Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-03-13
Mr.. wEnsrER,s SPEECH.

| The Washngtoncorresponde OF the Richmond
Republican gives the following sketch of the great
Speech delivered by WEBSTER in the Senate on
Thursday last:
Mr.. Webster's speech oday was 10 many re-
snects the most able effort il has ever been my PIES
ure TO hear in the Senate. Il was characterized by
great powers of condensation, clear and vigorous
thought, and liberality Of sentiment towards the
South. His speech will have more practical and
beneficial effect throughout the country than any
tina, has been delivered this Congress. He took
bold and decided stand on the Constitution with
reference TO The retaining of fugitive slaves, and
rebuked in severe terms The course several OF the
Northern States have taken 10 evading the provIs-
ions of the Constitution upon this subject. lie
scored the abolitionsts without stint Ut mercy, and
coming frum such a source, it can but De produc-
live of much good in the settlement of the difficnl.
lies which hang over US. He was also particularly
severe on the Northern democracy.
His remarks on the Union, and the possibility OF
peaceable secession, gowed with eloquence and fer
yor of patriotism. But he acknowledged that II
might not De impossible that repeated aggress'ms
and unmligated oppression would force dissoin-
ton of the Unun. He was not prepared 10 say that
such resistance on the part Of the South would not
be Just. He dwelt at some length on the annexa.
ton of Texas, and the motives of the South in seek
ing that consummaton-but On this point he will
find a great difference If opinion.
It was gratifying 10 see that he treated The WI.
mot provso with apparent contempt, and declared
his determination To vote against it if applied 10
a territorial government for New Mexico. He did
not make known his views on the admissions of Cal
ifornia as State, with her present constitution
these he reserves for special speech when that
question shall come up for action. itis pretty clear,
However, that he will vote for the admission, but
dissent somewhat from the boundaries laid down
by that Constitution. The proyso prohibiting sia-
very he will probably consider as harmless. and, as
he said of the provso in the bill TO establish the
government of Oregon, "senseess." This. how
ever perhaps, would be paying too little difference
TO his comprehension and judgment.
Mr. Webster suggested no plan Of compromise,
though he averred, that in the main, he approved
Of either Mr. Clay's or Mr.. Bells. He was in ia
vor of some grand scheme Of colonization, and was
willing to appropriate the proceeds of The public
lands of the South to the object Of coonIzng freo
people Of culor. The proceeds Of the public lands
Of Virginia had amounted to $50, O0O,O0O, and
would probably reach Two hundred millions He
rebuked The Northern States, who. through their
Legislatures had instructed their Representatives
how to act On the subject of slavery. He believed
that the Legislatures Of States or The Represen-
ta,iyes. had no business with slavery in the
States. 1t could not he reached without violating
The Constitution. He would always maintain the
faith Of The Government