Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-03-05
Correspondence Of the Baltimore Patriot.
WAsHIscroS M,un.x M.L 90,

The Senate Chamber, to- day, was the scene of
another most animated and eloquent debate.
our readers will remember the eratuirous as
sault made by Mr. Cuthbert Of Georgia on Mr.
Webster, on Monday last, when that distinguished
statesman sent in his resignation To d,v be 20
newed it in the same spirit; and ende,yourcd IN eT
hioit Mr. w. as on enemy 10 the South because
as was alleged, he entertained the opinion thai
Congress possesses the Constitutional power TO pro
hlbit the slave trade between thy States. He ore.
scented what he was pleased to call the proofs of
TINS allegation; and what think you did il amount
tot The bare fact that Mr. Webster had presided
at public meeting, where a memorial 10 Congress
was resolved upon, in which the doctrine was as
serted! This too was twenty years agol and no,
particle OF evidence was given that Mr. Webster
proceeding.
The Senator from Georgia had the folly to ina
gne that this charge would make the people of the
South disregard all Mr. Webster's own antbenliea-
ted, clear and well understood public d.elarations
1 he friends OF the iustriouS Statesman NAV well
thank Mr. e. for the impotent attempt TO bring
odium upon hIm-fOr never was any public man
more glonousy indicated.
Mr. Preston was the first to speak He had MOI,
stopped 10 inquire into what opinions MIR w ebs,er
may nave held formerly, because II was well known
there had been progressive change in public sen .
tment on these questions, which so nearly concern
the rights and interests Of the South Southern
men themselves were prepared in bygone yesrs
to move IN Congress for the abolition Of slavery in
the District of Columbia. lie had heard the de.
claralions OF Mr. Webster at AeTandria, and had
heartily Telolced at them n Southern man-wben
uttered by one who could command such influence
and sway mems minds with such unbounded an.
thorlty. lie was glad that MIR Webster felt strono
enough to go home 70 the North. and avow in Mas.
s1chusetts, New Hampshire, on the banks of the
hudson, the same sentiments he proclaimed nt
AleKandra-and that on visiting the Capitol oil
Virginia, he had reasSerted them.
In the course oil his remarks, Mr.. Preston auoted
the memorable passage from MIR. Webster's speech
at Richmond, declaring that Congress has no power
TO interfere directly or indirectly IN the sligbest de-
gree with the domestic institutions of the Soptb
lie rected II with peculiar spirit and awakened IN,
enthusiasm oithe audience by the eloquence of I'M,
manner Aner such declarations he ielt that m,
interests Of the South we're perfectly safe in IN,
hands Of such a man.
AS to the sentiment which had been attributed T.,
him by Mr.. Cuihbeu, Mr.. Preston said tbot Mr.
Webster had in the great Mississippi case, lstely
argued before the Supreme Court m,intatned in
deed the power Of Congress- to re ,ulate comrsrc,
and trade between the States, but expressly drew =
distinction between the power to regulate. and IN,
power TO nbrogae-and IN that, matters stood or
the same ground with Southern men. engaged n
the same cause.
Afer this speech, Mr.. Cuthbert agsin rose. and
alter repeating his assaults on Mr. Webster. com
menced regular attack on those who had paid lusl
s'"u.C' W H7 Ethlut hUu Character. lie wondered
that Mr. Clay should have euIogized him. since Mr.
Webster and Mr.. Clay had been The saij) 50 ire.
qUenuy opposed. lie dwelt on this top,e and ,,ss.
ted much amusement by his unique style Of oeIiys
~.
Mr. Clay replied. lie said there was no nsc.,
sty for the present exhibition by the Senator fror
Georgit because he might have raised the discus
sion when the nomination Of Mr.. Webster. a.
Secretary Of State, should be brought before N,
body.
In'nnswer 10 what had been said bout difference
/ OF opinion between him and Mr. Web
sieri he remarked there would never be co-opera
ton among public men, ifidentity Of sentiment an,
opinion was required. No errorcan be greater tina,
That Of Judging Of human character by single oe
| ana opinion twenty years ago. Much difference o
| opinion has always existed as 10 that point Sun
pose the imputauon we're lust, what does Il amour
oa % 'uen mao to be Judged by a single eonsu
Mr. Clay reminded Mr.. Cuthbert that he wos oc
ting now With Mr.. Calhoun. Did thai assertio,
prove that he was a nullfer1
| mf Cuthbert had agreef with Mr. Clay as IN III,
policy OF the war Of 1919. Mr. 1l,v SAID ,be,o 90
aroher war Far more dangerous 10 the bsriss N ,bi
Iounuy-the domestic war commenced bv Andres
Jaekson and throughout that, his dis,iog1;sbsd an,
gallant Trend from Mass ichusetts had s,ood bss;d,
him, shoulder 10 shoulder ''''''
=, On me subject o. Abolition, Mr. CLAW said III,
Mr. Webster's feelings were as much in
wth the feelings Of the South, as were tboss ~ M
tCuIhbeu. ''O'e VI y"