The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-19
From the Boston Courier.
MIR. Webster's Speech.

The people Of the United States have now an au-
thentic exposition Of the views of the great New
England statesman, upon the present conjuncture
OF public affairs Our readers have had an oppor-
tunity of examining this document, and pronounc-
ing judgment upon il themselves. II is no way
ambiguous in expression, but meets every topic
full in the face. We have no doubt that Il is tho
roughly sincere from beginning to end, for we do
not believe Mr.. Webster would speak otherwise
than he thinks. Certainly no one can regret that
he has spoken his true thoughts on the OCCASION
though many may wish that he had thought far
otherwise.
We give DIR. Webster full credit for his courage
in assuming his present position. He would not
we are confident, have taken such a step without
full conviction that the urgency Of the crisis de-
handed il. II in his deliberate and honest iudg.
ment il was necessary for him to do So none can
hesitate TO applaud the motive, whatever difference
of opinion may exist 10 the details Of the policy
suggested by him.
To say that this speech is likely TO meet with ap.
prova in all quarters would be 10 say more than
believe. Many men at the North, many honest
men, many sensible men, will be unable 70 see the
subject Of slavery with Mr.. webster's eyes, or 10
the complicated political relations Of the coun-
try as they appear from. the point ON which he
stands. They may not do justice to bis motives.
The Union Is threatened he stands forth as pacif-
Gator, speaking 10 all, giving counsel to all, and
requesting TO be heard by ALL His speech is a
Union speech-let it be judged according to its OBJ
jet.
II will not be expected that we should bestow an
elaborate criticism upon this performance. Every
man can understand Il, and compare Il with his
feelings. The sentiment which pcrvades IL
may not come up to the level Of the public mind in
some portions Of this republic: il may not accord
With the prcconccived notions which many enter
tain Of Mr.. Wcbster's views and feelings the
subject Of slavery. These facts ready 70 ad-
nit. But Mr.. Webster has right 10 call for n fair
reading Of what he uters IL IL but justice 10 him 10
take all the circumstances into account in Judging
Of the correctness Of whatever position he may
assume. We do not believe Mr. Webster has
changed, He the defender of the Constitution
in IS30-hc is the defender ofthc Constitution now
What will be the popular effect Of this speech
So far the belief obtains at the South that the
principles of II will be adopted in any new measure
for composing the present differences, 30 far il
will have quieting tendency in that quarter. A
period Of quiet will give rise To new hopes but will
these hopes be reazeds That the North and the
South win ever be made to think alike on the sub
ject Of slavery no reasonable man expects Mr.
Webster expects il, we suppose, as little as any
one. But every thing may be hoped for if men
viii but reason calmly, and look well TO
qucnces.
To all Mr.. Webster's aspirations for the preser-
walton Of the Union we say Amen. Great mental
powers and great political acknowledgement he un-
questionably has both--msy carry the Union safe
through every political storm. We doubt not he
will ever be found an honest pilot, but the hearts
and hands Of the crew must be with him TO secure
success. II Mr.. Webstcr's efforts do but have the
effect Of allaying the existing excitement so that
the great subject now occupying the public mind
can be discussed with reasonable degree Of con
siderate calmness, he will have rendered 10 the
country service Of no ordinary value. He has
labored hard for the country, but IL has been q I
labor Of love, asd we earnestly hope il will not
prove a laborsfn vain