The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-06-29

a
opinion the result is that his views always offered
with the confidence which thorough conviction oil
their accuracy necessarily produces, but at the same
time with the modesty which attends upon true
and transcendent talents.
He investigates every subject with commanding
and comprehensive spirit with tone OF general JUS
tice, full knowledge of maritime usages and dispo-
ston 10 consider the laws of nature and nations as the
unwritien law of the world, rather than the munich
pal code Of single nation; and he draws from all
sources, ancient and modern the best and soundesi
principles TO aid TO illustrate and confirm his own
judgment. With him, the grave learning OF Grotns,
and the elaborate examinations Of Bynkershoek, the
acute and the profound elementary principles OF Vat
tel, the argumentative commentaries and luminous
treatise of Rutherforth and the enlightened produc-
tons Of other pubicists of continental Europe, he Is
as perfectly familiar with the writers Of his own
country. He manifestly reposes upon them, even
when he does not cite them; and transfuses into his
diplomatic communication, whatever they afford OF
general doctrine just Interpretation, upon al qWs-
tions involving principles Of international law. 10
reading his communication TO the British Minister,
Mr. Fox, one scarcely knows which most TO admire
the simplicity of his principles the classical beauty of
his dcton the calm and dispassionae spirit Of his in
vestigatons his firm and patriotic estimate of conse-
quences his deep Indignation of wrong, chaslened by
habitua moderation, that peivading knowledge Of
European controversies, and the principle which led
to their adjustment, and the deep insight into the sp
rit OF war, and the duties and obligations OF nations,
recognizing and acting upon the refined and civilized
code Of international law This communication is re-
plete with erudton, fine reasoning distinctions
and solid principles such might well gudethe sober
of the cabinets of the European world and
a strong light upon its oracles. Who has written
with so much purity of principle, so consontnl with
the spirit of the age, such sound sense uchprecse
judgment such practical proprety, on the leading
points Of an aggressive war Who has ueaed the
whole subject OF International law in throwing he
shield of immunity over the shoulders, over man
who executes the high behes OF his sovereign, full
ly, SO profoundly, so truly, with view to lis Justice
and advancement, as MIR. Webster In short who
possesses more comprehensive experience, and a
deeper knowledge of our foreign relations or the prn
cipes which should form the basis of our negotiations
with foreign powers OF all the duties assigned to
Executive agents. those ached to the Department of
State are the important. From their peculiar
ture they require mind not only Of the first lusre
but likewise one regulated by habltual prudence. He
who discharges them should moreover, be possessed
of the public confidence. man more eminenty
combining these qualifications not, perhaps to be
found, than Mr. Webster.
A state of continual peace is not 10 be expected
Little does he know Of the condition of mankind
little does he know of the signs of the times the
other side of the Atlantic this who supposes the
repose of The world is settled The eayen is at work
in Europe. Popular rights have never acquired such
consistence and organization, individuality of being
and yet such universally of influence such constant
exertion, and such depth of hold the interests and
affections, the sentiments and opinions Of the c
zen and communicating now exert tremendous
power in European affairs and effect every possible
lation of life. High are the murmurs and complaints
against the inactive disposition of the Cover nment of
England. The jealousy of the English Government
towards Russian greatness, whose colossal mass of
ysiral strength and whose principles of policy, TO
reign and domestic, much to be dreaded is daily
augmenting. Austria is now engaged in contracting
an alliance to aid her in the prosecution Of her views
pdofar To- NJ
her q eat rival France. Any interference by any OF
the powers 10 the internal of Turkey will
beget mutual jealousy and opposition. Our affairs
with England unadjusted and threaten serious
difficulties.
England is at this time the formidable power in
the world she has the most numerous army and navy
at her command. We, on the contrary, are the most
nation earth; most rapidly improving in
those very particulars in which she excels The ques.
ton presents itself will the greater power permit the
less attain is destined greatness by natural growth
or will she take measures to disturb her advance
ment2 Those who know the history of nations, will
not believe that rival will look unmoved on this pros
perity 1t has been said that nations have heads.
Every statesman and every Who loves his country,
who wishes to maintain the dignity of that country,
to see il attain the summit of greatness and prosperity
regards the progress of other nations with jealous
eye. The English statesmen have always 50 acted
Moreover we have a Government of order,
perfectly distinct from all which preceded it, A
Government founded on the rights of man, resting
not on monarchcal authority, not prejudice, not
superstition, but reason. This is another source of
jealousy.
At such conjuncture as this it must be remarked,
that must be matter of congrauation indeed that
we find man of Mr. Webster's transcendent talents,
called to preside over the State Department 1t is to
he presumed that in all treaties diplomatic commu-
nicalons with foreign countries, the influence of
tiona attachments will induce him to promote, far
possible the welfare of the United States, and
protect our national sovereignty vital right II
would indeed be novelty in political history, that an
who stands deservedly high with his
ow-countrymen should PROSTATE their rights and
their power at the foot ola foreign prince Gratitude
personal respect love Of power lofty sentiment and in
short, every motive which can actuate the human
mind operate to produce such result.
An acute and lively senshillty to every invasion of
our national sovereignty of the rights of property
of commercial privileges, is one OF the strongest
of freedom in modern times, and there
is no people earth more distinguished for II than
the cilizens of The United States Judging from the
past, we may unhesitatingy predict that this spirit
which is prominent in the character OF the people Of
the nited States has been thoroughly imbbcd by our
Secretary OF State
But the American people must be satisfied from re-
cent Developments that there is dsreputabe plot to
sacrifice the reputation of lustous American citizens
whose names are entwined with all that is splendid
and profitable in the history Of American legislation
that The political friends of Mr. Van Buren, may reign
These men boast that their presses and their pens ex
MIR Adams and they fondly fatter them
selves that before the eyes of the nation shall be open
to their selfish schemes and wicked combinations that
they will bury Mr. Webster in the political grave
and thus overthrow the administration. We cannot
understand the feelings of those who would level
has been most eminent among us-who
would pluck down from the sphere, in which the com
mon consent of the people has fixed them names
which are inseparaply combined with the annals and
with the renown ofthe republic. Parties may be gra-
titled by this temporary degradation; but America has
an interest in the preservation of their fame Mr.
Webster has, OF late become the subject of the most
yindictive persecution. While those who have had
the most favorable opportunities of becoming acquaint
ed with his public character have honored him with
the most unequvocal tokens of their confidence and
regard he has been assalled by his enemies with de-
gree of rancor and vitupeation unparalleled in the