Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-04-05
MR.. WEBSTER AT HARRISBURG

cepon appointed by the two Houses of the Legsla.
tue and conducted by them TO his quarters at He RS
Hotel where he was soon after waited upon by the
Governor, Members of the Legislature and MANY ct.
zens. he was greeted upon his arrival with great en-
thusiasm by the immense concourse which had assem-
oed IN anticipation OF his coming; and the afternoon
was spent by HIM in receiving the calls and congrau-
lahon oil citizens The events of the evening are thus
detailed by the correspondent of the American:
The two Houses of the Legislature having determin
ed TO give their distinguished Guest public and beft
ting reception in the hall OF the House OF Representa-
hves in the evening, the hall was early crowded bv a
brilliant audience, every and standing place either
upon the floor or IN the lobbies, being occupied and
te seas OF members almost exclusively by ladies' New
brilliant audience, and all were eager with anticpation
OF seeing and hearing one OF the first and ablest Of
statesmen.
Time moved slowly until about half past seven r.,
clock, when the distinguished Guest entered The hall
accompanied by the committee OF reception and fol-
lowed by Governor Johnston the heads ofthe Depart
ments, and the Speakers of the Houses of the Legsa-
ture No sooner was his entrance known than he
was greeted with the most enthusiastic huzzas and every
Representation OF the most cordial welcome.
r, Mr. webster was conducted to the centre of the
Hail. and alter the enthusiasm with which he was
greeted had in measure subsidized, was welcomed by
Governor Johnston in speech full of kindly courtesv
and genuine and eloquent acknowledgment of his tai
ents ability, and patriotism a Statesman la sub.
stance, he said:
Mr.. WEBSTER: In behalf of the constituted au,hori-
ties, and at their request, in the of the citizens of
fennsyivanla here present, most cheerullv perform
the duty OF ding to you cordial welcome to
this commonwealth 1t has ever been Distinguishing
and lively trait IN the character of the American peope
TO venerae talents and to render the long public SER
wees OF individuals the homage OF their respect and an
probation.
In this most excellent and beautiful property OF our
national character has been the constant effort of the
citizens OF Pennsylvania be conspicuously prominent
circumstances. n No I mo
pie Jailed to appreciate and reward the patriotic labors
OF strangers to her soil render the Just tribute of prde
ana admiration OF transcenden mental Abilities without
regard to sectional location or the field OF their opera
tons, whether the may have been in the discharoe
oil religious, civil, or military duty
In the lar tame, usefulness, and worth of the public
men OF the Union. our Commonwealth has felt the
same pride which the mother enjoys in the
OF beloved SON. We may differ in political PARTIAL
ties, but, is confidently hoped 10 such an extent
as to forget suy the ancient and honorable
which we have justly earned, of awarding to all men
the respect and regard due 10 their merits and services
IL not the sef-syled mother OF great men, Pennsyya
MA mas always endeavored faith uly to CHERISH protect
sustain and honor the great and good of other lands
1t would afford me great pleasure to extend these r..
marks by reference to some OF the important acts of
your long public life about the patriotism and proprietv
OF which no diversity of opinion exist if did not
feel that in so doing was OBTAINING this vast assemblaoe
OF lar ladies and worthy citizens from an inteectnaI
treat which, from its promised richness and beauty thew
may We'll be impatient to enjoy Permit me- then ei.
low citizens turning to the audence to Introduce To
your KIND attention and respectful regard the dstn-
guished Secretary Of State of the National Government
the Hon DANIEL WEBSTER.
Mi. w EBSTER, upon rising to reply was oreeted with
renewed and enthusiastic cheers. He spoke in sub
stance, as follows
Gentlemen and Members of the House of Represen-
tayes, and Fellow Citizen of Pennsylvania should
be nsensihe indeed, to the highest rewards OF pubc
service, did not appreciate the terms OF commends
ton IN which 1t has pleased your excellent Executive
TO address me, and also the warm and cordial manner
UNnh oyn
the passing visit which it my happiness to have been
able TO pay YOU Let say you that nothing could
be more just and true than what his Excelency The CO.
vernon has said respecting the general national broad
ard comprehensive political character Of the Ccmmon
wealth OF Pennsylvania ia. She has been called. and
not without strongs claims to the title the keystone Of
the Atcn Oh me Union She Is vast in extent and album
dant In wealth and resources, and remarked for the in
dustry and intelligence of her citizens Her rivers nm
the east connect with the Atlantic her rivers on the
west connect with the Mississippi and the Gulf of Mex
co. Above all, equal to ALL she has vast resonrcrs
IN point OF mineral wealth beneath her soil that entitle
her to position beyond that OF any of her sister States
she has improved her advantages with diligent indus
herself worthy before the nation and to fulfil ber mart
in The great mission of the country she has been o.
verned by local prejudices, local attachments ard mar
r T ieelnss less than any other State in the Union
She IS central in her position. She is on the line which
divides the tw portions of the country and which are
separated by local interests from the other Ru1
she dspoved always to do her duty to both admire
pennsylvania admire her tor the moderation and |
irmness, the good sense and patriotism, which have |
ever animated her in the discharge of her obligations
and in view ofquesons so we'll calculated 10 disturb
the general political harmony.
our excellent Executive has done me mora thar ma
tee IN what he has said OF my public services 1t is
long time since entered public life, quite too long for
myself ana perhaps tor my family but assert for my
self one merit only-and OF that may be proud that
It attaches me to the State of Pennsyvana-and il is
the merit ut embracing the country and the whole |
country, by what have said or done in one public sta
m al polit iaoI
dispositions OF Providence.
Pennsylvania, indeed, could not have been an insp. |
nllcant State under any circumstances If she had re-.
NAMED great In her resources, in her SOIL and in her
people, what, after ALL would the State of Pennsylya-
MIA have been, detached and isolated from the other
States OF Inc unon compared with your Pennsylvania
as a. you now behold herr lCheers.l What would she
have been with all her mineral treasures with no power
to develop Il en- without any general protection from
The national flag that carries them in pride and triumph
to- the ends OF the earth ICheersl 1t is that com.
and narrow view OF political principles, which ena-
bles this whole people to speak the whole country AZ
Their country and has made the State of Pennsylvania
what she now is and what hope she may long con-
nne to be- as before said, the Keystone of the Arch
OF the Union.
Ii had happened TO have been before this assem-
oiage 10 hs place. one year ago to-day, the first of
April OF last year, should have met you with far
less gladstone heart than now do for it is not TO be
denied that occurrences OF great import have taken place
within the last year-tha measures have been adontad
by the general concurrence OF men of all parties cacu-
lated to ADJUST oca differences and settle the aoitanp
questions OF the country 1t time that we should feel
kindly one toward another-that we should teel
that we are one people, that have one interest one
character, one liberty, and one destiny.
bore an humble but part in the procurement
OF that adjustment established by the last Congress If
not every thing that all could WISH is as much the
rational could hope for trust to your perception
10 the great degree of cheerfuness prevailirg in
soc ely around YOU and the general progress of ali in.
teress under the influence of the industry your people:
whether L VOuun dsrt ha ho,
ter auspices, toryou and for me, tor united liberty for
established determination among Governments Of the
some republican faith, Than l would have met YOU a
year since!
1t is my purpose, and do rot wish to weary YOU
by discussing any political question. This is an age of
discussion, and we people of discussion; aud all
know has been said SO often that afraid to repeat
it. But have come here 10 present in person. and to
repeat what had endeavored express by letter. my
profound acknowledgements to the Legislature of your
State for the knd manner which they pleased