Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-04-23
From the Boston Courier.

taton which number of the citizens OF Boston tender
ed to Mr.. Webster to meet them at Faneul Hall to-
gether with Mr. Websters reply written after he had
learned that the hall had been refused to the citizen
by the aldermen. The letter Of the honorable Secrea
ry is brief appropriate, and dignfed viewing the whole
affair in what every one must regard as its true light
and estimating the affrOnt put upon himself IN its real
value. Mr. Webster does more than justice to the
people OF Boston and Massachusetts, when he dsavows
mparting to them the miserable spirit of folly and ia
naticsm which have been manifested by certain indvid
uals in the affairs which now occupy the public atten
ton To copy his own words "Folly and fanacism
may have their hour. They may not only affect the
minds Of individuals, but they may also seize on public
bodies of greater less dignity But their reign is des-
tined be Short where for the moment it seems
most triumphant"
I'VE omit the letter to Mr. Webster His we have
already pubshedl
The Hon Edward Everett was invited to preside at
the meeting, but obliged. account OF his health
to decline that invitation. The Hon. Rufus Choate
ken place, he would have addressed Mr. Webster in the
| name OF the assembly.
We are authorized to publish the following letter
from Mr.. Everett:
CAMBRIDGE, 10Th April, 1851
Dear Sir-I deeply regret that 1t is not in my power
10 attend the meeting proposed to be held tomorrow,
in honor Of Mr.. Webster. Long the citizens OF
Boston have been in the habit of testyng their respect
to him, there time, in my opinion, when
he better entitled to the cordial assurance OF their
confidence and gratitude, whether we consider the i'm
porance of the services rendered by him during the
past year, the weight of responsibility assumed by
him in their performance On former occasions, when
he has most efficiently contributed to the preservation
ofthe Union in times OF impending danger, he acted
with the unanimous appreciation OF his immediate con-
stituents comparatively easy task. On the present
occasion he has performed the patriotic duty, in a
crisis lar dangerous, and amidst the most depo
rabe state of public opinion at home, subjects d.
recty involving the stability OF the Government and
the peace OF the country. Called by the President of
the United States at this momentous Iuncture to the
post of chefest responsibility, he has not hesitaed to
throw himself into the breach, and to sacrifice por
ton OF his hardly earned and well deserved popularity
| to the public good.
have had occasion carefully to observe the political
course of Mr. Webster as long as have had any know
ledge of affairs For ten years we were together in
Congress- and at all other times have had great pefso
nal opportunities to be well acquainted with his views
and principles all public questions and with his ends
and objects as pablo man. have not in every in
stance agreed with him to individual opinions and
measures; but have never differed with him without
some dstrust omy own judgment. This, however, |
will say that from the Declaration OF independence to
the present day. the country has never been servedno,
not in its best days and by its best menwh greater
ability, with truer fidelity, with pure patriotism than
by Mr. Webster.
1t requires but little ingenuity in difficult times, and
in reference to subject on which the requistons OF
the Constitution variance with public sentiment,
to urge objections against any practical line OF policy
That the of the last Congress in reference to
the subject which is shaking the Union 10 the tounda
to have Them is well known. That it was his duty,
it is that ofal good citizens, to acquesce in those mea
after they became and while they continue, the
law OF the land, need not say. And 1t is my tirin
opinion that it is in small degree owing to the man
ner in which Mr.. Webster has performed his duty, in
the responsible position and the aduous circumstances
in which he has been placed that the friends OF the Uni
on at the South have been able to stand their ground
against those who seek its dissolution, and that blood
has not flowed at the North, in orcble resistance TO the
law of the land.
We cannot shut our eyes to the fact that persons hold
ing extreme opinions, at the South and at the North,
are strainng toward dissolution of the Union. The
number OF persons desiring this object at the North
suppose to be small and not very large at the South,
except in one State; but there Is very considerable
number, fear, in both sections OF the country who
reason upon the general principles the extre
mists, and tending perhaps unconsciousy-to the
same result. Where the same measure is pursued by
different PERSONS tor directly opposite reasons, we COM
monty say that the views OF one or the other are
be realized.
In the present case deem it certain that the expec.
tatioss Of both parties will in the event OF sepaa
ton OF the States, be wofully disappointed Nothing
will be gained by the South in the way OF security from
ant-slavery agitation; it will gather violence and
strength. Nothing will be gained at the North in ret
erence to the existence and extension otsavery it will
be guarded With greater vigilance, and Will seek to
spread itself in the direction of Cuba and Mexico, with
an energy OF purpose not yet displayed. All the re-
strainng and sotening influences on both sides, which
flow from the kindly union OF North and South in
body polite, and which have insured us sixty years of
almost uninterrupted prosperity, will be at once blasted
Every existing grievance complained of at the South
and at the North will be UNNECESSARILY augmented
and embttered and superadded to all will be the hoi
rors, crimes and sufferings Of civil war Regarding
these the sure result OF dissolution OF the Union
know no language too warm TO express the gratitude
we owe to Mr.. Webster and the patriotic men OF both
parties who have acted with him. for their recent SIREN
uous efforts 10 avert this calamity.
remain, dear sir, with great respect, your friend and
servant, EDWARD EVERETT.
To Hon. NATHAN HALE, Boston.
The public will be graied to learn that the common
council at meeting last night took measures TO vim
dictate the character OF the city and wipe out the stain
which the conduct oil the aldermen had thrown upon it,
The very best spirit prevailed in the popular branch of
municipal government and the country may rely
upon it that the members of this body speak the real
voice and sentiment OF Boston. The following resolu.
tons were submitted by Mr.. Otis Kimbal and adopted
by the council;
Whereas, Faneul Hall has been "consecraIed and de-
Dictated the ofthe inhabitants of Boston upon all
suitable OCCASIONS; and whereas the exclusive custody
of the is exercised by the board OF mayor and al
dermen ofthis city; aud whereas this bsaneh OF the CO.
vernment has learned with great surprise that the may
and aldermen have denied the respectful petitions OF
the citizens OF Boston for the OF said hall for the
ception of the Hon. Daniel Webster; and whereas this
board is unwilling be compromised by the action OF
the board of mayor and aldermen in the case or TO be
identified herewith Therefore,
Resolved That the Common Council deeply regret
The action OF the board OF Mayor and Aldermen in clos
ing Faneul Hall against the Hon. Daniel Webster our
illustrious elow-ctzen, whose high official position,
whose unwaverng attachment to, and unwearying de-
fence OF the Constitution, whose long service in the Sen
ate Of the United States, and whose untirng efforts in
support Of the Union, have justly endeared him to the
whole people of the United States.
Resolved That while this board would not interfere
with any rights which the Mayor and Aldermen may
have Faneuil Hall, it cannot but consider their
action in the present instance unprecedented and nIud
cous, calculated to increase, rather than dminsh the
public excitement.
Resolved, That it would have given to the Common
Council of Boston the highest pleasure to have met our
distinguished fellow citizen in Faneul Hall, TO ex-
change congratulations with him, aud hear him