Columbus Whig. (Columbus, Miss.) 1843-18??, 1844-02-29
DrFENCE OF MR.. WEBSTER.

A friend has placed in our hands, copy Of
the anew York Spectator" containing, two ve-
~ able letters in defence of Mr.. Webster
Circumstances, growing out of his connexion
with Mr.. Tyler, produced breach between
him and the Wing party which at one time,
threatened an entire separation. We are
therefore glad, TO meet with anything which
aevelopes new light upon this subject, and
which will be likely to produce an entire rec
oncIiation.
Upon the resignation Of the other members
of the Cabinet, Mr.. Webster consulted, the
Massachusetts Delegates, the Hon. John
Quincy Adams and Nj Clay, as TO the prop
er course. to be pursued by him. They all ex-
ccpt two Of the Massachusetts, members advi-
sed his continuance inthe Cabinet, MIR. Clay
naming the compIeionof the pending negotia-
ton with Lord AshbuIton, as the period of his
resignation.
Many of the wing p;pers burning with just
Indignation at Mr.. Tyhr, and not fully compre-
hending, the reasons which influenced him an
imadverted, in harsh terms upon an act which
they conceived evincet. love of Office, at the
slcrifce Of principle. 1t was natural. that this
should eDgender in ais mind corresponding
feelings of bitterness IF then under these
circumstances be manifested, becoming re-
sentiment, It is nothing but what any one would
do acting with a Consciousness of honest in-
ientons. At the conclusion of tbei treaty Of
Washington, the time of his intended resig-
nation, new difficulties embarrassed our for
eign relations. France had Unexpectedly ia
ken possession of the Marquesas Islands. This
was followed by a similar act by England to-
wards the sandwich Islands. As che IL neve.
at at loss for reason tcjustify what her pol
icy requires she claimed ii blythe. right of the
promptly uniformed the British Ministry, that
the United States could not quietly permit
their government to tai he possession of them,--
and by his remembrance they we're abandoned.
The refusal OF the Spanish Government o pay
the indemnity due TO ours, constituted another
urgent reason, which operated upon him. and
which he adjusted greatly to our advantage.
About this time, instructions had to be made
out for our new Minister to China, most i'm
porant and difficult task. which cost him two
months of intense labor. This he accomplished,
and he Immediately resigned.
We strongly Reproduced his course at the
time, but upon being better informed as to the
reasons and motives which actuated him, we
are inclined to Think we passed hasty iudg-
men'. At any rate. be now calls himself a
"Faneuil Whig,' and in his recent letter,
says he is prepared to maintain the same prin-
ciples which he advocated in IS4O-This we
think perfectly satisfactory.
His transcendant talents and manly elo-
quence viii again be exerted in defence of
Wing principles. He will come forth refreshed
and lnvigorated. from the ordeal through which
he has just passed. If doubt for awhile. res.
ted upon the public mind, in relation to the
proprIety of hls course as true Wing, It is
now dispelled, and his bright name is again, as
the effuigent sun, which has just cleared The
shadow Of the misty cloud!