The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1851-03-29
MR.. WERSTER'S SPEECH.
On TUESDAY. at ANNAPOLIS.

Daniel Webster had been invited to a
Dinner at Annapolis given by the men,
bers of the Convention. In The Bulti-
more San we find the following speech
delivered by him on that occasion 1t
is highly eloquent and patriotic, and was
called out by the following toast:
"Daniel HeJster.-Maryland demon
strates her attachment to the Union by
honoIing its ablest defender. TGreat
and enthusiastic cheering.
Mr.. Webster then rose, and so soon as
the applause had subsidized, addressed the
company as follows:-
Mr.. President and Gentlemen: Iber
leave to assure you that | esteem most
highly this testimony Of respect. find
myselfin thepolitical capital of the 10y.
al Union State Of Maryland. | find
my self at a table at which many of the
most distinguished men Of the State, of
all parties and descriptions of politics,
are assembled; and it is on that account
that regard this as particular and
striking memorial of respect and honor
to myself. But, gentlemen, am moth
ing. 1t is the cause that is everything.
You are pleased to honor me only be-
cause | support, SO far as my ability
will allow, the cause which is so dear to
us also dear to all good men in the
country. 1t is the cause of Union; it is
the cause of the preservation of the
States, ii is the cause of maintaining all
these political associations and princi-
pies which have made the United States
what they are.
1t is not for me to argue the value of
the Union in this company. | came
here rather to be refreshed and edited
by what have heard of the proceedings
ofthe Convention already. Its resolu-
tions Of the 10th ofDecember are to me
an expression SO powerful, so authentic,
so conclusive upon the judgement of Ma
ryland, that read them at first, and read
them since, and read them now, with
undiminiShcd delight. Why, gentle
men, should no more think Of arguing
the question Of the importance of the
Union in this assembly than | should
think of going back to argue the proprie-
ty of the Declaration of independence,
Or to argue the expediency and the glory
of having adopted the Constitution un-
der which we live, or of arguing the
general utility aud honor and renown
of Washington's administration. Who
doubts all these things here | am sure
not me. | came then, gentlemen, as
learner; not as teacher. | came to
partake of the sentiments that fill all
your hearts. came to be edited and
by those noble and patriotic
which have been made in
this Convention, formed, as have said,
of distinguished men of all parties, COM
ing together with a unanimous senti-
ment, and affirming their opinions in
favor of the Union and whatsoever tends
to strengthen that Union by unanimi-
ty which cannot fail to be regarded.
Allow me to say, gentlemen, that your
resolutions Of the 10th of December will
reach to the extreme North, the extreme
South and the extreme West, and every
body will say that, amidst all the varie-
ties that may prevail elsewhere, the re-
spectacle and eminent and distinguished
Statc--the central State of Maryland
is Union to the back bone, and thorough
ly.- Applause
There are observation-disclosures arc rec
which naturally influence the
mind of man. | have passed around to-
lay among scenes which were visited in
old times by Washington, | have been
in the room where he performed that
crowning act of his military life, the res
gnation Of his commission. remember
hat he said on that occasion, "Having
performed the work assigned me, now
ask the indulgence of my country to re-
lire from public service" General
W ashington, with all his sagacity did not
his own destiny. He did
not see the long track of influence which
was to follow his revolutionary charac-
.er. Nay, nor when, many years after
wards, he retired from the civil admin
of the country, did he then
cease to exercise an influence in the
public concerns and sentiments of his
he never will cease. He
said, "Having performed the work as.
signed nc, lretire from public service"
He has never yet performed the work
assigned him, and never will until the
end of time; because, gentlemen, that
great and glorious work still remaining
will ever uphold his preceprs, his exhor-
tations, and his example-the import
lnce and the value of this Union of the
States. Applause.] In that respect
he works now, and will work ever, so
long as his memory shall not be efaced
from the records of mankind. | think
hear him say to-day, in the language
which he expressed when he sent the
present constitution fthe United States
10 Congress, "Our great concern has