Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-07-09
SECOND SPEECH OF Mr.. WEBSTER,

Mr.. J. N. Bruce, OF winchester, beng loudly called
or expressed himself delighted to hear the sentiments
expressed by Mr.. Webster and declared that although
ne had differed from that gentleman long, and on near
y every question Of public policy, he extended to him.
most sincerely, his need of appreciation. After some
remarks upon the value Of the Union, &C., Mr. B.
cluded with the following SENTIMENT
The Fugitive Slave Law-Upon its faithful execution
depends the perpetuity of the Union. [Applause
Mr.. Webster sad-l am glad to hear these senti-
ments of devotion 10 the Union expressed by Mr. Bruce,
who, as understand, has differed from me upon many
subjects, many other respectable and worthy men
have done. But, whatever may have been the differ
ences ofopinon which have existed between hereto
fore, on other subjects, they now forgotten, and the
only question that is asked of any is are you
a Union man [Great cheerlngl The question at
this time, is the Union and how preserve its blessings
tor the present. and for all time to To preserve
that Union wemust observe in good faith, the Const
tuition and all its parts. lthat Constitution be not OBJ
served and It's provisions aside the whole OF
to be binding 1t would be absurd to suppose that either
the North or the South has the power or the right to
violate any part OF that Constitution, and then claim
from the other observance OF its provisions Applause
Ii the South were 10 VIC late any part OF the const-
tuition, would the North be any longer bound by it
and if the North were deliberately to violate any part
OF it, would the South be bound any longer to observe
ts obligations? How absurd it would be to suppose
when different parties enter into compact for certain
purposes, that either disregard any provision,
and expect the other observe it intend TO observe,
and maintain and carry out, to its fullest extent, the
constitution Of the United States, which have sworn
to support. (Cheers.) 1t is written in the consi-
tuition that persons bound 10 labor service in
State, escaping into another shall not be discharged
from such labor or service because OF the laws OF the
State into which they may escape. That is as much
part ofthe constitution any other, and equally
binding and obligatory as any other. (Applause)-
And who denies this No one but the abolonists of
the North. And, pray, what is it they will not deny?
Great appause) They have but the one idea and it
would seem that these fanatics at the North, and the
secessionss of the South putting their heads to-
gether to Try and devise to defeat the good
designs OF honest and patriotic men. .Applause) At
Ter some other remark, Mr.. w. proceeded: do not
hesitate say, and repeat, that the Northern States
refuse wifuy and deliberately, to carry into effect that,
or any other part otthe constitution, the South would
no longer be bound by the compact. Immense ap-
plause.) bargain broken on one side, is broken on
all sides.
say to you, gentlemen in Virginia as said on the
borders of Lake Erie, and the city OF Boston, and
will say again in the city OF Boston, if am spared
to have opportunity-(ap plausel-that you OF the
South have much right to recover your fugitive slaves
as the North has to any of its rights and privileges
OF navigation and commerce. l desire to be under
stood, here among you, and throughout the country
that in hope, thought and feeling am altogether an
Amerlcan-and altogether nothing but an American.
Repeated cheering.l | am for the constitution, and
the whole constitution. am as ready to fight and TO
fall for the constitutional rights of Virginia, as am for
those of Massachusetts. pour out you gentlemen,
my whole heart, and l assure you these my feel
ings lCheers.) l would no more feather
pucked from the honor OF Virginia, than would see
one plucked from the honor Of Massac husetts.-
Great applause.) 1t has been said that l have, by
the course have thought proper TO pursue, dspleas
ed portion ofthe people OF Massachusetts,. Well, sup
pose did Suppose dspleased all the people of that
Stae-what of that? [Great applause and cheeringI
was in the Senate OF the United States, and had
sworn to support the constitution oil the United States.
That constitution made me Senator OF the United
States-my vote bound the whole country. 1 was
Senator for the whole country. [Applause.] What
had to DO with the instructions from Massachusetts
upon squeston affecting the whole nation?
My vote bound the interests of the whole country,
and matters of general policy, and affecting the in.
teress of the Union. l assure you, geatemen, cared
for the instructions OF Massachusetts than did
for those of any other State. 1t would be just
reasonable expect to vote the particular inter-
ests OF Massachusetts required would be expect
that arbitrator between different individuals,
was bound obey the Instructions of any OF them
ha evs Ces Of Nve And
hope never will. (Applause.) Mr. Webster again
adverted to the consequences OF dissolution OF the
Union-pointed out the present and prospective power
and glory OF the States as nation He spoke OF the
struggle going in Europe between constitutional
government and arbitrary power, and incidentally men,
toned his having alluded to this subject in letter ad-
dressed by him. some time since, to the Austrian Charge
dAffares (1his called forth hearty cheers Tor
the letter to Hulsemann He then proceeded, al some
length to trace the system OF republican governments;
the practical operation OF neutrality-suspicious. and
the inevitable necessity that the will OF the majority
consttutonay exercised should be the supreme law;,
and that the law thus ordained, keing the States col
Iecled will, should be obeyed In conclusion, he said
These, gentlemen, are my sentiments. Intend to hold
fast to them for the lew remaining days OF my lite in
the hope that, when die, may close my eyes on free,
happy, united America.
r. o. Hinkey, Esq, OF Baltimore, having observed
with pleasure the readiness with which Sir Henry L. Bu>
wer seemed to understand the character, and
into the feelings Of the people, offered the following
volunteer toast
The Representative of Great Britan-One of Broth
er Jonathan'sl friends whom he is glad to make
himself at home. [Applausel
Mr.. Rcards toast:
The Three Shres-Old Hampshire, the Union ground
on which we now meet-New Hampshire, the birth
place Of the great embodiment OF the Constitution
and Hertiordshire the home OF the distinguished re-
preventative OF the mother of them all. [Great APP
plause.l