Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1851-03-29
5eIetttons.
Aliens ExcOrlatiOn Of Webster.

1.-THE following is an extract from the
speech of Hon. CHARLES ALLEN, Represent
ntive from the Worcester (Nlnss) District,
in defence of his chnrge against Daniel
Webster that he was the paid agent of the
Brokers and Bankers of New York aud Bos-
ton, having received nearly S50,000 from
them MS an inducement to enter the State
Department.
Objection is made to any disclosure of the
infrmities of the Secretary, and this obiec-
ton comes from the member from Alabama,
MIR. Hilliard, on the ground of the great
ness Of that individual. However much the
public interest may require investigation into
the conduct of that gentleman, the shield,
not of place merely, but also of high intel
lectual character, is TO be thrown over him.
Let me repeat,
in substance, what not long since had oc-
cnsion to say, that / know well enough the
great intelligence Of that distinguished man,
Daniel Webster. know very well the
power of his mighty intellect, how it stands
out in rnonstrous disproporton TO every 9th
or attribute of the man.
bow in silent wonder, before the mystic
rious dispensatioG of Providence, which saw
fit to confer so much of intellectual power,
where there was so little moral strength.
What is knowledge, what is talent, without
goodness, us guide in the aflhirs of life p
And, what but demon would the greatest
intellect which the Deity ever created be, it
il stood independent OF goodness
The world has had examples Of men in all
ages, WHO were gifted with great powers Of
intellect, and who yet would fall helore
temptations, which the fceblest OF mankind
often resist. Tie Instances, as you know,
have not been few, but t,auy--so many, that
j trust the people have long since leurned to
Disregard the dictation of mere intellect
where there are no qualities OF the heart,
also, upon which they can rely.
call TO mind, al this moment, one of the
most distinguished men the world ever knew.
Ii will be no disparagement to say that he
pOssessed an Intellect superior even to thai OF
MIR. Webster himself Certainly his attain
ments, ia every department OF knowledge,
were far superior. Aud yet he sunk before
temptations which the weakest resist, and
was dismissed from the highest place OF
State, in disgrace aud with contempt. That
man, characterized as
"Wisest, brightest, meanest Of mankind"
stands on the page of history, as n warning
to the world, that intelligence and virtue are
not inseparubly combined, aud that you must
see to il, that the brilliant intellect. to which
you turn for guidance and direction, is itselt
controlled and directed by unwavering prin-
ciple.
1t is further insisted that / should not have
disclosed the facts j have communicated TO
the House, because, forsooth, the Secretary
is Massachusetts man. SIR, am proud OF
the statesmen of Massachusetts, when there
is combined in them the brilliuncy OF a
mighty intellect, with answering integrity
nl 4
ter of Massachusetts statesman from the
history of the lights Of other days-from the
Adamses, Quinceys, and Otses, and their
associate patriots-irom the men whose
character bore the stamp of revolutionary
patriotism. They were not men who sought
"preferinent for its gold," but when they
entered upon Office they entered upon the
road which led inevitably away from wealth
and luxury. They were content to serve
their country, dying if need be, nobly for it,
and leaving 10 their posterity that good name
which is better than riches. What would
have been thought of Samuel Adams, when
when lie was selected TO go TO Philadelphia
and put his name to the Declaration of In
dependence, or TO meet at any other time the
continental Congress, il he had first demand
ed to know what the merchants of Boston or
New York would give him for the service |?
Sir, such n transaction would have dimmed
abe fame of Washington himself
Now let any man say aught against the
fame of such statesman Of Massachusetts,
living or dead, and will be the first to vim
dicate II. But when am told that ought
TO have been silent, and withheld from the
House facts within my knowledge, important
TO be known, because they might not reflect
honor upon a statesman who now halls from
Massachusetts,, deny the obligation.