The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-21
From the Boston Courier.

In our remarks upon this subject, yesterday, we
made appeal to the good sense and moderation
of those who might dissent from Mr.. Websters
views. We alluded to the necessity Of weighing
well all the circumstances Of the case before max
ing up judgment as to the position which he has
assumed. We did this because il is not TO be con-
ccaled that both Mr. Webster's motives and the
true state Of the case will be misunderstood, by
many, for want of such a precaution; and that,
under this misunderstanding, some uneasincss may
be felt by many honest men at the recent declare
ton Of his views the general policy Of the coun-
try. Already shout Is raised in certain quarters
that Mr.. Webster has "gone over to the enemy"
We desire any man who is disposed to give heed
to such cry, to examine the principles Of his late
speech, and compare them with the spirit, temper
and language which he has always held upon ma
tional politics, and then say whether Mr.. Webster
is not at this moment as firmly intrenched within
the barriers of the Constitution at any period of
his public life. st
We stated yesterday, with full clearness a. we
thought, our opinion Of the soundness and consti-
tutonality of Mr.. Websters position and Of the in
tcgrity of his motives We thought this an appro-
baton sufficiently emphatic and uncquivocal. An
honest man taking his stand upon the Constitution
is an object surely fitted to gain full measure of
respect and confidence. We are surprised that the
tone Of any part Of our language should have
seemed to any one like disposition TO appear
lukewarm in the support of Mr. Webster; but
some of our readers, we told, have this impress
sion. A word of explanation may not be amiss
We were led necessarily to allude to the fact that
there were some well-meaning persons among US
who were disposed to condemn hastily and without
thought the course taken by Mr.. Webster. We
appealed to these men in the language of modera-
ton Wehsfer,a cn,rae renr,ras M ,><,y.,r-,r
with those who examine calmly and deliberately
But there are many, carried away with zeal and
impulse, who will judge rashly and precipitately.
With such men we would expostulate and remon-
stratS We appeal to their reason, and we would
convince them by arguments, rather than over
power them with words. To such men it is not
enough that state our convictions; we must
make the convictions theirs.
If there be man among us who dissents from
the principles of Mr.. Webstcr's speech, we should
like to see him answer it. We should be happy to
know in what other shape this question, as great
national question, be placed, than the shape in
which Mr.. Webster has presented it; what other
argument, constitutional argument, can be
made upon the great points at issue, than the argu
ment Mr.. Webster has made? We in the North
all dislike slavery, it is true, and all desire to get
rid of it; but can slavery be dealt with constitu-
pointed out? With those persons who would resort
to extra constitutional modes we have nothing to
say.
There may be different opinions on minor points
embraced in Mr. Webster's speech, but there can
be but opinion this point, that as constitu-
tiona argument to be applied to the settlement of
the existing dispute between the North and South,
it is impregnable, unassailable, irrefutabe-it is
the true argument, the whole argument, and the
only argument. There may be difficulties in the
way of applying it practically to all parts of the
matter under controversy-who does not expect
difficulties in the settlement of a question combi-
ming many delicate and complicated relations
Whichever way turn must encounter diff
culties. Here is the constitutional remedy; if that
will not put an end to the strife, nothing will Let
any man show us a sounder principle or a safer
guide than those now before u.s. and shall cheer
fully adopt them. Till then, must earnestly
hope that Mr.. Webster's truly national and states.
manlike efforts for the settlement of this great
family quarrel in the American Union will be sec
onded by the people of the United States in such
manner as will secure the domestic peace of the
country ON the most lasting foundations.