The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-03

From the Philadelphia North Am1ican.
Reception or the Hon. Daniel Webster at
Harrisburg.
HARRlsBuRG, April /, 1851.
The Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER arrived here at
3 O'Clock this afternoon from Baltimore, and
was met at the railroad depot by the committee
of reception appointed by the two Houses Of
the Legislature, and conducted by them to his
quarters at Herr's hotel, where he was soon
after waited upon by the Governor, members of
the Legislature, and many citizens. He was
greeted upon his arrival with great enthusiasm
by the immense concourse which had assem-
bled in anticipation of his coming; and the at
ternoon was spent by him in receiving the calls
and congratulations of our citizens.
The two Houses of the Legislature having de-
termined to give the distinguished guest public
and beftting reception in the hall of the House
of Representatives this evening, the hall was
early crowded by brilliant audience, every
seat and standing place, either upon the floor
or in the Hobbies, being occupied, and the seats
of members almost exclusively by ladies'
Never did the hall of the House present more
crowded or brilliant audience, dali were eager
with anticipation Of seeing and hearing one of
the first and ablest of statesmen.
Time moved slowly until about half-past
seven o'clock, when the distinguished guest
entered the hall, accompanied by the committee
of reception, and followed by Governor JOHN
sToN, the heads Of the Departments, and the
Speakers of the Houses of the Legislature.
No sooner was his entrance known than he was
greeted with the most enthusiastic huzzas,
and every demonstration OF the most cordial
welcome.
Mr. WEBSTER was conducted to the centre
of he hall nd fha oIacn wit
which he was greeted had in measure sub
sided, was welcomed by Governor JOHNSTON
in speech full of kindly courtesy and genuine
and eloquent acknowledgment of his talents,
ability, and patriotism as statesman. Cover
nor JoHSsToN's welcome was heartily seconded
by all present
Governor JOHNSTON said in substance
Nh. WEBSTER: In behalf of the constituted au-
thorites, and at their request. in the name of the
citizens Of Pennsylvania hore present, ! most
cheerfully perform the duty of extending to you a
most cordial welcome to this Commonwealth 1t
has ever been distinguishing and lively trait in
the character of the American people to venerate
talents, and to render to the long public services Of
individuals tho homage of their respect and appro-
baton.
In this most excellent and beautiful property
of our national character it has been the constant
effort of the citizens of Pennsylvania to be conspc
uously prominent. Under circumstances, and
time, have her people failed to appreciate and
reward the patriotic labors Of strangers to her SOIL
or render the just tribute of pride and admiration
of transcendent mental abilities, without regard to
sectional location the field Of their operations
whether the same may have been in the discharge
of religious, civil, or military duty.
In the fair fame, usefulness, and worth of the
public men of the Union, our Commonwealth has
felt the same pride which the mother enjoys in the
we'll doings of beloved We may differ in
political partiaties, but it ia confidently hoped
to such extent to forget sully the an
Gent and honorable reputation which we have
justly earned of awarding to all men the respect
and regard due to their merits and services. If
not the self styled mother of great men, Pennsyl-
vania has always endeavored faithfully to CHERISH
protect, sustain, and honor the great and good Of
other lands. II would afford me great pleasure to
extend these remarks by reference to some Of the
important acts of your long public life, about the
patriotism and propriety of which no diversity of
opinion can exist if did not feel that in doing
was OBTAINING this vast assemblage Of fair ladies
and worthy citizens from intellectual treat
which, from its promised richness and beauty, they
may well be impatient TO enjoy. Permit me then,
fellow citizens, Cunning to the audence,) to in
troduce to your kind attention and respectful re-
gard the distinguished Secretary of State of the Ma
tional Government, the Hon. Daniel Webster.
Mr.. WEBSTER, upon rising TO reply, was
greeted with renewed and enthusiastic cheers.
He spoke In substance as follows:
Gentlemen and Members of the House of Repre-
sentatives, and fellow citizens of Pennsylvania :
should be insensible, indeed, to the highest re-
wards OF public service, if did not appreciate the
terms of commendation in which it has pleased
your excellent Executive to address me, and also
the warm and cordial manner in which, in your
kindness, you have received me, on the passing
visit which it is my happiness to have been able to
pay you. Let me say to you that nothing could be
more just and true than what his excellency the
Governor has said respecting the general, national
broad and comprehensive political character of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She has been
called. and not without 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 of
her citizens. Her rivers on the east connect with
the Atlantic; her rivers on the west connect her
with the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mexico.
Above ALL equal to all. she has vast resources in
point of mineral wealth beneath her soil that en-
title her to a position beyond that of any of her
sister States. She has improved her advantages
With diligent industry; and, while seeking to pro-
mote virtue and to render herself worthy before
che nation, and to fulfil her part in the great mis-
sion of the country, she has been governed by
local preiudices, local attachments, and narrow
feelings, less than any other State in tho Union.
She is central in her position. She is on the
line which divides tho two portions Of the coun-
try, and which separated by local inter-
ests one from the other. But she is disposed al
ways to do her duty to both. admire Pennsyl-
vania. admire her for the moderation and firm
ness, the good sense and patriotism which have
ever animated her in the discharge of her obliga-
tons, and in view of questions well calculated
to disturb the general political harmony. Your
excellent Executive has done me more than justice
in what he has said of my public services. It is
long time since entered public life quite too long
for myself and perhaps for my family; bat assert
for myself one merit only-and of that may be
proud that it attaches me to the State of Pennsyl
vania-and it is the merit of embracing the coun-
try, and the whole country, by what have said OF
done in one public station another in my gen.