The republic., 1851-07-07
Second Speech OF MIR. Wcbstor at Capon
Springs.

Springs.
Mr.. j. ~ Bruce, of Winchester, being
loudly called for, expressed himself delighted
to hear the sentiments expressed by Mr.. Web
ster, and declared that, although he had diff
fered from that gentleman long, and on nearly
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. concluded with the follow
ing sentiment:
"The Fugitive Slave Law-Upon it's faithful
execution depends the perpetuty Of the Union" :"
[Applause.l
Mr.. WEBSTER said:
am glad to hear these sentiments of devotion
to the Union expressed by Mr.. Bruce, who, as
understand, has differed from me upon many sub
jects, as many other respectable and worthy men
have done. But, whatever may have been the
differences of opinion which have existed between
US heretofore, other subjects, they now for
gotten, and the only question that is now asked
Of any man is, you Union man? [Great
ehcering.l The question at this time is the Union
and how to preserve it's blessings for the present.
and for all time to come. To preserve that Union
must observe in good faith the Constitution and
all its parts. If that Constitution be not observed
and its provisions set aside, the whole Of it
to be binding. 1t would be absurd to suppose that
either the North or the South has the power the
right to violate any part of that Constitution, and
then claim from the other observance of its provi
sons [Applausc If the South were to violate
any part of the Constitution, 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 its obliga-
tions? How absurd it would be to suppose, when
different parties enter into compact for GER
tain purposes, that either Disregard any one
provision, and expect the other to observe 1t I!
/ intend to observe, and maintain, and carry
out, to its fullest extent, the Constitution of the
United States, which have sworn to support.
[Cheers.l 1t is written in the Constitution that
persons bound to labor or service in State,
Gaping into another, shall not be discharged from
such labor service because of the laws the State
into which they may escape. That is much a
part of the Constitution any other, and equal
Iy bindingGn obligatory any other. [Applause.
And who denies this? No but the abolitionists
of the North. And pray, what is it they will not
deny! GGrcat applause They have but the one
deaj and it would seem that these fanatics at the
North, and the secessonists of the South are put
ting their heads together TO try and devise some
means to defeat the good designs of honest and
patriotic men. [Applause After some other
remarks, MIR. w. proceeded: do not hesitate
refuse, wilfully and deliberately to carry into ef
feet that, or any other part of the Constitution,
the South would no longer be bound by the COM
pact Immense applause.1 A bargain broken on
one side ia broken all sides say to you, gentle
men in Virginia, as said on the borders of Lake
Erie and in the city of Boston, and as will say
again in the city of Boston, il am spared to
have opportunity, Iapplause,l that you'of the
South have as much right to recover your fugitive
slaves the North has to any Of its rights and
privileges of navigation and commerce. desire
to be understood here among you, and throughout
the country, that in hope, thought, and feeling,
am altogether American, and altogether no.
thing but American. Repeated cheering ]
am for theConstitution, and the whole Constitu-
ton. l am as ready to fight and to fall for the
constitutional rights of Virginia as am for those
Of Massachusetts,. | pour out TO you, gentle
men, my whole heart, and l assure you these are
my feelings. [Cheers.] ] would more a
feather plucked from the honor Of Virginia. than
would see one plucked from the honor of Massa
chusetts. tGreat applausel II has been said that
have, by the course have thought proper TO pur-
sue, disploased portion of the people OF Massa
chusetts. Well, suppose | did. Suppose ! dis