The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-04-17

than he hung up his nets, making very good Web
ster whig speech at political supper Just after his
election. The freesoilcrs voted him artful
dodger OF the most artful sort. The wings only
consider him "smart" and - spicy"
l am not aware Of any democratic paper except
the Post having taken ground against Mr.: Ran
port. Our ablest democratic journal, the Worces-
ter Palladium, speaks very highly of Mr.. Rantoups
speech, as it well may, seeing that il has subsan-
tally advocated the same views, and with great
deal OF force and tact since the Fugitive Slave
law was passed. Other country papers have spoken
with much decision in support Of MIR. Rantoul. |
may here say, while think Of it, that not few OF
our whig merchants would not be inconsolabe, were
Mr.. RantoHl to be elected. They know that on oil
subjects connected with commerce he has not his
equal in New England. Ifhe should be returned,
you will have some free trade speeches in the House
such as would do Richard Cobden's heart good to
hear. Whatever may be thought of his speech
against the fugitive bill, no one denies his extraor
binary attachments.
All those movements that grow out of the Fugi-
tive Slave law are bearing with a terrible weight
upon the old whg party, which is willing before
them like the caravan before the whitening blast of
the smoom. That out OF the wrecks and drift wood
of all parties there may ultimately be formed
whig party, which shall rule and control here for
| long period, is by no means improbable; but that
party with which Daniel Webster's name is ident-
fed, and which used to be full of life at the pros
| pect Of battle as the war horse mentioned by job
| that party is dying, dying rapidly, but hard Its
leaders for some time labored under the delusion
that they were about to split the wing party into
two pieces, at the head Of of which they sup
| posed they would be able to form an alliance with
surably dispeed this delusion and the whig party,
instead of being divided into two factions, is likely
to be broken up into half of political camps.
Two removals have been made in our Custom
House. MIR. Gourgas, one somewhat noted a
| democratic politician, but more recently u free
| soiler, has been removed from s 800 situation,
which was conferred Mr.. Starbuck, of Nan
| tucket, Webster whig; and a Mr.. Berry, per-
son who owed has appointment to Secretary X. j.
| Walker, has been compelled to make way for MIR.
| Hobart, Of bingham, also Webster whig. Both
changes are popular, neither Of the parties removed
| being Of that class of men in whose personal well
fare any one but themselves can possibly be sup
| posed TO take interest Other changes, | under
stand are in contemplation, Mr.. Wcbsters visit to
Massachusetts having operated on the fortunes OF
his friends like the rising of the sun on the EARTH
| it has dispersed the mists of the morning, and
| brought out mems virtues like fine varnish. Had
| something of the kind been done few months go,
the effect might have been good, but it is now too
late to have any other result than far as it af-
ects the fortunes Of obscure ndvduals-a matter OF
| small consequence to the general public
| The quiet manner in which Simms taken
away, this morning, is considered by some Of our
conservative people as proof that there has been
| great deal of fuss about nothing. There was not
the slightest disturbance, and intelligent witness
| OF the whole transaction tells me that two men
could have conveyed him on board without the least
trouble. 1t is said that two or three more fugtiyes
are to be arrested to-day The telegraph will give
you the particulars. have heard some few of the
strongest advocates of the supremacy of the
laws" say that, the fact of the ability of the city
smtion the law having been established, it would
be well to let the matter rests but this is not the
general opinion among the conservatives.
1 A committee Of the State Senate are engaged in
investigating matters connected with this affair." so
far as they have affected the action of of our
local officers. 1t is said that Mr. Hallett was sum-
| moned, but that on being sought he was not to
| be found" 1t would be most amusing scene to
| behold him undergoing a cross-examination by Sc
| majors Robinson and keyes-a sort of gladiatorial
concerned in it in the boldest relief. Mr. Haett is
| as sharp a Damascus blade, and the two Sena-
tors named are among the Oldest of our public
men. CoLoSyA,