Washington telegraph., 1851-05-07
Reception of Daniel Webster at Harrisburg


committee of reception'ap appointed by the
two houses OF the Legislature, and con-
Quoted by them to his quarters a: Herr's
Hotel. where he was soon waited upon
by the Governor. members of the Legis-
lature, and many citizens. He was greet
ed upon his arrival with great enthusiasm,
by the immense cOncourse which had
assembled in anticipation of his coming;
and the afternoon was spent by him in
| receiving the calls and congratulations of
| our citizens.
The two houses Of the Legislature hav-
ing determined to give the distinguished
guest public and beitting 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 lobbes, being occupied, and the
seats of members almost exclusively by
ladies. Never did the hall of the House
dence, and all were eager with ansicipa-
ton Of seeing and hearing one of the first
and ablest of statesmen.
Time moved slowly until about half
| past seven o'clock, when the distinguish
| ed guest entered the hall, accompanied
| by the committee of reception, and fol-
lowed by Governor Johnson, the heads
of the Departments, aud 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 cor
dial welcome.
W. A<.hc tod To
centre of the Hall, and. after the enthusi-
asm with which he was greeted had i'll
| measure subsided, was welcomed by
Governor Johnson in speech of kindly
| courtesy and genuine and eloquent ac-
acknowledgement of his talents, ability and
patriotism as a statesman.
Mr.. Webster, upon rising to reply. was
greeted with renewed aud enthusiastic
cheers. He spoke in substance as follows:
Gentlemen and Members Of the House
of Representatives., and FeLI0lO-Cltl.
Gems Of Pennsylvania:
If had happened TO be before this
assemblage. in this place. one year ago
to-day, on the first of April of last year,
l should have met you with far less
gladstone heart than l now do; for it Is
import have taken place within the last
year-that measures have been adopted
by the general concurrence of men of all
parties, calculated to adjust local differ
ences and settle the agitaung questions
Of the country. 1t is time that we should
feel kindly one toward another-that we
should feel that we are one people, that
we have one interest, one character, one
liberty, and one destiny.
/ bore an humble hut earnest part in
the procurement of that adjustment estab-
llshed by the last Congress. If not every
thing that all could wish, it is as much
as the rational could hope for. trust 10
your own perception 10 see the great
degree ofcheerfulness prevailing in society
around you, and the general progress of
| all interests under the influence Of the
industry of your people; and ask you
| whether l do not meet you under the
better auspices for you and for me, for
| united liberty, for established fraternixa-
| ton among Governments Of the same
republican faith, than would have met
| you year since.
1t is hot my purpose, and do not wish
to weary you by discussing amy political
| question. This is an age of discussion,
and we are people Of discussion; and all
| I know has been said so often that am
afraid to repeat it. But have come here
to present in person, and TO repeat what
l had endeavored to express by letter,
my profound acknowledgements to the
| Legislature of your State for the kind
manner in which they were pleased to
take notice Of a recent act OF my official
| life. 1t is a compliment, the remembrance
OF which I shall carry with me to the
grave.
1t has appeared, and does appear, that
the time has come in the progress OF
affairs, in view of the growth Of the
country, its vastly increased population
and highly elevated character i'll the scale
Of improvement. when we, the descend
ants of :hose who achieved the independ-
ence and established the Constitution of
this country, are bound to speak out TO
the whole world of mankind, and bear
| testimony to the cause of popular rePubll-
can government. Tremendous applause
| Let other governments do as they will,
it is not our duty to traverse the earth
and make proselytes. Our business is to
make proselytes by our example-to con-
meet mankind to republicanism by show
ing what republication can 10 III promot'
ing the true ends of government Fro
Ionged applause.] BY this we can 40
more than by thousand emissanes-mofe
than ten thousand Peter and Hermits.
We will place in the political armament
a sun, bright-glowing and cheering. the
warming influence of which all shall feel
and know.
Our destiny is great; and any man fall
ing short of lis full comprehension is not