The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-04-17
The Presidency-NO. =.
from the Albany Daily State Register.

that Mr.. WEBSTER the man above all others
whom the necessities Of the country required in
the Presidential chair. l shall attempt to
sketch general outline of his character and quail
fcations for this high office.
Mr.. Webster is the of farmer, a brave and
hardy soldier of the Revolution. He was early
enurcd to toll for his father was not affiuent. The
circumstances of that father are thus sketched by
his grateful and eloquent in a speech delivered
at Saratoga Springs:
Gentlemen, II did not happen to me to be
born In log cabin; but my elder brothers and sis
ters were born In log cabin, raised amid the
snow-driits OF New Hampshire, at period so carly
as that when the smoke first from its rude
chimney, and curled The frozen hills there
was no similar evidence of white mans habita-
ton between 1t and the settlements the rivers of
Canada. Its remains still exist. make it an an
nual visit. carry my children to it to teach
them the hardshps endured by the generations
which have gone before them. ! love to dwell on
the tender recollecons the kindred ties, the early
affections and the touching narratives and Incl
dents, viii h mingle with all know of this print
tive family abode weep to think that none Of
those who inhabited it are now among the living;
and ii ever am ashamed OF it, il ever fail in
aficctioaate vencration for him who reared it, and
defended !! against savage violence and destruc
ton, cherished all the domestic virtues benea h its
roof, and through the fire and blood OF a seven
years Revolutionary war shrunk from dan
GER no toll, no sacrifice, to serve his country, and
to raise his children TO a condition better than his
own, may my name and the name Of my postcrity
DC botted forever from the memory Of mankind!''
MIR. Webster early gave evidence Of great intel
lectual capacity; SO that it was the prediction of
almost every intelligent person who knew him in his
youth that he would become the most distinguished
man in the United States.
This prediction has been long since fulfilled He
has arrived at eminence not by the mere force Of
genius for be presents a remarkable instance Of
intense application and untiring industry Even
now, at an advanced period of life, he rises long
before the sun, and dcvotes himself during the
whole Of the day, with few inermissions, to bust.
ness and study He il never idle, for his hours of
relaxation are devoted to social intercourse with
friends; and on these occasions his conversation is
uniformly instructive and edifying in high de,
gree. characterized by refined taste and utter ex-
cmption from vulgarity, profanity, or spirit of
consciousness Mr.. Webster never speaks evil
of any man; he nssails private character.
In these respects Mr.. Wcbsters example furnishes
model foe the best and wisest men. The full
measure Of Mr.. Webster's intellectual powers can
not be known to those who have not frequently
seen him in the social circles of friends.
He has had thirty years experience in the coun-
cils of the country, and not year has passed
without come distinguished exhibition of his high
intellectual powers. The master passion of his life
has been love of the Union. Sentiments breaking
forth In expressions like these have inspired him
for more than quarter of a century: "OUR CoUN-
TRY, WHOLE COUNTRY, AND NOTHING BUT Dun
CoUNTRY"-" UNION AND LIBERTY, NOW AND FOR.
EVER, oNE AND INsErAnABLE'-" One COUNTRY,
ONE CONSTITUTIONS, AND DEsTIsY.." Nor
have these sentiments been mere barren spccula-
tons, followed by no corresponding action. When
ever the Constitution has been attacked the assail-
ant has been instantly met by Mr.. Webster, and
driven back with such power MS to cover him with
confusion
His victory over the doctrine of notification was
Of the most rema rkable record; the very ar
gumcnt employed by him was adopted by very
distinguished political opponent at the head of the
Government, TO resist the action OF the State of
South Carolina, founded on this doctrine. Nor did
nc display less vigilance and less ability in resist
ing what he regarded attempt of the Executive
department of the Government to assume powers
not belonging TO il under the Constitution. When
too, he saw hi, own North-flled with personal
and political friends-undcr the guidance Of n hi h
but in this instance misdirected feeling. the love of
persouni liberty, betraying spirit of infdeiy to
the Constitution he failed not, painful as was the
duty, to rebukc that spirit.
The Constitution plain, and il must not be
violated; the contract unambiguous, and it
must not be broken. For this course he has been
subjected TO attacks more violent, and ccnsure
more unmitgated, than for any act OF his public
life. But-taking no step backward he has met
his opponents. he has appealed directly to the pco-
pie; his pen has been employed, and bis voice
raised with such industry, power, and eloquence,
AS TO vindcate his course fully and completely, In
the judgment of all impartial and patriotic men.
His speeches at Dunkirk. at Buffalo, at Syracuse.
and Albany, unsurpassed by any efforts Of bis
life. The result is acquescenoe in. ard obedience
90, the laws Of the land
Va the management Of the foreign relations of
tho country, Secretary Webster has had no supe.
ror. On his first entering the duties of Score
tary Of State, an embarrassing controversy Of long
standing, relative TO our Northeastern boundary,
required TO be adjusted. lie entered into a noro.
iiation with the British Minister Tor that adjust.
ment; in n few months n treaty was agreed upon
which was ratified by the Senate with unusual
unanimity, and the appropriations for carrying
out it's provisions granted by the House OF
Representatives by majority almost without
precedent In similar cases. The work was done,
done well. done quickly, and the country was and
has ever since remained satisfied During the
progress OF that negotiation another subicct was
brought TO the notice Of the British Minister by the
Secretary OF State. The Government OF the United
States had declared war against England mlinly
for the reason that the government latter coun
try bad exercised alleged rgh, 10 impress British
subjects, acting scamcn in the ,crvce Of
TIC united states The war "a In well known, lasted
three ycars; vast treasure was expended, and
many lives lost treaty Of peace WAS ncgo-
tiaied. but that treaty left the question as to the
right OF search just where IL at the beginning
Of tho war. Mr.. Webster thought this question
ought TO nc settled, and he did settle it by argu-
incut drawn from the admitted principles OF in
tcrnational law. The argument never an
swcrcd; the question is settled; and tho seaman on
board Of merchant weasel of the United States,
N matter in what country he born, now finds
protection in the lag-the stare and tho s,rpcs-
that fioa at the masthead Of the vessel that bears
him. This victory, 80 important to every natu.
ralzed citizen in this country, won by the
rEN, after the sword had been used in vain
The services Of Mr.. Webster, in the State De.
raumcnt, doring the present Administration, arc
20 recon, asno to require cspcoinl enumeration OF
communicative letter TO Chcvalior Hulscmaun, the
Austtinu representative; the treaty with Spain; tho
release Of American prisoners; The apology drawn
from the British government for the stiack on the