The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-29
Rsv,,ss 10 boston RalIroad Committee.

From several hundred answers 10 invitations TO
be present ut the recent Railroad Jubilee In that
city, the papers Of Boston publish the following
from persons Of high official position That OF the
Governor of New York is worthy of particular at
tenton on account Of the liberal sentiments 1t con-
tains:
From the Secretary Of STATE.
BosroH September 8, 1851
GynrLEMES: | acknowledge with all due re-
spect the honor conferred on me, and communlca-
ted through you by the City Council of Boston, in
inviting me TO attend the proposed Railroad Jubi-
lee on the l7th 18th, and 18th OF this month.
/ regard the occasion, gentlemen, one Of high
aud peculiar interest, likely 10 be honored by the
presence of many distinguished persons belonging
to this and other States, and also to the adjacent
British Provinces; and assure you, gentlemen,
that it is with extreme regret that feel obliged TO
say that it is not in my power 10 accept the invita-
ton of the city government.
am, gentlemen, with sincere personal regard,
your obedient servant,
DANIEL WEBSTER.
To Messrs. Francis Briney, ii. M Holbrook Ezra
Lincoln, Albert II. Minot, N. A. Thompson,
Henry j. Gardner, Otis Kimball, Committee.
From the Governor of Nelo York
ALBANY Sept. 8, 1851
GEnTLEMKS: have had the honor to receive
your letter, requesting to unite with the muni-
cipal authorities OF your city In celebrating ''the
completion of the various lines OF railway which
connect Canada and the Great West with the tide
waters at Boston" regret sincerely that my en-
gagements are of such a nature as to preclude an
acceptance of your invitation. You must permit
me, However, TO congratulate you upon the success
which has crowned your efforts, and to express my
admiration of the wisdom and energy displayed by
your citizens in the completion ofa system OF i'm
provements alike honorable to the fame of your
city and conducive to its growth and prosperity.
We, the people OF New York, claim to have some
interest in the trade of the Great West, for which
you are reaching. Yet we have desired to act the
k~fF fyhh fnuya rdl
you. We have you invading our soil, filling
our valleys, boring our mountains at some points,,
levelling them at others, and turning your steam
engines loose upon TO run up and down, roam
ing at large throughout borders. Indeed, it
has long been evident that you intended to ride
US in your efforts to entice away our western
brethren. But no voice of complaint or OF resist
ance has been heard. We are patient and ac-
commodating people. Instead of employing our
sovereignty TO arrest your aggressions and repel
your bold incursions, our Legislature has contri-
buted largely to the success OF your designs. |
am somewhat curious to know at what point your
next encroachments will begin. There are limits
to human endurance, and must warn you to pause
and take breath before making fresh tracks upon
our territory.
We have never desired to monopolize the west
ern trade. After yielding to you share sufficient
to satisfy any but an inordinate and grasping am
btion, enough will remain for US. fair survey OF
the vast and fertile region beyond the lakes, and
just estimate of its resources, its rapid increase in
population and production, and lts wonderful pro-
Rress in opening new communications, ought TO
extinguish all narrow, local jealousies among the
States and cities of the seaboard The exgencies
of such country demand a liberal and enlightened
policy Let us have ample room and free scope
for all. A manly and generous competition Is
beneficial to every interest The vast and swell
ing commerce of the western lakes VIII furnish
fun and profitable employment for all the artificial
lines Of communication that have been opened
We are willing you should share with us in advan-
tages proceeding from source inexhaustble.
In my CONCENTRATIONS of the subject, i always feel
that New York can afford to be not only just but
magnanimous. With great respect, your ODE
dent servant,
WASHINGTON HUNT.
Hon John P. Bigelow, Francis Brinley, and others,
Committee.