The Woodville Republican. [volume] (Woodville, Miss.) 1847-1853, 1851-04-01
Mr.. WebSter's Bargain.

We have delayed to publish any of the
comments of our contemporaries, in regard
to the charge which MIR. Allen, of Massa-
chusetts, brought against Mr.. Webster, at
the close Of the late Congress. until the
whole matter should be explained The
following report of Mr. Aliens speech con-
veys the charge:
Mr.. Allen was not heard with distinct
ness when he commenced his remarks; but
in short time became more audible
There was much anxiety manifested all
over the hall. He repeated that there was
no denial of the statement which he made
yesterday. Does my colleague deny it p
If he does, | will meet the denial; and |
will here say, that if he denies the facts, |
am ready to meet the issue whenever and
wherever presented, and all | ask is that
the Secretary of State, or any friend of his,
to give me an opportunity to call for evil
dence as to the facts; and pledge myself,
Notwithstanding any denial be made, that,
if the opportunity be given, | will substan-
tiate what | have asserted. Mr.. Webster,
when he was offered the post of Secretary
of State, wrote to certain persons to ask
what they would do for him. On consulta-
ton it was agreed to raise $25 900 in Bos-
ton, and like sum in New York and
am informed that $25, 900 was raised in this
last named city, but fell short in Boston ;
the amount being $4,000. Gentlemen
there had been bIed freely on other occa-
sions, and it was difficult to bring them up
to the giving point. No matter if this was
a free gift. Every man knows that COM
mercial men have an object in making pre-
sents. As man of independence, Mr..
Webster ought to have nothing to do with
it that he would suspect the object of the
gifts, and those who made them. But when
gifts are made at his own request, | ask
whether an influence is not brought to bear
: on the officer which is dangerous to pubic
justice and public interests, and more espe-
peciaIly dangerous when pecuniary means
of large amounts are placed in charge ol
that officer. nI ta7 ' a 'I"'
MIR. Ashmun, of Massachusetts, joined
issue with Mr.. Allen, and said d Im
should do injustice to- the good sense oi
the House if | consumed the twenty minutes
allowed to me. 1t does not need remark
from me to answer my colleague. The sense
OF shame and Indignation in every face ma.
infested last night more effective response
than any words of mine. There was nc
honorable man but wno would cry out
"shame. shame ~ The gentleman C!.arged
last night, and repeated it to-day, that Mr.
Webster required, as a condition preceden
for him to accept the Office of Secretary O
State, that he would receive from certain
persons in Wall street and State street
$4,000, and that the contract was entered
into, and that it was fulfilled in New York
and nearly fulfilled in Boston. 5...l d.
1t was charge Of corruption, and that
Mr.. Webster entered into Office by promising
to favor certain persons by his official inlu
enee. Now, / have nothing more to sa!
than this: In the length and breadth, ! ag
gregate and detail, am authorized to say
that it is an unqualified JaIselood. / ar
authorized to say, on the authority of MI
Webster, and do say. it is an unqsatyse
fatsehood. ..a d N roiaghe q l11a.
Mr, Allen took issue, lss baL rgs.
l Mr. Ashnum: The challenge has bee
accepted. Now let the defamer Of the Sc
ie'ary Of State carry out his charge. Th
all have to say. There can be no mi
l SAe about this language,