The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-03-09
MR.. WEBsTER's SPEECH.


iy hour on Thursday, The ladies occupied half OF
the seats OF members, and muttudes were excluded
Tor want OF room, hlr. Walker declined speaking
and MIR. Webster proceeded with his speech.
Mr.. Webster said the country looked to this body
with confidence to calm the winds ofagtation With
an anxious heart, he could speak and perform his
part lie proceeded 10 show that the difficulty arose
cut OF the Mexican and the consequent proceed
Ings respecting the formation of territorial govern
ments. He reviewed the subject of slavery, tracing
Its progress through different phases from the ancient
Jews, Greeks and Orentals to modern times The
Introduction and spread Of christianity had aroused
mems minds to the enormity of the SYSTEM The
north had been religiously educated to consider il
wrong; the south that it was right and he sympa-
thlsed with the pre- udces of both sections. He des-
crlbed slavery as existed in this country before and
since the adoption of the constitution cir
cumsances attending the succession and acquisition
slave States and territories; and said the annexation
OF Iexas closed the chapter, all of whose territory he
proved forever sealed to slavery; and the north
New Observation-Disclosures even, aided in the an
nexatlon; and that immense extension of slave ter
rltory was one of the most remarkable political trans
actions record.
Mr.. Calhoun here rose and corrected Mr.. Webster
remak, that the great objection to annexation was
the extension of slavery 1t was not SO. The OBJ
ect was prOtecton-the security of the slave inter-
ests against threatened British aggressions
This Mr.. w ebser admitted and then proceeded
to chastse those northern democrats who voted for
annexation, and then went home and advocated free
sollism, leaving the senate to incur the odum of full
filling obligations imposed on them by annexation
lie alluded to the correspondence with Gen. Ham-
tom OF South Carolina, respecting the annexation
project, early in 1887. He also quoted his own
speech, at Nblo's Garden New York, in 1887, &c.
proving himself utterly opposed to annexation from
rst to last and cited his speeches at Springfield and
other places as opposing the extension of slavery.
He had nothing nolo to odd or retract
But now Texas was in, what should they do
For HIMSELF he wished to be distinctly understood
he considered government S0lemnLg bound to create
nev SLAVE states out Of TEXAS ,cten there lras suf-
fclem population. He should not violate that CON
tract but the laws of nature had for ever settled for
California and New Mexico-slavery could not exist
there, because the soil was not capable of profit
ably supporting slavery. lie was willing therefore
to admit those territories without any slavery restrc
ton; 1t was unnecessary and inexpedient If "a pro-
position was now before them to prohibit slavery he
would vote against it. As Texas was rrevocaby
sealed to slavery, these newly acquired territories
were unalterably free. Whoever thought that the
Wilmot provso was necessary for California, would
OF course want 1t for Canada. When foot of land
was to be stald back from slavery he would hardly
do it. but would not needlessly wound southern feel
ings.
He next considered the grievances of the north and
SOUTH First, the south. 9hey Justly complained of
Discrimination among individuals and legislatures to
perform fully their constitutional duties in restoring
fugitive slaves. Now here the south were right--the
north wrong. individuals and states were solemnly
bound to deliver up fugitives. He should support
Mr. Mason's bill. He called the attention of sober
northern men to the subject. He should object TO
presenting legislative resolutions for the abolition of
slavery In the District of Columbia. He took occa-
sion to speak against the practice of Instructions gen.
orally. He agreed with, and commended the re-
marks OF MIR. Hliard of the Massachusetts legisla-
ture, on the subject He believed abolition societies
had produced more evil than good. For instance,
their efectm Nlrglnia-to ste discussion and tighten
the chains ofsavery. They had spent money enough
to purchase and berate all the slaves in MARYLAND
Again, the press was too violent and reproachful.
North and south congressional speeches were the
same; their vruence had corrupted the vernacular
of the country. The greater the complaints of the
north the greater the disposition of the south TO
extend rather than restrict slavery as contemplated
by the fathers of the republic Again. southern men
sheer at northern independent laborers.
lie heard Withangush the word secession-peace-
able secession. 1t was impossible, as he showed in
glowing and refined language. As well expect tn e
fountains of the great deep break up without COM
motion, Or the heavenly bodies to rush from their
centres and ostle each other without crushing the
uhlNCloc. blSSOIHeu anu IDelr 1atnerS vet llYlnT
their children and grandchildren would CRY out,
Shame The theme was disgusting, loathsome. He
had rather hear of blast and midew, pestiIence and
famine, than talk ofsecession. No. gentleman were
not serious. If they met at Nashville, he believed
they would repudiate the idea He advised modera-
ton, and to uphold the constitution Nashville was
not the place to decide upon dissolution no such do
liberation over the bones of Jackson He was ready
to unite many scheme determination on large scale.
NJruui tod b,, I 4.
proceeds of the public lands get rid of slavery and
concluded with glowing appeal to stop talking of
dlsunlon, and to legsate for the stability, prosperity
and glory of our country.
MIR. Calhoun rose and explained that the motives
IN acquiring Florida louisiana and Texas were DIFF
ierent from those attributed He said he was not in
favor Of acquiring territory simply to extend slavery.
lie congratulated Mr.. w. for his speech generally.
Thought 1t calculated to save the Union Would
agree in believing that slavery in the territories should
be left TO the decision of the laws of nature.
Mr.. Webster briefly responded. When the adj
mission of California came up directly he proposed
to say something upon boundaries and the expedency
of admitting her with her proposed constitution
Mr.. Webster concludes Tomorrow
House.. Mr.. Melville reported resolutions for
the printing of 80, 1000 copies Of the mechanical por-
ton of the patent report
sGf- Mr.. IIillard, yesterday after the renort had
been made in relation to his message from the sem
ate, paid visit TO the house, and was kindly recev
ed by the members, who seemed TO feel much SYM
nathy for him on accouut of tho