Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-07-29

SECOND SPEECH or MIR. WEBSTER, AT
CAPON SPRINGS.

Mr. y. ~. bruce, OF winchester, being
loudly called for, expressed himself delighted
to hear the sentiments expressed by Mr.
Webster, and declared that, although he had
differed from that gentleman long, and on
nearly every question Of public policy, he cx-
tended to him most cheerfully his need Of
appreciation. After some remarks upon the
value Of the Union. &c., Mr.. b. concluded
with the following sentiment
The Fugitive Slave Law-Upon its faith
full execution depends the perpetuity Of the
Union. TApplause]
Mr.. Webster said--I am glad to hear
these sentiments of devotion to the Union
expressed by Mr.. Bruce, who, as under
stand, has differed with me upon many sub
jects, as many other respectable and worthy
men have done. But whatever may have
been the differences Of opinion which have
existed between us heretofore, on other
subjects, they are now forgotten, and the
only question that is now asked of any
man is, are you Union man? [drcat cheer
ing.1 The question at this time is the
Union and how to preserve its blessings for
all time to como. To preserve that Union
we must observe In good faith, the Constitu-
tion and all its parts. If that Constitution
be not observed and its provisions set aside,
the whole of it ceases to be binding. 1t
would be absurd to suppose that either the
North or the South has the power or the right
to violate any part of that Constitution, and
then claim from the other observance Of its
provisions. [Applause.
If the South were to violate the constitu
ton, would the North be any longer bound
by it ? and if the North were deliberately to
violate any part Of it, would the South be
bound any longer to observe its obligations
How absurd it would be to suppose when
different parties enter into a compact for cer-
tain purposes, that either can disregard any
enc provision and expect the other 70 observe
it intend to observe, maintain and carry
out, to its fullest extent, tho constitution Of
the United States, which have sworn to
support [Cheers.] 1t is written in the
constitution that persons bound to labor or
service in one State, escaping into another
shall not be discharged from such labor or
service because Of the laws of the State into
which they may escape. That is as much a
part of the constitution as any other, and as
equally binding and obligatory as any other
TApplause.l And who denies this? No
one but the abolitionists of the North. And
pray, what is it they viii not deny? [Great
applause They have but the one idea; and
| it would seem that these fanatics at the
| North and the secessionists Of the South are
putting their heads together to try and devise
some means to defeat the good designs Of
honest and patriotic men. Applause.1 Az
ter some other remark, Mr.. W. proceeded
l do not hesitate to say, and repeat, that il
the Northern States refuse willfully aud de-
liberately, to carry into effect that or any
other part of the constitution, the South
would no longer be bound by the compact
| Immense applause. A bargain broken on
ono side is broken on all SIDES.
| / say to you, gentlemen in Virginia as
said on the borders of Lake Erie, and in the
city of Boston, and as will say again in the
city of Boston, if am spared to have an OPP
portunity- applause 1T that youof the South
have as much right to recover your fugitive
slaves as the North has to any Of its rights
and privileges of navigation and commerce.
| desire to be understco cd, here among you,
and throughout the country, that in hope,
thought and feeling l am altogether an
American-an altogether nothing but an
American. Repeated cheering.] ! am for
the constitution. ] am as ready to fight and
to fall for the constitutional rights Of Nir-
ginia, as am for those of Massachusetts. ]
pour out to you gentlemen, my whole heart,
and assure you these are my feelings
| TCheers l would no more see a feather
plucked from the honor Of Virginia, than !
would one plueked from the honor of Mas
sachusett [Great applause.] 1t has been
proper to pursue, displeased portion Of the
people of Massachusetts. Well, suppose !
did Suppose displcased all the people oil
that State-what of that? GGreat applause
and cheering was in the Senate Of the
United States, and had sworn to support the
constitution of the United States. That con-
stitution made me Senator of the United
States--my vote bound the whole country.
TApplause. What had to do with the
instructions from Massachusetts upon ques
ton affecting the whole nation?
My vote bound the interests of the whole
country, and on metters of general policy,
and affecting the interests of the Union. !
assure you, gentlemen, cared no more for
the instructions Of Massachusetts, than did
for those Of any other State. 1t would be
Just as reasonable to expect me to vote as the
particular interests of Massachusetts requir-
ed, as it would be to expect that, as an arbi-
traitor between different individuals, was
bound to obey the Instructions of any one OF
them, Applause Could do that? Have
descended to that level? (Cries Of "Ncy
err" ';Never.") And ! hope never will.
! [Applausc.] MIR. Webster again adverted 70
the consequences ola dissolution ofthe union
pointed out the present and prospective
power aud glory Of the States as one nation.
lie spoke Of the struggle now going on n
Europe between constitutional government
and arbitrary power, and incidentally men
toned his having alluded to this subject IN a
letter addressed by him to the Austrian
Charge d'Affairs ('rhis called forth nine
hearty cheers for the letter to Hulsemann'
He then proceeded. at some length. to trace
the system of republican governments, the
practical operation Of popular Representations,
and the inevitable necessity that the will q
the majority constitutionally exercised, should
be tho sunrome law. and that law lhus or.