Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1851-06-13

GA paper nominating Daniel Webster for
the Presidency is now circulating in Massa-
chusetts, for signatures. 1t is reported to con-
tain many names, the first of which is Robcr,
&. Shaw. The reasons given why M Web
ster should be President, are the following -
Because he is true lover of Liberty, a faith
ful friend to his country and its institutions, and
the defender Of the Constitution under which
we live.
Because his patriotism is as broad as the
Union, and he will never permit the Consrtu-
ton to be violated TO favor one portion Of the
country for the benefit Of another.
Because by his calm wisdom. and far-secng
intelligence, and high courage, he has done
much to save our country. from foreign war
and intestine division, and to guide it in the
path Of honor, prosperity and happiness.
Because under the administration the Con-
stinlion will be upheld, the laws enforced, the
Union preserved, and tho whole country be
made prosperous and finally
Because this high honor is due to h- long
and faithful service, to his matches talents,
his stern integrity, and his exalted patriotism"
Let us examine these reasons, and discover
if we can, their peculiar applicability to the
eminent gentleman for whom they are urged
Now, with regard To the first, it is somewhat
difficult to understand why Mr.. Webster is a
better friend to liberty, his country, and the
Constitution, at this time than he has been
heretofore. No new danger threatens US. Tne
cry Of "sccesslon' is not now heard for the
first time in our land. No action has taken
place among our distinguished men, which they
have not been called to perform before. And
ster with amy greater force now than hereto
fore, or than to scores of others True. Danc
Webster has long been regarded by the Wing
Party, AZ the great eXpounder OF the Constitu.
appela,ion, but whether his recent exposition
touching the Fugitive Slave Bill, VIII increase
his reputation, in this respect, may admit of some
doubt among many in Vermont Wings, TO sa,
another aspect, 1t implicitly asserts, that our
other public men, holding different opinion,
( from Mr.. Webster are not true lovers Of thei
couatry. &c, or, at ali events, not in so emj.
nent degree. This needs no refl,alion, anc
we pass to the next reason. Here is the
same implication. Surprising his patriot
ism is as broad as the Union,' what then p
Does this make the patriotism of Gen. Scott
Judge Mclean, and others, less broad If thi.
only is necessary TO make political idol of a
man, hangman Foote might, and in fact, ha,
become a hero on the same ground. But, she
will never permit the Constitution to be violated
or one part of the Country favored to the injur,
of another Undoubtedly not. Who, tina
ever expects 10 be President, will No one
unless a traitor.
Reason third might have been urged witt
equal propliety years ago, when Daniel Web
ster received only the votes of his own State
Tor President as at present. Men were better
agreed then than now on all these points. No
body at that time denied him "wisdom and ill.,
lelhgence,' but many may be found to-day who
will not readily agree that increase Of Yeas has