The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1830-02-18
From the Washington Spectator
MR.. WEBSTERS SPEECH.

IT man was ever called upon 10 defend
himself, his motives. and his PRINCIPLES, mr..
Webster was placed in that situation, when
nc rose, in the Senate, on Tucsday last
His political doctrines had been assalcd,
his consistency Impugned, and the chsrac.
ter of hls constituents derided. This had
not been done in the corner, or bya few
insoIcnt decloners--it was done in the
Senate Of the United States, and by men
whose talents and station Justly entitled
them TO a high degree Of respect. There
was no course left for Mr. Webster, but 10
submit, and let the torrent sweep over him,
or 10 come forth, and hcaye back the how.
ling wators upon their fountain head. And
this was no ensv task; for his opponents
bad managed their arguments with 80 much
ingenuity and popular effect, that TO turn
the tide seemed TO require The energies Of
more than one individual.
But, on Tuesday, tho calm and digifcd
Senator made his appearance, in the midst
| of an array oftalcni, learning, ana beauty,
seldom II ever surpassed in the history oi
our public debates. A more inviting au
dl,ory, q speaker Of profound argument
and stirring eloqucnce could scarcely dc
sire. There was the grave Senate ~
Judgment upon his moral cahdor THE lc
gal edvocote, 10 weigh his evidence tho
Shrewd statesman, 10 penetrate his polite
al gacity--ihe warm loser Of his country
To catch each burst OF patriotic devotion
and To relieve and embellsh the whole
! the onimatlng Countcnances Of those wbo
had mingled there, as softer spirits. from
q putor sphere. Such is iaint outline o
the assembly that, in brealhcss expcctn
tion, welcomed mr.. WebsterIrom hi, scat
We shhll not here attempt description
OF tho vigorous arguments, The warm RIO
queDce. or glowing imagery oflhc speaker
Ills mind seemed 10 perunde the assembly
TO control their sentiments, passions hope s.
and fears. The moral elmcnis around ap
pcarcd as If chained to his will, and sub
joe, TO ony shape that his purpose had dc
sired. There was not one detcrminatc o.
pinion without its Correspondent eiIect,noi
one light sally withont its playful response
! The grave deliberate sentiment would lie
mlrrorcd in the serious aspect OF the crowd
ard the burning rosy fash ns lightning
on their kindling features. The profound
and abstract opinion was not without its
charm and the lighter and more airy sug.
gostions was never wanting in dignity
At one time q torrent Of cogeDt reasoning
would bear along, as with reslsIless energy
the solemn convictions Of the assembly; &
then play of lighter feeling would spread
the pleasantly Of the hearts bright sun
abne upon each countenance. There was
the lightning and thunder Of the gathered
elements, but ever above them appeared,
- glowing serenity, tho chapgeless bow OF
peace and holy promise.
II was not more the depth cf the sneak
er's sentiments than their magnanimity.
,hat chained The audience. ltwas not the
VITAL principles which defended, 50 much
as the generous feelings which bc mani.
tested, that interested, ana thrilled the as
sembly. People do like TO see public
statesmen come forth, forgetting the place
Of his birth, the predictions Of his earlier
wears, the attachment Of local interest
dir-lsine his spirit ever the whole country
--kndIirg q. each shrine Of glorious re-
ol,cctions-rejocing Ct each maniiesta-
,inn of yirtuous merIt--spread.ng tho veil
Of charity over the anmosiiles and errors
Of the past penetrating the untried future
and presenting his whole country, en-.
compassed with tho warm affections OF his
soul' 10 the guidance Of that Almighty
hand where protection and safety alone
can be found. In this high attitude mr..
Webster stood, through all the leading sen.
l,imen,s that he uttered. il was his oouu
,ry--her pride. her glory, her hope and
fears. that we're the life and sonl, and pre-
yading spirit Of his eloquence. And the
spon,s neous burs, Of appreciation that fol-
'loxcd, showed ,ha, political prejudice, for