The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-10
From the Nesc Orleass Crescent.
Daniel Webster IN the south.

From all we have seen and heard of the express
sion of public sentiment in own section Of the
country, in reference to the great national speech
of Mr. Webster on the slavery question: we believe
there is but one feeling among men OF all parties
who love our glorious Union and desire its perpe-
tuity; and that is of strong and spontaneous
admiration and gratitude. The expression of this
feeling in becoming manner constitutes the richest
and highest reward of the faithful and devoted
public servant. This great statesman and true
patriot has proved to the entire satisfaction OF every
candid and liberal mind, that a Senator, he does
not regard himself merely the representative of
Massachusetts but of the nation at large and the
course he pursued, under all the circumstances Of
the case, we regard one of the strongest exhibit
tons of moral courage ever witnessed on the face
of the earth To those who have not been among
the people of the North, and witnessed the bitter
and excited state Of public feeling the subject of
slavery, it is impossible to form any just conception
of the strength Of nerve il required TO stand up
boldly MIR. Webster did, and vindicate the rights
of the South, and tell the fanatics of the North
plainly and frankly that they were both politi
cally and morally wrong. No one understood bet
ter than he did the force of that current which ia
naticism and prejudice would let loose upon him
even among those whose friendship and good opin-
ion he was urged by the strongest and most power
ful motives TO retain; but he that the integrity
of the Union was in danger, and, true to the in
stincts OF the most pure and exalted patriotism,
without stopping to count the cost, he threw him
self into the breach. He nobly and fearlessly did
his duty, and, adopting one of the Hottest senti-
ments uttered he told the ultra fanatics Of hs
own section "what was true rather than what was
pleasant and agreeable"
The violence of this torrent of abolition and free
soil indignation has been in great abaed,
and its effects neutralized by the firm and manly
stand which was so promptly and generously taken
by thousands OF the most prominent and distin-
guished men of Boston and other portions Of Mas
sachusetts and the city and State Of New York, in
support of MIR. webster's course.
We have been much gratifed to notice these de-
monstrations of approval and support Of Mr.. Web
ster's course by the most intelligent men of all
parties, trades, professions, and pursuits in his
section. But If expressions Of appreciation and sup
port thought 70 be due 10 Mr.. Webster from the
people Of the North, how much more do the people
of the South owe him! His speech has probably been
read by a greater number Of men than any ever
delivered in the American Senate by himself or
any other man. And venture TO say that
man south of Mason and Dixons line, who is a
friend of the Union, has read IL without feeling in
his heart strong emotion of gratitude 70 the au-
thor. We trust that the people Of the South, with
out distinction of party will promptly take up this
matter, and like their brethren Of the North, who
appreciate the value Of the Union as il is, send up
10 the great statesman, who speaks not for Massa
chusets, but for the whole nation" and throws the
weight Of his great influence, and excrts all the
powers Of his giant mind in favor Of settling the
slavery question such terms TO secure the
South in all her rights, some tangible proof Of their
deep and abiding sense Of obligation TO him.
| For the sake OF the North and the South-of the
whole country-of the Union with it's countless
blessings-be took position Of peril and danger
one calculated to ALLEVIATE from him the friendship
and affection Of his constituents and the people Of
his own section, and Withdraw from him their sup
| port. This act Of disinterested patriotism
and self devotion, which reaches yond the bounds
Of common eulogy and praise, Let all good and
true men, both North and South, encourage his
heart by expressions Of their appreciation and graf
itude; and we hope 1t will begin in our own city.
! We should be proud TO see our fellow-ci citizens,
without reference to party, leading of with com
! plimcntary letter TO Mr.. Webster, expressing TO
| him, in suitable terms, their high admiration and
gratitude. wehope they will do 50 without delay,
| and that their example will be followed by the
whole South in body.