The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1850-03-15
MIR. WEBSTER,S SPEECH.


Hon. DANIEL WEBSTER delivered his
speech on the slavery question in the Sen
ale on the 7,h. The Washington CITY
papers state tina, the Senate chamber, floor
and galleries, was more densely crowded
,han on any former occasion. II we may
be permitted to judge Of the speech as
reported in the Washington Union, it is
most mastery production. There is no at.
tempt at display, but the whole is plain.
concl!iaIory, conservative, yet high toned,
and breathing the most fe,venl love of the
Union. We have no doubt it will have a
mot beautiful influence on the public
mind North, and tend much towards com>
promising the officially now agi'a,ng the
country. The Washington Union has an
editorial in reference to the speech, and
speaks Of !, ia serms of high praise.
Mr.. Webster expresses his opposition to
the WIlmot Proviso. or any other Congress
sional legislation regulating Slavery, as I'M
CONSTITUTIONAL and condemns the North
e,n fanatics and the disunionisis. lie goes
for the Union, and scouts the idea Of a
peaceful dissolution. In regard TO the LAT.
ter. he says.
Mr.. President. I should much prefer tc
have heard from every member upon this
floor declarations of opinion that this Union
could never be dissolved than the decara
ton o. opinions that in any case, under
,hp prp>srre OF any circumstances. such a
dissolution was possible. | hear with pain
and anguish. and distress. the word seces
sion. when it fails from the lips of these
who are eminent. patriotic, known 10 the
country. and known all over the world. for
| their political services. Secession! Peace
able sec, s.iOn! Sir, your eyes and mine
are never destined to see that miracle.--
rhe ACKNOWLEDGMENT Of this vast country
! without cunvulsion! The breaking up Of
the fountains OF the great deep wlthon,
ruff n. The surrac,! Who is foolish enough
Il beg every bods's parlon-who is fool.
lsh enonch 10 expect 10 see any such
Thing? Sir. he WHO sees these States. now
revolving in harmony around one common
centre, and expects to see them quit their
places, and ny of, without commissions,
may look on, the next day 10 see the
hravpnIv bodies, from their spheres,
and jos,e against each other in the
realms of space. without producing a
crush Of the universe. Snch thing as
ppaceab!e secession! II is utterly impcs>
shIe. Is this constitution under which we
live here, covering this whole country, to
be lhawed and melted away by secession,
a. the snow on the mountains are melted
under The Influence of a vernal sun, to dis,
appear almost unobserved, and 10 die off!
No, sir; no. sir
And nor, Mr.. President. instead OF
speaking Of the possibility or utility OF Sc
ce.sion-insIeaL of cropping with these
IDEAS, 50 !ull of all that is horrid and horri,
ble-lvt us come out into the light of day,
and cherish those hopes that belong to u>;
lc, US devote ourselves TO lh.Se sren, Oh
i"c,s lha, are fiji Tor our consideration and
our actor, let rs raise our conceptions TO
the magnitude and the Importance o! the
duties that are developed upon Us; let our
comprehension be as broad as The country
for winch we act, and our aspirations as
high as its c-rlan destiny. Never did there
drvolvA on any g"neral"n OF rNcn higher
trusts than are now devolveG on US for the
reservation Of Ibis constitution, AID The
harmony and happiness of all that live I'M
d"rI. Il is a great popular constitutional
go"ernmen, guarded By legislation, law.
and iuhlralure, defended by the holy ailrc-
,,,n. IF ,h.. nennlo Nh irnn f. ain ,,f dos