The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-06-02

newed laughter Gentlemen, we live under a
different constitution. II has made W what we
are What has carried the American flag all over
the world? What has constituted that unit of COM
merce that wherever the stripes and stars are
seen they signify that it is America and united
America? What ia it now that represents US so
respectfully all over Europe-in London-at this
moment, and all over the world' What is 1t but
the result of those commercial regulations which
bound US all together, and made commerce
the same commerce which made all the States, New
York, Massachusetts, South Carolina in the aspect
Of our foreign relations, the same country without
men, this was the original design OF the Constitu-
ton. We in our day husband 1t will be equally
incumbent on you, my young friends Of Albany,
to that this spirit is made to pervade the whole
administration Of the Government. The Constitu-
ton Of the United States, to keep us united TO keep
flowing incur hearts fraternal feeling, must be
administered in the spirit of it; and il wished to
learn the spirit of the Constitution in its living,
speaking, animated form, would refer always
always-to the administration OF the first Presi-
dent, George Washington, vehement cheering;l
and if were to draw the idea-if were to
form the idea Of patriot President, i would draw
his master strokes and copy his design. would
present this picture before me a constant study
tor life. would present his policy alike liberal,
just, narrowed down to no sectional interests
bound down to no personal objects-held to no To-
cality-but broad, and generous. and open-as ex-
pansive the air which is waited by the winds of
heaven from one part Of the country to another.
[Cheers.l would draw picture Of his foreign
poHcy-just, steady, stately; but withal proud.
and lovely, and glorious. No man could say in
his day that tho broad escutcheon of the honor
Of the Union could receive either injury dam
age, or oven contumely or disrespect. His own
character gave character to the foreign rcla-
tons OF the country. He upheld every interest
of it, in even the proudcst nations of Europe; and,
while resolutely just, he was resolutely determined
that no plume in the honor of the country should
ever DO dcfaced or taken from its proper position.
Washington was cautious and prudent; no self
seeker; giving Information to Congress, according
to the Constitution, on all questions, when mecca
sary, with fairness and frankness claiming moth
ing for himself; exacing his own rights, and pre-
serving tho dignity Of BE station; but taking es-
duty. and in such NJ az to give satisfaction
70 everybody; and. to- subservient to that end,
il was always remarked Of his administration, that
he filled the courts Of justice with the most spot
less integrity, the highest talent, and the pu-
rest virtues And hence it became common
saying, running through all classes of society
that our great security Is in the learning and integ
rity OF our judicial tribunals This high character
they Justly possessed, and do possess it in emf
nent degree, from the impress which Washington
stamped on these tribunals at their first organiza-
ton. Gentlemen, patriot President Of the Uni
ted States is the guardian, the protector the fcnd
OF every citizen in it. He should be- and he is,
mans prosecutor, no mans enemy; but the sup
port and the protector Of all and every Citizen 80
far as his support and protection depend on his
faithful execution OF the laws. But this especially
combines the great idea which Washington pre-
SCENTS, and which should be presented and fulfilled
by every man in high Office who means to rescIn-
bic Washington. II is the duty of preserving the
Government, OF suffering, 80 far as depends on
him, no one branch to interfere with another, and
no power to be assumed not belonging to each,
and none TO be abandoned which pertains to each;
but to preserve and carry it for the benefit of the
present and future generations.
Gentlemen, wise and prudent shpmaster
~ ahin at
carries him and his mcrchandisc-to keep her
noat, to conduct her to her destincd port with en-
tire security of property and le-that is his first
object and that should be the first object, and is,
Of every chief magistrate Of the United Stntcs who
has proper appreciation of his duty 1t is to pre-
serve the Constitution which bears him. which
sustains the Government, without which every
thing goes to the bottom to preserve that and
keep it, to the utmost of his ability off the rocks
and shoals, and away from the quicksands to
preserve that he exercises the caution of the expe
rienced shipmaster. He suffers nothing to beiray
his watchfulness-to draw him aside from the
joint interest committed to his care, and the great
object in view
Though pleased to see the dolphins play,
He minds his compass and his way;
And oft he throws the wary lead,
To SEQ what dangers may be hid;
At helm he makes bis reason sit
His crew Of passions all submit
Thus he steers his bark and sails on upright
keel,
And meets the galesn
Now, gentlemen, with this stcadiness of purpose,
this entire and devoted patriotism of motive,
Washington reached that which only an emulation
Of his example will enable others to reach; and he
lived TO see his country great, prosperous. and hap
his countrymen, and VIC are enabled to read his
history in a nations pride.
MIR. Webster here retired from the stand amidst
a tempest Of applause.