Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-07-05

support the Union and defend IT, meant what said and
carry out that promise and long prolonged
aPPaue In the execution of this duty mean to know no
sectional differences My maxim is equal and exact justice
to all, favors to Renewed applause and cheering
Those who willing that the Government shall be admins
tered upon these principles hope will be my friends no mat
by what political appeaon they may have been known
| her etofore-whether Wings Democrats. [Cheersl
could but sensible when Unexpectedly elevated to this
poson of the great danger which threatened country
We have heard much of danger the UnionI fear no
than all have headbut pardon for saying that my
tmaion should have become of discussion
The very idea Of dsunion should be owned upon by every
true American deserving Of argument and Of jusfca
on. II is to painful that it should be subject Of
| conversation.
"Pardon for audng, n this connexion, to
dote in my Congressional had an old and valued
friend, whom esteemed yet who possessed
rces and peculiar notions of political duty Of which did
not approve need not say that aude the venerable
Mr. Adams. You all that he was early imbued
with the principle, upon which he universally pacised that
every citizen had the right be heard Congress by his pc
ttion ard that he often made the medium of presenting
to the House matters of which he entirely dsapproved His
maxim that every citizen had the right petition and
that the duty Of Congress consider such petition.
Acting upon this known principle be often played upon
doubtless by those who Influenced by mschevous pur-
poses. well recollect occasion that he rose and
stated to the House that he had received petition of very
peculiar character the sentiments of which he did not ap-
proves but on the principle upon which he universally acted
be felt to be his duty present the House. He stated
that it petition from certain citizens whose names were
signed to it, praying for dissolution Of the Union but for
the purpose of freeing himself from The mputaioa of avorng
such sentiment he al the time that he discharged his
duty IN the presentation of the petition, felt it also be his
duty to accompany with resolution that be referred to
select committee with positive insruso to report against
the prayer of the petitioners What were the proceedings
upon that occasion This annuncaon was no sooner made
the House Of Representatives. than the whole House SEEM
ed to be in ferment and in very few moments resolution
was introduced for the purpose Of expeng Mr. Adams from
the House for having dared introduce petition there for
dissolution Of the Union, although accompanied the same
time with positive declaration his par. that he was op-
posed to it. and appea to the House sanction his sent
ments on the subject.
But what do we now Ten years have not passed
since that took place in the House Of Representatives
and since that man, who for four years had discharged the
duties Of Chief Magistrate of this Union stood at the bar of
that House, and morning after morning came to me and ask
ed OF me not move the public business to force vote
on the resolution expeng him from the House, until he had
chance to be heard. He feared sir that he might be ex-
PEELED from that body for doing what he deemed to be his
imperative duty in preservation Of the right Of petition
although he mbued with the strongest sentiments in
favor Of the Union Of these States was forced from feel
ing of sympathy and regard for him. to suffer the public bus
ness be delayed from day day. for one or two weeks in
order that he might present his sentiments to the House on
the subject to convince them that although he presented
petition for the dissolution Of the Union he did not approve
OF those sentiments doubt whether any thing short Of that
coud saved that distinguished man from expulsion from
that body.
Since then have lived scarcely ten years. and the
value Of this Union subject Of conversation
This very back that occurrence and
then to what have within the year pas-should
alarm the true friends Of this Republic 1t should teach US
there are North and South who are ready to accelerate
the fall of this Union, and if necessary destroy t. saw
this IN all sincerity say, too, that when look back to the
crisis through which have passed. feel that there was
danger that the days Of this Union numbered deter
mined then, if necessary, to sacrifice every political prospect
had in the world and life ITSELF to save the country
| [Great cheering,l
But fellow-ctizens, have said more than intended
very aeng and undeserved compliment has BETRAYED
me into speech that intended to make You will
pardon me, trust There those with me much more
capable Of addressing than myself Permit me to return
to you my very sincere thanks for the very kind manner in
which you have received me''
ne lOllOWlng tOaStS were next announced:
g. The Memory Of Washington.
4. Virginia The Old Dominion
--U 'Iis n name
Should ring the world around,
Till every babbling tongue of fame
Made music to the sound"
s. The Hon. NATHAN X. Hall worthy son of sister
State We extend to him Virginia welcome
MIR. Postmaster General HALL responded to this
toast as follows:
Mr. President and e2oo citizens: When am at home
or where am well known, is necessary for me to apo
ogize for an economy which it is my uniform habit to pac
tce-and that is economy Of speech But here gentle
men, stranger as am, the kindness and hospitality with
which have been received would seem to require at INV
hands some sufficient apology, and in making an apology
have always found il best to tel the simple truth Then as
we have been talking confdentay and privately here to-
day. will frankly confess to many and gross defects 10 my
early the least of which is that never
learned to talk The President somewhat responsible for
my education He might feel disposed say that was
throwing the responsibility from myself upon him. but do il
without regret because know he quite willing to take any
responsibility which truth and justice require that he should
| take. fApDause