The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-03

When am speaking of tho ardent attachment
Of John Jay TO tho Union Of the American States,
cannot forbcar, at the risk Of extending this
answer beyond it, proper limits, from introducing
another extract from his admirable writings as ex-
hibiting remarkable sagacity and power of ius-
,ration. "We have heard much" said he, "of the
fleets Of Britain; and, if VIC are wise, the time
may come when the fleets Of America may en-
gage attention. But il one national government
had not 30 regulated the navigation of Britain as to
make 1t nursery for seamen--if one national gov
eminent had not called forth all the national means
and materials for forming aeets--their prowess and
their thunder would never have been celebrated.
Let England have its navigation and hcet--let
Scotland have its navigation and fiect--let Wales
have its navigation and lcet-lct Ireland have its
navigation and leelet these four of the constitu-
parts Of British empire be under four independ-
ent governments, and it ia easy to perceive how
,oon they would each dwinde into comparative in
significance"
When John Jay filled the scat at the head Of the
Supreme Judcaturc, how would one appear, who,
being charged with crime, should stand up before
his face, beaming equally with intelligence and be-
dignity, and nsist that he had disobeyed the law
only from the impulse Of his own individual con-
science; that he had disregardcd plighted faith,
violated tho most important obligations, and con-
emned the sanctity of oaths, only upon his reliance
On the superiority of bis own intelligence over that
IF the community, and the right Of every individ-
lal to judge ofconstitution, laws and compacts for
himself?
Gentlemen, am sure that you and your friends
will do your whole duty, as intelligent and patri
'tc citizens, in unfolding the institutions of your
country. l purpose TO do mine, and should not
~ ri bnIx xrb, ,s<xhx he
to waver to hesitate on this allimportant ques-
ton.
The Presidents message, at the opening OF tho
present session Of Congress, expresses fully and
plainly his own opinion, and the unanimous opin-
ion of all those associated with him in the executive
administration of the Government, in regard to
what are called the Adjustment Compromise
measures OF the last session That opinion is, that
those measures should be regarded in principle
final settlement Of the dangerous and exciting
subjects which they embrace; that though they
we're not free from imperfections, yet, in their mu-
tual dependence and connection, they formed sys-
tenn OF compromise, the most conciliatory aud best
Tor the entire country that could be obtained from
conflicting sectional interests and opinions; and
that therefore they should be adhered to- until time
and experience should demonstrate the necessity of
further legislation, to guard against evasion or
abuse. That opinion, SO far as know, remains
entirely unchanged, and will be acted upon steadi-
ly and decisively. The peace of the country re-
uires this; the security of the Constitution requires
this; consistency requires this and every conside.
ration of the public good demands this If the Ad-
ninistration cannot stand upon the principles of
the message, 1t does not expect to stand at all.
Citizens of Westchester. Citizens Of the State of
Now York! The voices of your own illustrious dead
cry to you from the ground. They who are in their
graves beseech you, you respect their names and
memories, as you love liberty, as you value your
own happiness, as you regard the hopes Of your
children, to hold on with unhnchjng firmness to
the Constitution and to the Union of the States;
and if with lips still living, they conjure you in
tones Of indignation, to reject all such ideas that
dsobedience TO the laws is the path Of patriotism,
Or treason 10 your country duty TO God
For myself, confess that, if ] were to witness
the breaking up of the Union, and the Constitu-
ton of the United States, should bow myself To
the earth in confusion of face should wish to hide
myself from the observance Of mankind, unless
could stand up and declare truly, before God and
man, that, by the utmost cxcrtion of every faculty
with which my Creator has endowed me, had la.
bored to avert the catastrophe.
am, gentlemen, with entire regard, and all
good wishes, your obliged friend and fellow
citizen, (Signed) DANIEL WEBSTER.
TO Mcssrs. James A. Hamilton, George B. Butler,
John II. Iiaskin, Albert Lockwood, committee.