The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-21

MAnsHrIELb, April Is, 1861.
GEsTLEMEN; / duly received your letter OF the
18th OF this month, and had fully made up my
mind to comply with your invitation; for, although
have entertained no purpose OF discussing further,
at present. the political questions which have 30
much agitated the country, yet could not deny
low citizens for mutual congratuation upon an es-
cape, 30 far, from dangers which one year ago 80
seriously threatened the very existence of our
tiona institutions; and upon the prospect of an
carly return in all parts Of the country, of feelings
of good will and reciprocal regard,
But the newspapers of this afternoon inform me
that the board Of aldermen have refused your re-
quest for the use of Faneuil Hall. care nothing
for this personally, except that il deprves me Of
the qualification OF seeing you; although it. aup-
posed that the general voice Of the people of Boston
approved this proceeding, il woul, confess cause
me the deepest regret The resolution DENYING
you The Hall has been adopted, If mistake not by
the same board which has practically refused to
Join with the other branch OF the city government
in offering the inequalities of the city to President
Fillmore.
Gentlemen, for nearly thirty years have been
in the service of the country, by the choice of the
people OF Boston, and the appointment Of the Legis
iature OF Massachusetts, My public conduct
through the whole Of that long period, is not
known, and cheerfully leave it to the judgment
Of the country, now and hereafter.
Since the commencement of March of last wear
! have done something, and hazarded much, to
uphold the Constitution OF the United States, and
to maintain interests of the most vital importance
to the citizens of Boston. And shall do more,
and hazard more, whenever, in my judgment, it
becomes necessary that more be done, or more be
hazarded. l shall perform, with unhnching per-
severance, and to the end, DUTY TO MY WHOLE
covsTRY; nor do ], in the slightest degree, fear
the result Folly and fanaticism may have their
hour. They may not only affect the minds of in
dviduals, but they may also seize public bodies
Of greater less dignity. But their reign is des-
tined to be short, even where, for the moment, il
seems most triumphant. We, of Massachusltts
ar mt ftod In mfr nltt 81 A.,~x
such as would rcproach our ancestors, destroy our
own prosperity, and expose US to the derision Of
the civilized world. No such future is before us.
Far otherwise Patriotism, the union of good
men, fidelity to the Constitution in all its provi
sions and that intelligence which has hitherto en-
abled the people of this State to discern and to ap-
preciate their own political blessings, well as
what is due TO their own history and character,
will bring them back TO their accustomed feelings
OF love OF country, and Of respect and generation
for its institutions.
am, gentlemen, with the most sincere regard,
your obliged friend, and very obediont servant.
DANIEL WEBSTER.
To Messrs. GEonoE G. SMITH, CALEB EDDY, Asa
SWALLOW, URrEL CRocKER, and others.1
The Hon. Edward Everett was invited to preside
at the meeting but was obliged. on account Of his
health. to decline that invitation The Hon. Rufus
Choae was then requested TO preside, and, had the
meeting taken place. he would have addressed Mr..
Webster in the name of the assembly. ebin
We are authorized to publish the following letter
from MIR. Everett W
CAMBRIDGE, 10th April, 1851.
DEAR SIa deeply regret that il ia not in my
power to attend the meeting proposed TO be held
tomorrow, in honor of Mr.. Webster. Long a. the
citizens of Boston have been In the habit Of testi
tying their respect to him, there never was time,
In my opinion, when he was better entitled to the
cordial assurance of their confidence and gratitude
whether We consider the importance of the SER
vices rendered by him during the past year, or the
weight of responsibility assumed by him in their
performance. Oh former occasions, when he has
most efficiently contributed 10 the preservation of
the Union in times Of impending danger, he acted
with the unanimous appreciation Of his immediate
constituents; a comparatively easy task. On the
present occasion he has performed the same patri-
otto duty, in crisis far moro dangerous, and
amidst the most deplorable divisions OF opinion at
home, on subjects directly involving the stability
Of the Government and the peace Of the country.
Called by the President Of the United States, at
this momcntous uncture, 10 the post Of chiefest
sPons'bility he has not hesiated to throw himself