Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1851-04-05
Mn. WEBSTER AT HARRISBURG.

We learn from the correspondence of the Phila-
delphia North American that Mr.. WEBSTER arrived
al Harrisburg on Tuesday afternoon from Balti-
more, and was met at the railroad depot by the
Committee of Reception appointed by the two
Houses OF the Legislature, and conducted by them
ID his quarters at Herr's Hotel, where he was soon
afser waited upon by the Governor, Members Of
the Legislature, and maay citizens. He was greet
ed upon his arrival with great enthusiasm by the
immense ccncourse which had assembled in anti
cPation Of his coming; and the afternoon was
spent by him in receiving the calls and congratna-
tiOns OF citizens. The events Of the evening are
thus detailed by the correspondent Of the American
The two Houses Of the Legislature having determined to
give their distinguished Guest public and BETTING reception
in the hall Of the House Of Representatives in the evening"
the ball wss early crowded by brilliant audience every seat
ard standing place. either upon the floor in the lobbes
being occupied and the seats Of members almost exclusively
~ ladies. Never did the hall Of the House present more
crowded or brilliant audience, and all eager with antc
patton Of seeing and hearing Of the fret and abest Of
statesmen.
Time moved slowly until about half past seven o'clock,
when the distinguished Guest entered the hail. accompanied
by the committee Of reception. and followed by Governor
JoHSsTos the heads of the Departments and the Speakers
d the Houses Of the Legislature No sooner was his en-
trance known than be greeted with the enthusiastic
huzGas and every demonstration Of the cordial welcome
Mr.. WsBsrgR conducted to the centre Of the Hall,
and after the enthusiasm with which he greeted had
measure subsided welcomed by Governor JoHEsros
in speech full Of kindly courtesy and genuine and eloquent
ackno~lsdgmsato If bis talents ability and patriotism o
Statesman. 10 substance, he said
Mr.. WEBSTER In behalf Of the constituted authorities,
and at their request In the of the citizens Of Pennsy
yana here present. most cheery perform the duty Of
finding you cordial welcome this Commonwealth
has been distinguishing and lively trait in the char
er Of the American people 70 veneraie talents and 70
Ter the long public services Of individuals tho homage of
heir respect and appreciation
In this excellent and beautiful property Of our national
character has been the constant effort Of the citizens Of
Pennsylvania TO be conspcuousy prominent Under cir
cusances and tme have her people failed appre
and reward the patriotic sbo Of strangers 10 her SOIL
render the Just tribute Of pride and admiration Of anscen
dent mental abiles without regard to sectional location or
field Of their operations whether the may have been
lin the discharge Of religious, civil, military duty.
In the fair fame, usefulness and worth Of the public men
Of tie Union, our Commonwealth has ielt the same pride
which the mother enjoys in the dongsf beloved
We may differ in political partialies, but is confidently
hoped, to tuch extent to forget suy the
cen and honorable reputation which have Justly earn
ed Of awarding all the respect and regard due to their
merits and services. not the sesyled mother Of great
men, Pennsylvania has always endeavoed faithfully cher
sh protect snstan and honor the great and good Of other
lands It would afford great pleasure extend these re-
marks by reference of the important acts Of your
long public life about the patriotism and proprey Of which
diversity Of opinion can exist if did not feel that in
doing OBTAINING this assenbage of fair ladies and
worthy citizens from intellectual treat which, from pro-
missed richness and beauty they may well be impatient to
joy Permit me- then, fellowcitzens, Cunning to the
dence TO introduce to your kind attention and respectful
gard the distinguished Secretary Of State Of the National Go
vernment, the Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER.
Mr.. WEBsTIa, upon rising to reply, was greeted with
renewed and enthusiastic cheers. He spoke substance
follows "*
Gentlemen and Members Of the House Of Representatives and
Fellow Citizens Of Pennsylvania should be insensible
deed to the highest rewards Of public service, did not
peciae the terms Of commentator in which has pleased
your excellent Executive address me- and also the warm
and cordial manner in which, your Kindness you have
ceved me, the passing visit which It is my happiness
have been able to pay you. Let say you that nothing
could be just and true than what his Exceency the
Governor has said respecting the general national broad
and comprehensive pniics character Of the Commonwealth
Of Pennsylvania. She has been called and whou,
strong claims to the title the keystone OF the Arch Of the
Union She is vast in extent and abundant In wealth and
resources and remarked for the industry and intelligence
citizens Her rivers the east connect with the Atlantic
her rivers the west connect with the Mississippi and the
Gulf Of Mexico Above ALL equal to ALL she has
souces in point of mineral wealth beneath her soil that
entle her position beyond that of any Of her sister
States. She has improved her advantages with digen
dusy, and while seeking promote virtue and to render
herself worthy before the nation, and to fulfil her part in
the great mission Of the country, she has been governed by
local preudces local aachments and feelings less
than airy other State in the Union She is central in her
position. She on the line which divides the two portions
the country and which separated by local interests
from the other But she disposed always do her duty
to both. admire Pennsylvania. admire her for the
deraon and frmnes the good and patriotism which
have ever animated her in the discharge Of her obligations
and IN view Of questions well calculated disturb the
general political harmony.
Your excellent Executive has done me more than justice in
what he has said Of my public services. II is long time
since entered public life quite too long for myself and
perhaps for my family but assert for myself merit only
and OF that may be proud that il attaches the State
Of Pennsylvania-and 10 the merit Of embracing the
try and the whole county, by what have said done, in
public station another in general political career,
in the dispositions OF Providence
Pennsylvania indeed could not have been insignificant
State under any circumstances. If she had remained great
in her resources in her SOIL and in her people, what after
ALL would the State Of Pennsylvania have BEEN detached
and isolated from the other States of the Unon compared
with your Pennsylvania you behold her Cheers
What would she have been with all her mineral treasures,
with no power develop them, without any general pro-
lection from the national flag that carries them in pride and
prehensive course of policy which rejects local Ideas and
narrow view Of political principles which enables this whole
people to speak Of the whole country their country, and
has made the State of Pennsylvania what she s and
what hope she may long continue to be- before said,
the keystone Of the Arch Of the Union.
bad happened u have been before This assemblage. in
this place. year sgo to-day, the first Of April Of last
than now do for 10 be denied that Of
great import have taken place within the last yeahat
have been adopted by the general of
of ali parties calculated adjust local differences and settle
the sgitating questions Of the country 1t is time that
should feel kindly towards anoherha should feel