Richmond semi-weekly times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 184?-1853, 1852-06-11

"'ttCN jtttNU0 ~ Lttftttt ~ GOStef, al Con
stitation Hall, Ne,o York, on Tuesday evening
4h Nay, 1852.
CONCLUDED.
1t Is IN this common law branch of the consti
tuition, among these middle-men Or political par
tizans, that the real difficulty lies. do not mea,
| to insinuate, that they are actuated by any sin
ster motive-but they are mistaken in thei
views. If you talk to these mon, you will fine
them all in favour of Mr.. Webster, but they shrus
their shoulders and say sit is in1possble-bf
VIII not run with the people and therefore we
ought not to take him up. 1t would be glory
to this county, to have such chief magistrate
1t would add to our respect abroad-but we can
not elect hint will not do.''
Thus we find that every body is in favor of Mr.
Webster, but, all this class seems to think that
every body is against him. Have you not wit
messed this state Of things. 1t is passing strange.
and was unable to account for this strange par
adOx till looked into it little more closely On
inquiry OF these people the reason for their opin-
ion, | found invariably they expressed the appre-
hension that Mr.. Webster too great man
to run with the people. That the people had
no sympathy with great men and would not vote
for them.
Now this do not hesitate to pronounce most
damnabie political heresy loud cheers.) A
heresy of the most dangerous consequence One
existence and prosperity, TO put down. If for no
other reason, than to put it down, we ought to
use our utmost exertion to prevent its application
to this case, and have Mr.. Webster nominated.-
Why such principle would discourage all efforts
on the part of great minds to acquire distinction.
1t would destroy all stimulus to great exertion.-
Like the Upas would blight everything which
approached it.
1t is as false too, in fact, as it is dangerous and
deStrur in ifs t. =.
that the people do not sympathise with able
and efficient men. On the contrary mankind are
so constituted as to admire such men, and to be
disposed to support and encourage them: this is
natural. The great masses of the community act
out their natural feelings and give them fair plav
1t is wise provision of nature. When mankind
admire ability and efficiency it encourages minds,
gifted by nature, to become by industry able
and efficient, and thus useful to the community.
People never object to man because he is
great. Pride, vanity, and ostentation constitute
objections and they Objectionable to the peo-
pie whether they appear in great men or in pre-
| tenders to greatness. Here is also wise provi-
sion, for such qualities to destroy all sympathy
with the common class Of nankind-all DISPOSE
ton to consult their interests and promote their
happiness
Is Mr.. Webster one of that description Let
the mechanics of Boston-the farmers of New
Iidii)SUtTG--Of bllo 1df11eFS ana fishermen OF
Marshfeld answer that question. | have heard
it said that Mr.. Webster was taken up as candi-
date in this city by the rich bankers and mer-
chants of Wall street. And this has been said
with a view to blight his prospects with the peo-
pie. GU know BETTER. you know very well
that where there was one of that description,
there were dozen boss mechanics who Joined in
bringing him forward.
The people can distinguish between pride and
ostentation, and that kind of retired habit which
results from difidence or deep reflection. Some
of the most retired men have ever known have
been the freest from vanity and pride. Witness
the late Dr. Alexander, of Princeton, one of the
most modest men that ever lived, and yet no one
ever approached him without the conviction that
he was truly great man. Why, we have among
our own citizens distinguished merchant whose
munificent philanthropy has carried an enter
prise, so honorable to our whole nation, into the
very frozen seas; and yet this gentleman, from a
retiring disposition, modestly declines the public
testimonials laid at his feet. Do you think, how
ever, that if Mr.. Henry Grinnell should be
proposed as candidate for an honorable public
office that unpopuarity could be urged against
his availability! (Great applause.)
Mr. Webster is man of deep reflection, and
therefore often retred-but that profound refec-
ton has served to impart those qualifications
which ought to be his passport through prelimi-
nary political conventions to the people, who, if
he once gets fairly before them, will soon show
you that he is the most popular candidate that
be presented for their suffrages, by any party or
any set ofmen.
But, from some strange cause or other the
ton has, within a few years past, among poiti-
clans, become prevalent in this country, that very
great men will not run before the people. They
may not always run. There are exceptions to
all general rules. great man by his peculiar
course of conduct may have made many friends
and many bitter enemies. He may be violent
and arbitrary in his views, unconciatng and
bitter in debate when opposed Mr.. Webster
is known to be exempted from that objection.
1t is time this notion should be discarded 1t has
no solid foundation to rest upon. No country
ever did or ever will rise to greatness or glory
without master minds. Look back at Gree &c or
Rome. The London Times has lately broached
the idea that Mr.. Webster could not be made
President, because he is too great man. 1t is
surprising that the editor of that distinguish
/. ed paper should think so, because he is preudced
against Republican institutions and knows but
little ofthe working of ours In him, it is sheer
at us, for he knows very we'll that England has
been distinguished for her galaxy of great men
that from Cecil, under the lofty and imperial
Queen, down to Lord Derby in the reign of the
pure and virtuous Victoria long line of states
men, able, distinguished, of large views have
guided and regulated English affairs, and have
raised England to the height where she now
stands.
What could have given rise to this strange in
fatuaton in this country? Is there any thing in
our example different from the example of other
great countries? We started into existence but
yesterday, speaking in reference to the age Off
tions. We rose up under the auspices OF Wash
ington-the man OF the largest aud most compre-
hensive mind of his age-and surrounded with
men Of great and distinguished ability. We now
stretch from the Atlantic to the shores of the Pa
ciic. The Commerce of the World is within our
grasp-our Mines inexhaustible-our terrific
ry unparalleled in extent and fertility, is to be
filed up. What prospect is here presented for
future glory and greatness Are to rise to this
glory and greatness without the lead and guidance
Of mastcr minds Il we are then the lnWs of hu-