The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-03-14
THE SPEECH OF Mr.. WEBSTER.

We lay before our readers the whole Of Mr..
Webster's Speech, delivered last Thursday in the
cuo,a II /. . s..n sXpOsIJion or MS vi0us oS
the nature and bearings of the question of Sla-
vow, and of the proper mode, in his judgment Of
settling it.
As an intellectual effort, it will add nothing to
the reputation of the Senator. The narrative
portion of the speech is rather heavy; and his
review of the history Of slavery, though plain
and ineligible, neither presents nor suggests any
new or striking thoughts.
Mr.. Webster, after a brief exordum, adverted
to the war with Mexico, the successive trumphs
of the American arms in that country the result
ing acquisitions of territory the course of events
in California and its organization of Constitu-
ton which prohibited slavery. As these acquisi-
tons were on the south of the United States, it
was expected that they would inure to the advan-
tage of the slave States particularly. Events had
turned out as was not expected hence the pres
ent agitation, bringing up for discussion the whole
subject of slavery.
lie next presented an historical sketch Of sla-
very 1t had always existed-it prevailed among
the oriental nations-among the Jews-and their
theocratic Government did not prohibit it, 1t
existed among the Greeks, and their ingenious
philosophy sought to justify it on precisely the
same ground on which il is attempted to be justi-
fed in this country that is, natural and an
original difference among the races of mankind
The more manly philosophy Of the Romans placed
its justification on different grounds They held
that slavery was against natural right, but might
originate in war, in debt in crime or in the volun
tary sale of ones self The Roman world was
full of slaves at the introduction Of Christianity,
but the Gospel contained no injunction against
the relation.
What connection there was between this review
and what followed, we could not see-especially
"a he did not himself express any opinion of the
theories to which he had adverted, or draw any
inference from the statements he had made.
Mr.. Webster next referred to the difference of
sentiment in the two sections respecting slavery
In the North, IL was regarded rs a wrong, In con-
aict with the spirit and principles of Christian
ity. This sentiment had taken hold Of the reli-
gous community Ct the North, and more or less
of the religious feelings of a considerable portion
ing been always accustomed to the relation, and
having been taught to treat the subjects Of bond
age with great care and kindness, did not enter
tlin hrs sentiment, Many of its people did not
admit the unlawfulness Of slavery many more,
whatever they might think of it abstractly, seeing
no way in which the present generation could
relieve itself Of the institution, were content to
fob how uho,, all
just as conscientious in their views as the People
of the North were in theirs lie adverted here
to the separation of the Methodist Episcopal
Church; said that he had hoped while the con-
troversy WAS In progress, it might terminate with
out division and that he could not see any sufi-
cient cause to justify that measure.
Mr.. Webster, in comparing the views Of the
North and South, carefully refrainei from pass
ing Judgment between them, or suggesting even
indirectly, on which side, in his opinion, the truth
was to be found. His declaration, however, that
he saw no cause for the division of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, clearly proved that be either
did not understand the merits Of the controversy
leading to that event, or that ne did not concur
in the views Of the majority Of the Church con-
corning the nature Of Slavery.
After some remarks, showing how excitement
ON the question Of Slavery must necessarily grow
out of these differences In the religious sentiments
and feelings of the two sections, he reviewed the
state of sentiment existing at the time the Con.
stitution was formed The People Of all sections
regarded Slavery as an evil, and concurred in the
general policy of abatng IL. The trainers Of the
Constitution, under the general impression that