Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1852-11-20
The Great Encounter between WEBSTER
end Tayno in the U. 6. Senate in 1850.

There is not perhaps an American living
who has not heard or read OF the mernord-
bic intellectual ioust in 1890, lbrtwsen
Webster and Rayne. We thought The
present favorable occasion for laying it
before our readers. The account which
we give below is from the biography Of
Mr.. March, not long since publshrd.-
The debate had commenced between Mr.
Benton and Mr.. Webster. The latter in
replying directed portion of bis remarks
at Mr.. Haync, and among other things in
tImated that there was a party in the
South looking 10 disunion. Mr.. Hayne in
replying 10 what be chose TO consider an
unwarrantable attack, made one Of the
most powerful speeches ever listened TO in
the senate. In this speech be used the ex-
preston since celebrated during the Mtx-
ican wat-inIima;ing that be would not
lay down his arms until he had "ndemnity
Tor the past and security for the future"
He made a most brilliant defence Of South
Carolina hy appealing to her revolutionary
history, ana concluded bis speech on the
2nd day as follows:
"Sir," he exclaimed in conclusion, 'il
acting on these high moiives-ii animated
by that ardent love Of liberty which has
always been the most prominent trait oI
| the Southern ChalGctrr-we s.al! be hug-
rled beyond the bouods Of cold and cal
cuIltIng prudence, who is there with one
noble and generous sentiment in his bo-
som, that would not be disposed, in the
language oi Burke, TO eXclalm, "You
must pardon something TO the spirit ot
Liberty"
The onset was over. And, as would
have been the case had the attack been
less formidable than it was, victory rested
with the only party whose forces had been
displayed. Mr. Webster Immediately rose
to reply, but as it was late in the day, he
gave way TO motion to adjourn. Every
where during the evening and night fol-
lowing, the speech was canvassed. "The
town." says MIR. March, "was divided into
geographical opinions. Ones home could
be distinguished from his countenance or
manner a Southernar's by his buoyant,
Joyous expression and confident air g
Yankees by his tinid anxious eye and de-
pressed bearinr. One walked with bold
determined step that courted observation :
the other with hesilatiog shutllinc gate
that seemed to long for some dark corner,
some place TO hear and see, and BE- uq-
scen.D air. Webster felt entirely con.
scious of ability to meet both the argument
and the assault. and was perfectly calm
and sell.posgrssed.
MIR. Everett, recording a conversation
which he had with Mr.. Webster at the
time, speaks OF the dry business tone il
which he talked and read over 10 him, the
points he intended to make, as giving hin
some dnoasiness for fear be was not suili'
clently aware how much was expected O
h'm the next day. He had, of course, Ia
Ken full notes OF Col. Haynes speech, anc
mad gwen each part of ii careful aud ey'
hanSl've consideration. Not a quotation
nor an allnsion had escaped him. 1t i
mentioned that, while lying down afte
a'hner, he was overheard by friend, laugh
ing 10 himself va being asked what anu
seu nun so ne rtPled' ~ nave been think
III? oi lne way III "hich Col. Haynes quo