Mr. Webster's address at the laying of the corner stone of the addition to the Capitol; July 4th, 1851

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30 p. Without question, the most dramatic and significant Capitol cornerstone event since that of 1793 occurred on July 4, 1851. The admission to the Union of five states between 1845 and 1850 sent additional members to the already overcrowded and noisy House and Senate chambers. With the September 1850 passage of the package of laws known as the Compromise of 1850, Congress expressed its confidence in the nation's future by appropriating $100,000 to begin construction of new Capitol wings. These would be designed to accommodate larger legislative chambers and much-needed committee rooms. In June 1851, just three weeks before the cornerstone ceremony, President Millard Fillmore selected an extension plan prepared by Architect Thomas U. Walter. On an unusually mild summer's day, a large parade moved festively up Capitol Hill. Led by President Fillmore, the procession included veterans of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and individuals who had witnessed the 1793 cornerstone laying. Into a specially fashioned granite block, Architect Walter placed a glass jar containing current newspapers, documents, and 40 dollars in coins. A Masonic official sealed the cornerstone with the same trowel that President George Washington had used in 1793. Daniel Webster then delivered a deeply patriotic address that kept listeners spellbound for its two-hour duration. An artillery salute and fireworks on the mall concluded this most festive Independence Day. In this speech, Webster addresses the issue of possible southern secession, and sets forth the principles of American government. Removed from a nonce volume. [E 973.6]. N° de ref. del artículo 002808

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