Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-03-18
LYNCHBURG. MARCH 1850
MIR. WEBSTER'S SPEECH.

u.
MIR. Webster is engaged in the work OF adjust
ment, in the discharge OF which task he has ac-
quilted himself to the qualification of the entire
nation. In his recent attempt 10 effect Compro-
mise of the distractlng question OF slavery he has
shown himself not only man of exalted genius.
and profound learning, but one of enlarged and
patriotic views. \ man of the North. he does
not seek TO uphold Northern acts; an opponent OF
slavery, he makes denunciations He is
Senator OF the Union-the entire Union-and
ives no allegiance, as such, 10 section or clique.
dis highest duty is TO the nation, and the first OBJ
lect OF his efforts is TO preserve the nation, main
tain its quiet and promote lis interest. He has
not Stunned this duty, but boldly sustained HIM
self His course is one of patriotism, and direct
ed to the accomplishment of an ultimate adjust
ment of The veXed question, which now distracts
the nation
Mr.. Webster appears well in contrast. At this
period, when all eyes are turned towards the
American Senate, to witness the struggle there
being made for adjustment, will not fail TO
observe the Efforts ofthe gigantic intellects, that
are now engaged in eflectng this settlement
And observing the struggle, contrasts will not fail
to be made. But among the whole of those who
have engaged in this effort for adjustment no one
will appear in more favorable light than Mr.
Webster. His effort succeeds that Of Mr. Calhoun,
and between two men there could have been no
wider difference, than there exists between these
two truly great American statesmen. A differ
ence not only existing in the peculiar cast of
mind; difference, not merely originating in the
different sections from which they come; but
difference of motive, difference Of feeling and
difference of design The contrast is strong Mr.
Calhoun has chosen that peculiar moment when
adjustment was well nigh effected, to creep, en-
fcebed and debilitated into the Senate chamber.
TO heighten the agitation, with direct view to
the ultimate dissolution Of the States. Ills ad-
dress was designed to eXaSperate the North and
inflame the South; and thus by keeping alive
the prevailing dissensons between the North and
South TO consummate dissolution of the Union.
The motive is unworthy And for the discharge
of such duty TO be assumed by great man, is
in the highest degree degrading. But the zeal
with which Mr. Calhoun has come to the dis
charge OF his work places HMM most unenvi-
able situation. Detained from participation in
the discussions ofthe Senate by sickness he has
thrust upon that body an address composed under
the disadvantages of Illness and while confined
TO his chamber the direct tendency of which adj
dress is to ALLEVIATE the two grand divisions Of our
country, and to lead TO an ultimate dissolution of
our Union. To exhibit such zeal is diScreditable
in the highest degree; but at such time is con-
dcmnabe, without the possibility of offering a
plausible apology. The most enlightened body of
the nation was just then devising a compromise,
with which to allay the prevailing excitement
and preserve the Union from the dangers that
threaten it, Mr.. Calhoun learns the subject of
deliberaton, and precipitately thrusts his address
upon the Senate. lie was just then recovering
from his recent illness and he would have been en-
aided, in a short time, to resume his Senatorial
dutieS but the compromise spirit was spreading
and the love of Union was fast becoming the
prevailing sentiment. No time was 10 be lost
An incendlary spirit was needed TO keep alive the
spirit of discomfort and hasten the day of dssolu
ton. Others were backward. Dissolution had
evidently lost ground and its friends were fast
receding. The task, then, fell upon the CHAM
PIoN Of Southern rights, and though oppressed
with physical debility, he taxed the energies OF
bis mind and threw his innammatory address into
the Senate TO distract the country and defeat com
promise.
Just at this point came the effort of Mr..
Webster. He was present, in the discharge
of his Senatorial duties. As patriot it was his
duty to preserve the Union, and as a member of
the National Senate, it was his duty to oppose
the effort of the dsunionists. He has not shun-
ned the discharge Of his duty. He has met the
issue; and when the cry of dlsunion ragged at lis
height, and the inflammatorv address OF Mr.. Cal
houn was lermenting the nation, he calmly and
dispassionaely weighed the question. He has
taken true position. His sound philosophy
strongly contrasts with the sordid and labored
sophistry of Calhoun. The exalted spirit, which
seeks the good of the Union and elevateS it above
sectional schemes and party aims, glows with
greater briliancy when conrasted with the
schemes of petty AMBITION which seek the de-
struction of the Union, that smaller contederacy
may be formed, over which its intriguing origina-
tors may exert all power and possess unlimited
influence. The sectional views of Calhoun,
bpI cd bv MI pp1bt b, a
loss of his national influence, seek dissolution
of the Union; but the patriotic and national spirit
OF Webster seeks TO wrap the mantle of the Gen
eral Government closer around the States land re-
minds us that our strength is i'll our Union.