Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1864-11-08
EXTRACTS FROM DANIEL WEBSTER.

Other misfortunes may be borne, or
their effects overcome. If disastrous war
should sweep our commerce from the
ocean, another generation may renew it;
if it exhaust our treasury, future industry
may replenish it; if it desolate and lay
waste orr fields, still, under a new cultiva-
ton, they will grow green again, and ri
pen to future harvests. 1t were but
trife, even if the walls of yonder Capitol
were to crumbfe, fits lofty pillars should
fall, and its gorgeous decorations be all
covered by the dust of tho valley. All
these mi CHIT be rebuilt. But who shall re-
construct the fabric Of demolished govern
ment? Who shall rear again the we'll
proportioned columns of Constitutional
liberty? Who shall frame together the
skilful architecture which unites national
sovereignty with State rights, individual
security, and public prosperity? No, Gen
tlemen, if these columns fall, they will be
raised not again. Like the Coliseum and
the Parthenon, they will be destined to
mournful, melancholy immortality. Bit
terer tears, however, will flow over them,
than were ever shed over the monuments
of Roman or Grecian art; for they will
be the remnant of more glorious edifice
than Greece or Rome ever saw-the edi-
flee of Constitutional American liberty -
Hebster'S EwZ0g5um on Washington.
The secession of Virginia! The seces-
sion of Virginia, whether alone or in COM
pany, is most improbable, the greatest of
all improbabilities. Virginia, to her ever
lasting honor, acted great part in franz
ing and establishing the present Constitu-
ton. She has had her reward and her
distinction. Seven of her noble sons have,
each filled the Presidency, and enjoyed
the highest hOnors Of the country. Dolo-
rOus complaints come up to us from the
South, that old Virginia will not head the
march of secession, and lead the other
Southern States out of the Union. This,
if it should happen, would be something
of marvel, certainly, considering how
much pains Virginia took to lead these
same States into the Union, and consider
ing, too, that she has partaken as largely
OF its benefits and its government as any
other State.
And We men of the Southern States,
members of the Old Thirteen; yes, mem
bers of the Old Thirteen; that always
touches my regard and my sympathies;
North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina
What page in your history, or in the his
tory of any one of you, is brighter than
those which have been recorded since the
Union was formed? Or through what
period has your prosperity been greater,
or your peace and happiness better Sc
cured9 What names even has South Car
DINA, now so much dissatisfied, what
names has she Of which her intelligent
sons are more proud than those which
have been connected with the government
OF the United States? In Revolutionary
times, and in the earliest days of this Con-
stitution, there was no State more honored,
or more deserving of honor. Where is
she now? And what fall is there, my
countrymen! But leave her to her own
reflections, commencing to her, with all
my heart, the due consideration Of her
own example IN times now gone by.
FellOw-c citizens, there are some diseases
OF the mind as we'll as of the body, dis
eases of communities as we'll as diseases of
individuals, that must be left to their own
cure; at least it is wise to leave them so
until the last critical moment shall arrive.
hope 1t is not irreverent, and certainly
it is not intended as reproach, when say,
that know no stronger expression in our
language than that which describes the
restoration of the hayward son; "he came
to himself" He had broken away from
I'll the ties of love, family, and friendship:
he had torsaken everything which he had
once regarded in his fathers house. lie
mad torsWorn his natural sympathies, affec-
lions, ana habits, and taken his journey
INTO tar country. He had gone away
from himself and out of himself Bnt
- mislortunes overlook him, and famine
threatened him with starvation and 6aotb
no entreaties from home followed him to
oeckon him back; no admonition from
others warned him of his fate. Rnt tho en-,
hour OF reflection had come, and nature