the Revere
House were occupied with ladies', and every avail
able situation, from which sight of the proceed
ings could be had, was taken possession of; even
the trees IN front Of the church close by had 10 bear
their burden of spectators. As the carriage con-
| tang Mr.. Webster and his friends drove up in
front OF the hotel, the crowd cheered repeatedly
and band OF music stationed on the balcony struck
up welcome air.
BENJAMIN r. CURTIS, Esq, Immediately on the
carriage coming to a halt, assembled temporary
rostrum, and, in an address of much eloquence of
QT.
Massachusetts. The speaker enumerated many Of
the more prominent services rendered by the
honorable Senator to his State and the country at
large which had justly earned the gratitude of his
constituents and that of the whole nation; and
wound up by an expression of the fullest reliance
upon the wisdom which had heretofore guided, and
would in future direct, the public conduct of Mr..
Webster. The remarks of Mr.. Curtis were re-
ceyed with the cheers Of the people.
Upon the close of this address, Mr.. WEBSTER
arose IN the carriage, and was received with loud
cheering. After the noise had in some measure
subsidized, he proceeded to say that it was with great
pleasure that he met so large an assemblage Of his
friends at time when his private affairs had called
him from the seat Of government to his own home.
As you have said, sir (ad the duties of the winter
in the public councils of the country have been aduou
am sorry say that those arduous duties done WITH
am sorry to say that the public affairs Of the country have
not yet made much progress towards satisfactory adjust
ment all the anxiety which has been felt about
the adjustment of the jec under discussion. But feel
authorized TO say that there is hope-eason
e1pec-ha further reflection, that generous comparison of
various wishes where disagree will bring about that i'm
proved state of public feeling, the reproduction of which
all expectations ouseh discharge Of public Duty all
expectations Of useful legislation, mus, depend.
cannot but feel sir that stand in the presence Of my
of pour welcome You do not welcome the politician,
and this is opportunity for discussing those questions
which agitate the community and the Government
questions which can leave little repose in the mind of any
egent man, till he probability that from their
discussion adjustment may in favor Of the pros
pey, peace happiness and continued union of the country
i (Cheers.)
GentIemen have felt it my duty, late occasion, to
make effort to bring about ameioration of that exct
ed feeling this subject which pevades the people of the
country every where-North and South to make effort
also restore the Government to its proper capacity for dis
charging the proper business of the country Cheers
For now let say it unable 10 discharge that business
That may regain that capacity there is necessity fol
effort both in Congress and of Congress. Neither you
shall the legislation Of the country proceed in the old
harmonious way until the discussions in Congress and out
Congress upon the subject which you have alluded, shall
be in way suppressed Take that truth home with you
and take it truth. Unit; something be done to aay
the feeling separating and different sections, there
be useful and satisfactory Legislation in the two houses
Of Congress.
Mr.. Curtis and gentlemen the Commonwealth Of Massa-
chuses has done the honor to place her represent
tave-as of Der Representatives. Congress- have
believed that she would approve in any honest cautious
and sincere effort aay the dsser which among
the people of the county and TO restore Congress to its
stutonal capacity for action. have believed that the Com
monweah Of Massachusetts, would support her
in that have believed that general sentiment Of
the whole country would favor and encourage their Efforts in
and have the satisfaction to believe that in that be-
lief shall be disappointed. (Cheers However that
may be- that effort shall repeat (Renewed cheering) In
that course paci6caon shall persevere regardless Of all
personal consequences Three cheers shall minister 10
no local puces shall support agi,ations having their
foundations in unreal ghostly distractions. daughter and
chees shall say nothing which may foster the unkind
passions separating the North from the South May my
tongue ceave the roof Of mouth before may utter
sentiment which shall increase the agitation in the public mind
such subject (Chees)
sr have said that this is not occasion for political dis
eussion confess that if the time and circumstances
an opportunity should be insposed address he
pie Of Massachusetts, directly upon the duty which the pre-
sent exgency affairs has devoved upon herths great
and glorious Commonwealth Upon the duty at least which
devoves upon US who represent her the National Legs
aiure. This will be such opportunity shall have
an OCCASION in my the Senate to which shall inn
msdatey return give my opinions upon topics Of
an interesting characteropc III regard to some III which
there exists both nisstaement and misappfelehson the
greatest mssemen the msapprehension, especial
y SO far as concerned may simply mention one of
these the question respecting the delivery of ugiives
from service With regard that question: there exist the
greatest pueudces the greatest misapprebenson do not
wonder at these msapprehensions. well that
tonic which preindce. well