Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-17
REPLY OF THE HON. DANIEL WEBSTER
TO THE BOSTON ADDRESS.
WAsHINeroN. Aprjl Q. 1850,


Gentlemen: 1t would bel vain that should attempt
10 express the qualification which have derived from
your letter OF the 18th uto That qualification arses
nol only rom us manifestation of personal regard and
confidence but especially, from the evidence which it
Affords that my public conduct in regard to important
pending questions is not altogether dsapproved BY the
people OF Massachusetts Such a letter, with such
Names assures me, that have not erred in Judging of
the causes OF existing discontens their proper reme-
dy; and encourages me to persevere in that course
which deepest convictions of duty have led me to
ADOPT The country needs pacifcation it needs the
restoration OF mutual respect and HARMONY between
the people IN one part OF the Union and those in ano.
ther And in my Judgment there is no sufficient cause
TOR the continuance Of the existing alienation between
the North and the South. If we will look at thnos
Justly and calmly, there essential differences
either OF interest or opinion, which are irreconcable
or incapable OF adjustment.
SO Tar as the question OF slavery or no slavery an
plies to the newly acquired territories there is in nv
Judgment no real and practical point of importance in
firmly believe, either in California New Mexico or De-
seret And it thisbe So why continue the controversy
on mere abstraction? The other disturbing CUES
lions respect the restoration of fugitive slaves and
slavery in the District of Columbia; and know no req
son why Just and ia measures all within the undoubt-
ed limits and acquisitions of the constitution might not
be adopted which should give, on these subjects gene
raj Satisfaction AT any rate we should make tie at
Tempt because, so long these dissensions continue
they embarrass the government interrupt the quiet of
tne people and alarm their fears, and render it highly
improbable that important acts of legislation affecting
great Objects and in which the whole country is deepy
interested, be accomplished. Indeed the ordnary
operations, essential the existence of the government
and Its daily administration meet with checks and hind
Faaees, Jhtherto aogethers unprecedented We must
return to our ofd4cslags Ct consation- regard
We must refresh OURSELVES pure fountains of
mutual esteem common patriotism and
dence, whose bencent and healing waters so copodsly
overowedthe land, through the struggleof the revo-
iutTS lion, and n in theeaFy yssrs Of ie government
aadouf hearts to the advice of tie great Father OF his
Country. 1t is of infinite moment" said he. stfat
you should properly estimate the immense value of your
national Union to your collective and individual hapn
ness-that you should cherish cordial habitual and
mmovabe attachment to it; accusomino yourselves TO
think and speak OF it as Of the palladium of your po-
cal safety and prosperity watching for its preservation
with Jealous anxiety; discountenancng whatever NAV
suggest even suspicion that it can in any event be-
abandoned; and Indignantly rowning upon the first
daWnng OF every attempt to ALLEVIATE any portion of our
country from the rest to eneebe the sacred ties which
now link together the various parts"
Notwithstanding what may occasionally appear on
the surface, the American mind deeply ibued with
the spirit OF this advice The people, when serious
danger threatens will in nay opinion stand fast by their
government. They will suffer no impairing of its
foundation overthrow Of its columns-no disoroa
nlzation OF its structure The Union and the Constu
ton are to stand and what have to do is SO to adj
minister the government that all men shall be made
more and more sensible of its benecent operations and
Its Inesmable value.
1t is not inappropriate that should accompany this
answer to your letter. by the copy of recent correspon-
aence between the Hon. Hugh N. Smith, delegate from
New Mexico, now in this city, and myself
have the honor to be, gentlemen, with profound re-
gard your obliged telow-ctizen and obedent humble
servant, DANIEL. WEQGTED