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


Union Meeting I'm New Hampshire.
A mass meeting of the friends of the Union,
without distinction Of party, was held at Man
chester, New Hampshire, on the evening of
the 10Th instant. The Hon. RICHARD II.
AVER presided, assisted by the following Off
GERS
Vice Presidents. Robert Read, WIN. L. Clarke,
Moses Fellows, Walter French, Josiah Crosby,
Isaac G. Flanders, f. A. Straw, c. f. Potter, Nj.
G j. Tewksbury, John J. Kidder, James Hersey,
Henry T. Mowatt, Mace Moulton, Herman Foster
James Nick. wilkins William p. Newell, War
| rem l.. Lane, Luther Farley, Moody Currier, Isaac
Riddle, James S. Cheney, Frederick Smyth, John
S. Elliott, Jacob F. James
Secretaries. w Smith, Thomas p. Pierce,
Abram Robertson, John l.. Fitch, John W. John
son. David Hill.
Letters were read from the Hon. DANIEL
WEBSTER, Mr.. Justice WOODBURY., and Hon.
JAMES BELL. The meeting was addressed by
the Hon. lCHABoD BARTLETT, Gen. FRANKLIN
PIERCE, Hon. JOEL EASTMAN, Hon. MOSES
NORRIS, Hon. LEVI CHAMBERLAIN, Hon.
CHARLES q. ATnERToN, Hon. GEORGE w.
NEsMrn. and Hon. IcHABoD GOODWIN
We regret to say that the proceedings of the
meeting were disturbed by two reverend cler-
gymen, who INDUCED in Kissing the speakers
and the resolutions when they were not to their
liking. They go in, probably, for "trampling
on the laws" Saving these interruptions,
however, the meeting was characterized by
great unanimity of sentiment, by marked de-
termination to uphold and enforce the laws.
and by expressions of devoted attachment to
the Union and Constitution. We annex the
letters of Mr. WEBSTER and of Mr.. Justice
WOODBURY.:
BssroN, Nov. It, 1850.
My DrAR SIR: When received yesterday the
invitation of the committee to attend the meeting
| at Manchester, my expectation was, that should
Immediately leave this city, and contented my
self, therefore, with very brief reply The wea-
thcr having detained me for a day, have time TO
write a more respectful acknowledgment of your
communication, and to express more distinctly as
well the qualification it would afford me to attend
the meeting my pleasure that such a convention
is to be convened. A "Union meeting without
distinction OF party, holden in the largest town
city in the State, can hardly fail to be attended
with good consequences. There is evidently
abroad a spirit of disunon and disobedence to the
laws which good ought to meet, and to check if
they can. Men are TO be found who propose their
own rule Of conduct, and recommend the same rule
others, "peaceable resistance to the laws" that
is say they propose to resist the laws Of the land
so far as they do consistently with their own
personal salety. Their obligations to support the
Constitution go for nothing; their oaths to act If
they hold any public trust, according to law. go
for nothing; il is enough that they do not, by for
chile resistance, expose themselves to dangers and
penalties. This is certainly quite new strain of
patriotism. We have never before this day known
such sentiments 10 be circulated, commended, and
acted upon by any who protested love for their
country or respect for its institutions. A still
more extravagant notion is sometimes advanced,
which is, that individuals may judge Of their
rights and duties, under the Constitution and the
Laws, by come rule which, according TO their idea,
is above both the Constitution and the Lava
You and /, sir, and our fellow citizens Of New
Hampshire, have not so read the books Of authori-
ty, either religious or civil we do not 30 under
stand either the institutions Of christianity or the
institutions of government. And may well
value more and more highly the government which
lie over us, when that the weapons aimed
against its preservation, alec, for the most part,
equally directed against those great fundamental,
moral and political truths upon which all good gov
eminent and the peace Of society all times must
essentially rest. have the fullest belief, sir, that
in the state of New Hampshire this disorganizing
spirit will meet such a rebukc shall put il 10
flight. The representation of the State in Congress
generally supported the peace measures Of the last
session, and by these measures doubt not the State
will stand. II is time that discord and animosity
should cease. II is time that a better understand
ing and more friendly sentiments revived be-
tween the North and the South. And am sure
that all wise and good men will sec the proprioty
Of orbearing from renewing agitation, by attempts
TO repeal the late measures or any Of them. ] do
not that they contain unconstitutional or alarm
ing principles, that they forebode the inlction
Of wrong or injury. When real and actual evil
arises, II II shall arise the laws ought 70 be amended
or repealed; but, in the absence Of imminent dan
ger, sec reason at present for renewed oontro-
yersy or contention.
My dear cir, the Union will be preserved, and the
laws will be obeyed and executed Let us take
courage, and that sort Of courage which prompts
men to resolute discharge Of their duties. We
will the Union for sakcs, for the sake
Of the country, for the honor Of free governments,
and for the benefit Of those who seem ready,
with ruthless hands, 10 tear Il asunder.
am, my dear, sir, with true regard, your friend
and obedient servant, DANIEL WEBSTER.
b. y. AWE, ESQ.