The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-03-26
Mr.. Webs,er-ais sps.en aud Position.

The speech delivered by Mr.. Webster, nomi-
nally in opposition to the ten regiment bill, but
against the treaty, has been very generally pub
lshed In the newspapers, and has attracted
some little attention, in consequence OF the
broad opposition he has assumed in regard to
that treaty, and the developements he made of
the proceedlngsin secret session. The recent
speech, however, seems TO want all that force
and strength which have generally character
lied Mr.. Websler's illusions many PREVIOUS
occasions. OF course the speech contains a
variety of views but the principal position
assumed, looking to the future, is that on the
acquisition of territory, as contemplated by
the treaty recently RENTED to Mexico.
Mr.. Webster condemns the acquisition of New
Mexico and California, as hostile to the genius
and institutions of this republic, and calculated
to impair the Union, if not to lead to ultimate
disaster to the republican cause, and the govern
ment itself.
These are certainly very ultra views to take in
the present day, and to present measures be-
fore the people at the ensuing election, or at any
election. This speech of Mr.. Webster, in op-
position to the acquisition Of any territory,
seems to be merely revival OF the doctrines of
the old federal party of New England, which
they took IN relation TO the acquisition Of Loui-
sian =, which was accomplished by Mr.. Jefier-
son. The acquisition of New Mexico and Cali
fornia, or even a larger portion of Mexico than
we have received-even up to the Sierra Madre-
with the improvements in steam, electricity, and
other vast discoveries, is not more impossible
matter 10 accomplish with peace and sa isfaction
10 the Union, than the acquisition of Louisiana
was in the early part of the present century. In
this q the m w do n nj he icy hat
the Countrywide American people-wlll support
ne doctrine OF acquisition of the new terri
tory, in the treaty which has been transmitted
from Washington TO Mexico. Indeed there is a
serious diff-ren Of opinion on this very point
in the ranks of the WING party-differences that
will probably make themselves felt and known In
the approaching wing convention in Philadel-
phia.
According TO all appearances, Mr.. Webster,
MIR Clay, Mr. Corwin, and al the no.terrtory
wings, are assuming the same broad ground Of
hostility to the acquisition Of new territory
which the old federal SIS did, and are willing to
place themselves before the country on that great
issue at the approaching Presidential election.
Now there has been a slrsng development Of
opinion, among all parties, favorable to the ec-
QUESTION of some territory, and certainly not
hoo'ilC " wv icNos III thS ieCcHt treaty
If this question be made an important and lead
ing element in the election, it may, in less than
two months, produce such an effect as to ma
terially ipiure the cause of Mr.. Clay's nomina-
tlo2 In the convention, and elevate the pros
poets of General Taylor as candidate for
the Presidency. 1t is very well known that
the popular movements favorable to General
Taylor heretofore, have taken place prlnci-
pally In the South and Southwest, and that
similar attempts have been made in the N srih
with little or no success. Now tn movements
In the South and Southwest, either by the wn gs
or democrats, have been generally favorable to
the acquisition OF territory; and if that is made
question IN the wing convention in Phiadel.
phla, 1t is supposed that General Taylor will, at
the first start, be able to muster one hundred and
forty-six votes in that body. This is statement
made by his frlends-with what accuracy,
or how they arrive at such conclusion, is more
difficult to ascertain. 1t seems, however, to be
gradually shaping itself TO this issue-territory
or territory; and if that question should
divide the wing convention, there is probability
that Mr.. Clay, in consequence OF the position he
assumed in his speech delivered in Lexington
may be Get aside and overruled by the
popular sentiment Of the South and South west
In favor ct the recent treaty and the acquisition
oil New Mexico and California. Certainly Gen
Taylor would be in favor of new territory, al
though he repudiates the idea Of being mere
party candidate.
On the whole, we think that MIR. Webser's
speech, has opinions and positions, recently de-
livered and taken in the Senate. will have a
much greater Importance and influence over the
wing movements, and the wing nomination.
than any one can form conception Of lie has
partly thrown the question before the country.
and before his PARTY. His opposition to IN,
treaty places him in direct hostility to any ac
QUESTION OF territory, while large portion o