Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-07-10

passing Alexandria they were weicoiheu ny saiuee
from the Mechanical Artillery. The President IS
in fine health and expressed himself much gratliled
with the trip. lie was on the warf by the May
or, &c.
MIR. Webster i'm virginia.
We feel that we would be doing our
readers grea, injustice if we We're to with
hold from them, single issue, the eloquent
and stirring address of Mr.. Webstera few
days ago, at the Capon Springs In Virgin
ia. Awaiting himself of a short respite
from the cares of public station,h had come
TO seek recreation and health amid our
mountains; but the enthusiasm and pat
riotism awakened in the hearts OF the noble
yeomanry of that region, by his presence,
would not allow him to be quiet. He was
entertained at public dinner, largely at
tended, splendidly provided and character
lied by an overlooking zeal for the Union
and admiration for him, its greatestdeiender.
VIM. L. Clarke, Esq, of Winchester
presided. and in offering the following sem
timent paid the subject of tia glowing trib-
ute, for which we regret that we have not
space.
.DanlWebster. Our distinguished guest: The jurist
and statesman who has illustrated the glory of our
country. The champion of the Constitution and
the Union, who has sown the seed OF constitutional
liberty broadcast over the civilized world"
Mr.. Webster rose TO respond amid
deafening applause. He thanked them
most cordially for the manner of his recep-
ton and the honor they had done him
He was then for the first time in the re-
nowned valley of Virginia. He had seen
the great grain-growing country of New
York, and Ohio, and other Western States;
of England, from Hertfordshire to the bor-
ders of Scotland; but he had never seen
any thing surprising that whichhe crossed
from hetime he left Harper's Ferry till he
reached Winchester. He had been told
that the same rich country extends beyond,
and is to be found through Shenandoah,
Rockingham, and Augusta countless
He hoped soon to have an opportunity OF
witnessing the truth of that statement.
Mr.. w. then proceeded as follows:
There are two elements which constitute coun.
try: soil and climate one, men and men The 9TH
err Here they are both be found. But c, Ell there
were no men and women in this regiou, the country
would still be valuable and beautiful and il il were
as barren as yondcr rock, (pointing thr ugh the
window ton jutiing cliff which overhangs the
spring but filled with intelligent men and re-
fred and educated women, like those who now
throng this wide hall, it would be more admirable
still. &c. if either were here your country would
be beautiful and fascinating, and you, gentlemen
know how fascinating it must be when both are Sc
happily combined. [Great Applause
But must now turn my attention to the toast
which has been read by my friend-a friend of long
s;anding-at the head ofthe table. must attrb-
ute its terms to the Partially Of friendship, and
am sure that they somea hat extlavagant.
disclaim having done anything in support and de-
fence, and in the maintenance of the Constitution
except what have done in cooperation with other
ADLER men; with men of high character and true
devotion their country and its political institu-
tions. [Applause.1 | was bred, gentlemen-in-
deed, i right almost say was born--in admiration
of our political institutions / have studied them
long and in fact have studied little else ola political
nature All the public acts Of my life have been
performed in the service of the General Govern.
ment. have never held any office under any
State Government, and, with the exception of few
DAYS only, ] have never been u member Of State
Legislature. am as you may know, a lawyer
and from necessity laboriuus one. know no,
how the bread of dleness tastes. for have never
had bit of it in my mouth. [Grcat Applause.
This, perhaps, savors of self commentator: but
hope it may be pardoned If, in the discharge OF
my public duties and in the performance of my
public services. my private interests have suffered
and been neglected, l am amply compensated by the
hope that il have no broad estate, rich accu-
mutations shall leave at least inheritance not
entirely dsreputablc to those who shall come after
me. Enthusiastic applause.
! profess gentlemen to have acted through out
my life upon those principles which governed your
ancestors and my own New England ancestors in
the time that tried mems souls; that is say, in the
revolutionary struggle, and in that other most i'm
portant period which witnessed the establish
mcnt of General Government. All know that in
this last high and important proceeding Virginia
took eminent lead. She that, to the dis
grace of the country, the debt of the Revolution
remained unpaid, and that gallant officers and
brave soldiers who had brought wounds and scars
and broken limbs from the battle-felds of liberty.
were reduced to poverty and want, and some Of
them almost literally begging their bread.
The great and good men of other States felt the
same evil, and their hearts were rung by similar
anguish
An English poet has said that there was time
when for an Engishman it fame enough
That CHATNAs's language was his native tongue.
"And WoLFE's great name compatriot with his
own"
Now. Gentlemen, it is fame enough for me, il it
may be thought that in my political conduct have
maintained, defended, and acted upon the prnci-
pies Virginia and Massachusetts,, these prnci-
pies were proclaimed and sustained in the two great
cpochs in the history of our countryside Revolu-
ton and the adoption of the present constitutional
Government. If | have worked steadily TO this
end. l am sure that. whether much has been done
or little has been DONE it has been directed towards
good purpose. Loud applause. All that
say to-day. and all that say on similar occa-
sion. wish TO be in the spirit of Washington aud
Madison, Wythe and Pendleton and the proscrib-
ed patriots of Massachusetts. Hancock and Samuel
Adams. (Applause.J If these and other great
founders of our liberty and fathers of our Consttu.
ton erred, then have erred; then have been the
most incorrigible ofpoiical sinners. Laughter
But il they were right. then venture to hope that
| am right also; and neither principalities nor
powers, nor things present things TO come shall
eradicate that hope from my breast Loud and
enthusiastic cheering.
The leading sentiment in the toast from the chair
is the Union of the States. The UsIos OF THE
STATES. What mind can comprehend the conse-
quences Of that Union, past, present. and to come
The Union of these States is the allabsorbing topic
OF the day. ON 1t all men write. speak, think and di-
late, from the rising Of the sun to the guinC down
thereof lAPPlanse-] And yet. gentlemen, / fear
its importance has been but insuficently appreci.
ated- Like all common blessings, however great.
it has been of late years too little the subject of
fection- The unthinking and careless barely take
heed of that atmosphere which supports their lives
from day to day and from hour to hour. As the
rises in the morning, follows its trick through
the heavens, and goes down atnight. we notice il,
course, enjoy its light ard heat, and when we SEE
il sink beneath the western horizon, we have nj
Doubt we do not think of the possibility that il
not appear for another day We are in no fear o
perpetual darkness the return CT chaos SO it i
With our rcliticp, system under United Govern