American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-07-10

with the noble character Of an apostle OF NO
erty. was present at one Of these entertain. !.
ments where the most beautful woman OUT Oh
three hundred was selected TO place crown OF
laurels on the white head Of the American phi
losopher, and two kisses upon his cheeks"
A few more words, and have, hnished. The
corresponding obligations on our part, of graf
itude for the freedom We have received, and Of
preserving intact the noble institutions we have
inherited from our fathers, should form one Of
the great considerations of this occasion. We
have reviewed the struggles Of the Revolution,
its success, the peaceful establishment of the
Constitution, and we have traced our country
enveloped in blaze of glory, in her onward
march through three quarters of century,
waxing strong in wealth and in power. Does
she not stand forth at this moment beautiful
and respondent to our view? Does she not
challenge our affections?
Breathes there the with soul so dead,
Who never TO himself hath said,
This is my own, my native iand
What shall say then of that foul spirit Of
disunion that has arisen in our land and directed
its malignant attack against the fair proportions
of the Constitution Was it for this that the
men of 76 went through the ordeal of suffer-
ing Sacrifices and blood? Was it for this they
triumphed? Does any man feel himself OPP
pressed BY the action Of this Government in his
person, in his liberty, or in his property? Where
under the face of heaven is there government
equal to our own in justice and in mildness
How long then are our feelings to be outraged
our loyalty despised our power set at def
anceY do not speak the language of appre-
hension. Far from it, | fear not! do not
shrink from the crisis but, in common with
You and all right minded men, feel indignant
that The downfall of this Government should be
admitted to be possible. Is it to be supposed
that this Government, so powerful abroad, SO
respected by foreign nations and so terrible
In arms, is too weak and imbecile within to
protect herself from her own members? Is
it to be supposed that possessing the power she
will not exercise it? But grant that any ex-
listing government should prove derelict in its
duty-a supposition which / make merely for
the sake OF the argument-and suppose the
leaders of faction should succeed in their afro |
cious conspiracy, and the legislature of State
or States should tear down the stars and stripes |
and trample on the Constitution. What then
appeal to the people. They at least would be
true to themselves They would arise in their
natural sovereignty, and with a voice that
would shake the poles they could say, II shall
not be So" the Union, the Union, it shall be
preserved" Then be it so. Let disunion for
ever after in shame and in disgrace, hide it's
hideous head. Let no foul breath after that
dare to whisper the accursed word secession
Let the Union stand in all its beauty and in
egrity. am speaking to you about the Union
IS contemplated by Washington and his COM
peers the whole Union and nothing but the
Union admitting no notification, no secession, g
40 disunion: destined as it is to preserve the t
liberties, to develop the resources, and secure {
the happiness of this great nation; encircling ,
all the members by bond of love, making them
conscious at the same time Of her power to con-
strain them to their duty. Let us on this day
renew our vows of allegiance to that Union. I
Let us pledge life, fortune, and sacred honor in
her defence Repudiating the absurd notion j
that we owe her mere secondary allegiance,
let US, in the true spirit of loyalty, bestow upon
her our first, highest, best, and noblest affec-
lions. Let us consecrate to her the veneration '
of our youth, the protection of our manhood
and the prayers and blessings of our age.
Having discharged these sacred duties, enter |
now upon the festivities Of this day-with joyous
hearts and honest consciences be happy-let
your banners float and your music thrill-let
your hearts rejoice. Take with you to your
homes the lessons of this day, though feebly |
pronounced repeat them to your children and |
your neighbors-for SO long as the popular SEN
timent is right, SO long, and long only, is the
Union SAFE
| thank you for your attention.