Washington telegraph., 1850-05-29

which shall increase the agitation in the
public mind on such subject (Cheers)
Sir: | have said that this is not an
occasion for political discussion. I cor
fess that if the time and circumstances
gave an opportunity, should not be in.
disposed to address the people of Massa-
chusetts directly upon theduty which the
present exigencies of affairs has dcvolved
monWealth; upon the Guty, at least,
which it devolves upon us who represent
her in the national legislature. This will
not be such an opportunity I shall have
an occasion in my seat in the Senate, to
which | shall Immediately return, to give
my opinions upon some topics of an inter
esting character-topics in regard to some
of which, there exists both misstatements
and misapprehensions-t greatest mis-
statement, the greatest apprehension.
l may simply mention one of these topics
the delivery of fugities from service
With regard to that question, there exists
the greatest misapprehensions. | am
we'll aware that it is topic which must
excite prejudices. | can very well feel
what the prejudices are which it must
very naturally bring up in the minds OF
the good people of this commonwealth.
But, Mr. Curtis, and Gentlemen, there
are, in regard to that topic, duties abso-
lutely incumbent on the commonwealth;
duties, imposed by the constitution, abso-
lutely incumbent on every person who
holds office in Massachusetts.
Under her constitution and laws and
those of the nation, she is bound, and per-
sons are bound in the discharge of the
duty-a disagreeable duty. We call
upon her to discharge that duty as an af-
fair of high morals and high principles
We show to her and ask her to resolve
upon the performance of duty, though it
be disagreeable duty. ANY man can
perform an agreeable duty, but it is not
every man that can perform a disagreea-
BILE duty. Amy man can do what is alto
gether pleasant. The question now is,
whether Observation-Disclosures the old
State eff Massachusetts improved by two
centuries of civilization, renowned for her
intellectual character, mighty in her moral
power, conspicuous before the world,
leading State in this country ever since
it was Union; the question is. whether
Massa ashr a-.viii otrrirk fTOIE or come
to fair and moderate performance of her
sworn obligations. | think she will
(cheers.) Sir, the question is, whether
she will be just against temptalion.-
Whether she will defend herself against
her own prejudices. She has conquered
every thing else in her own time. She
has conquered this ocean which was her
own shore; she has conquered her infiex-
ible climate; she fought her way to the
universal respect of the world; she has
conquered every body's prejudces but her
own; the question is whether she will
conquer her own prejudices. | shall re-
turn to that Senate to put that question to
her in presence Of that common mother,
who shall deal it to her heart. (Cheers.)
In the meantime, let me repeat that tired
no steps backwards. (Cneers) I am
devoted to the restoration of peace, har-
mony, concord out of Congress, and such
a degree of mutual cooperation in Con-
gress as may enable it to carry on once
more the legitimate business of the gov
ernment. This Union, for the preserva-
ton of which, strive; the Union ofStates
for which l strive, is not merely union
of law of constitution, of compact; but
while it is that, it is Union of brotherly
regard, of fraternal feeling, throughout
the whole country. 1 do not wish that
any portion of the people of this country
shall feel, held together only by the bonds
of legal corporation; bonds which some
of them may think restrain their limbs,
cramp their affections, and gall and worry
them. On the contrary, that they shall
be bound together by those unseen, soft;
easy-ftting chains. that result from gen.
erous affections, and from sense of COM
mon interes; and common pride.
In short, ellow-citiZens-my desire
and my labor is to see that state of things
produced in which filling all bosoms with
gratitude, all hearts with Joy, illuminat-
ing all faces. spreading through all ranks
of people whether rich or oor,-whether
North, South. East or West, there shall
exist the balm of our suffering, the great
solace of all our political calamities in the
great and glorious future, and that is
love of our united government.
Mr.. Webster closed amidst vociferous
cheering, which lasted for some moments.
The meeting being in the open air, the
vast crowd, in their anxiety to see, and
hear the speaker, rushed upon the repor-
tiers tables, and entirely stopped the ope-
rations of most of them. In this dilemma
your reporter was greatly indebted to MIR.
Hale, of the Daily Advertiser, for aid,
from the report prepared for that paper.
A DocToR' S JoKE.-A well-kno wn ply
sician, III certain city, was very much
annoyed by an old lady. who was always
sure to accost him in the street. for the
purpose of telling over her ailments.
Once she met him when he was in very
great hurry.
sAh. | see you are quite feeble" said
the doctor; .'shat your eyes and show me