The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-07-25
Mr.. HALE AND Mr.. WEBSTER.

Mr. Hale last week in the Senate rather discon-
certed Mr. Webster by one of those pointed hits
for which he is famous Mr.. Webster in his
elaborate speech had ridiculed the incongruities
of the opposition to the Compromise bill
MIR Hale admitted that the picture was anu
sing, but it had two sides, though Mr.. Webster
had shown only one.
@Sir, disclaim speaking Of the Senate or of
any particular Senator but will call the atten-
ton of the Senate TO what have seen. / have
seen meeting of the friends of this bill-not in
the Senate. OF course-and that it may not be
supposed that speak of individuals, will desig-
nate the individuals whom mean by the names Of
States and that cannot offend anybody, because
there are a great many people in every State
Well sir, have seen meeting Of the friends OF
this bill, and that not very long ago. went into
this meeting, sir and the first thing saw were
two honorable gentlemen-honorable for their
wears. honorable for their talents, honorable for
the high rank which they sustain in the country
| saw these two honorable gentlemen sitting cheek
by jowl' arm in arm affectionately consulting
each other and will designate these two old
gentlemen by the names of Michigan and Ken
lucky, laughter not meaning anything per-
sonal because use the names Of the States as an
| indication Of their sentiments Well, sir, II was
ty of the Union and for the continued exercise Of
those fraternal feelings which we are all 80 anx-
| ious to see restored Sir, it did my heart good.
! IA laugh Next to them saw two other gentle
| men, who appeared to have become recently ac-
| quainted--gentlemen Of high reputation, Of CON-
| handing influence in the country. These
| gentlemen | will designate by the names OF
| Mississippi and Massachusetts,. They were TAX
ing sweet counsel together, proceeding to the
same end, but coming to II by different steps.
| One, sir, was fiery youth, llaughter,l and he
| denounced the Wilmot Proviso a. infamous, and
as q thing that ought to be buried and says
he sthis bill is the thing that does II and there
| fore am in favor of IT, Says the other gentle
man, with q quiet and subdued manner, 1T is
rather hard, Mississippi; for few years ago
felt solicitude for this very measure which you
| are denouncing Il is hard for me to hear you
| depounce II In this way Had we not better turn
il over to the laws of God and physical geography
| Agreed says Mississippi, and we will go to-
gether and support the bill Well, sir, ! saw
| other gentlemen whom had never seen before.
"Mr. Foote. Will the gentleman allow me to
| ask him single question Laughter
@Mr Hale. Certainly, II only question.
aMr Foote. Only for q question; and very
short one, too--one, perhaps, which be viii con,
slider q very satisfactory one to answer. would
| like 20 know whether he saw any dsunionists or
abolitionists at the meeting he describes
"Mr Hale. cannot say rs to that for 1t was
agreed at the time thst they would put everything
into the back ground that did not relate to
the passing Of the bill and therefore all those
questions which did not directly relate to the pas
sage Of the bill were studiously kept very far in
the back ground. The honorable Senator from
Mississippi tMr. Footel seems to think ] was
speaking Of an actual meeting, and OF individual
things, whereas | was only speaking Of classes
This, sir, IL o mere imaginary meeting, and sup
pose the Senator from Mississippi might imagine
| referred to him. Sir, understand the rules Of
decorum and debate better than TO be thus per-
sonaL did mot moan anything Of the sort.
Well, cir, saw two old gentlemen there that
don't think over met together In meeting before,
consulting together, and al agreeing to support
the bill. Tbs names Of thess two old gcntlemep--
and there were . considerable number Of the
family there baidss--their names were called
Wing and Democrat Yea cir, they were both
there, daughter and they agreed 70 lay Nil their
differences aside, and 70 support this bill And, cir.
had there been . painter there, posuessipg the
graphic powers Of deIineatou Of the Senator from
Massachusetts, who has Just taken his seat, be