The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-07-06

pendence celebrated in due form in this city, by the
national and municipal authorities, civil and military.
by the masonic lodges the independent order OF Odd Fell
lows and other societies. and by citzens generally.
IN accordance with the programme published in our last
In consequence Of the thunder OF the night pre-
yious the mercury had fallen many degrees from the pre-
yious days. the free from dust the weather
fne and all the elements combined to add comfort
TO those who joined in the festivities
The prominent proceedings OF the day comprised the
ceremonias Capitol HUI in laying the corner stone OF
the structure for the enlargement OF the Capitol by
the President of the United States assisted by the Grand
Lodge Of the District OF Columbia The President and
the heads OF departments the mayor and other constituted
authorities of the city, the chief Of the army,
and other principal civil and military officers, pres
ent on the occasion.
The day was ushered in by the ringing OF bells at
se and by sautes the navy yard and the different mil
tary posts of the city.
AT precisely IL o'clock the procession moved from the
City Hall, under the direction OF Richard W. Wallach,
esq., United States Marshal for the District OF Columbia.
and reaching the Capitol the President and suite and
the Grand Lodge halted at the place assigned for the
corner stone. the bottom OF excavation some fifteen
twenty feet deep. Prayer here offered by Rev.
MIR Davis, chaplain OF the Grand Lodge. The stone was
common piece Of granite, OF irregular shape, in which
excavated aparaeog cavity about twenty inches
long, twelve inches wide. and ten inches Deep for the
ception OF the archives We noticed early in the day
several pieces Of small coin Of the United States
dimes. half dimes &c.--which had been cast in by
those who volunteered 10 deposte transmatendum to
postery In this receptacle was deposited document
in the handwriting Of the Secretary OF State, and signed
by him. stating briefly the fact that the cornerstone was
II - 4 hi rttnJ Ctota~
The stone having been lowered to its place. Mr. Walters.
architect Of the proposed edice handed malst to the
President who struck the stone and pronounced TO be
laid and then returned the mallet to the architect Mr..
B. B. French, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. then
applied his square, compass and level and pronounced
the work TO be well done.
The President and suite and the Grand Master then
assembled the platform on the portco whore the
latter delivered address appropriate to the occasion
Whereupon Mr. Webster, Secretary Of State. pro-
nounced an oraton which occupied hour and half
in the course of which he stated that consequences Of The
fatigue Of the audience he should omit certain passages
of detail which may be expected to be published with
the address.
1t was impossible for us to hear distinctly all that Mr.
Webster said on this interesting occasion and ~ no
copy of his speech has been furnished would not BE-
right to state infinitely Impressions Of its character
and merits We heard him in the celebrated debate with
General Hayne when the subjects Of notification and
discussed and seemed TO that although
many years have passed since that critical period there
has been % falling off in the force and effect of his style
OF oratory There was perhaps this occasion less Of
the animation and action of ertempors delivery, but
of the easy and calm utteance OF the thoughts sug-
gesed by the nature OF the OCCASION and the character Of
the associations brought up by the condition Of
try it now u.s. compared with what X when WASH
ngton laid the of the Capitol There seemed
to be intention dwell upon any OF the party feelings
of the day. impress any other thought such SUBJ
ject than what is nseparabe from the influence of the
venersted name OF Washington in reminding all true
Americans Of the duty Of maintaining the Union and the
constitution the only real security for their favored n
stutions In this part OF the subject, Mr.. Webster
truly eloquent and enthusiastically chsered He
seemed for have forgotten his notes, and We
are inclined TO the belief that if he had done more Of
ten his whole discourse would have been impressive
Take it whole, however, OF the opinion that
it will be regarded as one Of his best Efforts and one
which the whole country will thank him for, present.
ing thoughts motives and hopes, that calculated,
this particular crss in couny's unparalleled career.
to increase the love OF union and elevate and enlarge the
patriotic and fraterna affections which constitute one
people There was allusion to the inaptude of
foreign nations the principles Of American liberty
which we did clearly understand, and which, per-
haps nigh, have been omitted, because calculated
give additional weight the which should
make us esteem country the welcome asylum for
the oppressed, from whatever quarter Of the world they
may
Two infantry companies from Baltimore, and two COM
panies of artillery from Alexandra, present. and
participated in the ceremonias. The fine weather and
expected occurrence OF the laying Of the stone
attracted large crowds OF people from the country
In consequence Of the Presidents attendance At the
Capitol the Executive Mansion not thrown open for
the reception OF vises has been usual this ami
versary. But after dark there display OF fire.
works from the grounds southerly from the Presidents
House. Immense crowds the grounds to wit
ness the display There complaint that there
rather long intervals between the different speci
mems OF the fireworks, which ought to be guarded
against in future exhibitions OF the kind After the
fatigue incidental the Fourth Of July, spectators wish
to the finest effects OF the art accomplished in the least
possible time. In the Of the whole day saw
very few persons who appeared the worse In
quence of intoxicating drnks-a happy indication Of The
progress Of the OF temperance.
(ersm