Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-07-16
conREspoNDENon OF THE. SPECTATOR
WASHINGTON, July 9th,

washington, July 9th, 1851.
.Mesus. Editors IL presume il has been several
yesrs since the 4lh of July has excited 80 much al
entun in its celebration as il has here, and pre-
snme all over, the country. This is good omen
Some wise man once said, think ii was MIR. JET
ferson. that he looked to the sentiments uttered on
The Four,hof July, in The fugitive and short tossis
for the general sentiment of the country. There is
much force in the remark. think the increased
interest taken in the celebration of this day, at this
lime shows a revival of national patriotism and
determination with men Of of all parties 10 rebuke
The mad fanatics North and South. few years
ago and little interest was taken in this day, and
where it was celebrated, it frequently desecrat,
ed by mixture of party feeling, and by long and
windy speeches of "Coege boys" just let loose
from school who sang the old sung of national
Qualification and power, N way opposed TO all
good 'ase.
In Washington we indeed had celebration
worthy of the day, for we have great man, (and
indeed many, but man of world wide reputation
worthy of the occasion and place.
Daniel Webster has to-day, made us one OF his
mos, powerful efforts Just such an effort as was
worthy of the Iuncture | consider it mode 4th
of July Oralion-full of thought, of patriotism and
in some respects, new and unusual. lie commenc
ed with reminding US that this was America, and
then gave a short, but most interesting account OF
the causes which drove our fathers here, and oil
the prophecies of some of the far seeing British
statesmen and poets of the results of the settlement
of this great country. Ii was truely pleasant and
refreshing to hear the great speaker tracing the re-
ligious cause Of our national greatness and glory
This is subject worthy Of Daniel Webster
worthy of Tie creates: minds. II was in contrast
with the irreligious sentiments sometimes advanced
by some OF our would be great men. When will
men, even not professedly piuus, learn that "God
stitch OH the circle of the heavens and dOett
wha. ever he WILL" that mere politicians may
plan and appear to manage, but that "God raiseth
up and castelh down." that all our greatness and
glory as nation is but The result of the religious
principle.
Mr.. Webster's short, but comprehensive view Of
the true nature Ofour government was striking and
true. In few words he showed the true nature
of popular sovereignty, and the majority principle.
You in Virginia will be delighted with his refer
ence to our good old State. hope it will be pom
dered by all her sons
The position which Virginia has taken against
dsunon is one of the brightest features OF the times,
and has been hailed with delight by all good men
every where.
The ceremonies OF the occasion were imposing
and impressive There were presume fully TWEEN
ty thousand persons present. 1t was not my good
fortune to hear our patriotic President al the laying
Of The corner stone but was struck with his deep
interest in MIR. We5sier's speech, and thought |
could read in his countenance mental response
TO every sentiment
Mr.. Webster gave as his opinion the assurance
that The country was safe, at least for the present
He thought the ProdigaI son, South Carolina, would
come to himself and come back and tina, all would
yet be WE'LL and that the omens are good that The
government is re. established on firm ground. Mr..
French on behalf of The Masonic fraternity made a
short and impressive speech which was much APP
p;auded, and the glorious day passed Of with moth
inc to mar It's enjoyment. L.