The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1852-11-12
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICE OF DANIEL
WEBSTER.
IC o n TIN Z d i

WEBSTER.
ICoSTIN UED.1
There were other subjects, of great impor-
lance, which occupied the attention Of the ne
gotiators. The first of these was the affair of
The "Caroline," and its consequent, the arrest
and trial of Mcleod. The avowal of Great
Britain that she was responsible for the viola
ton of our territory, and the trial of Mcleod
presented formidable difficulties. Unless an
apology were made for the former, the United
States were bound to declare war and if the
latter had been condemned and executed.
Great Britain would have been compelled TO
take the initiative. The knot appeared in
extricable, for there was no law by which Nc
Leod could be taken out Of the hands of the
State Courts. He was acquitted, however,
and care was taken to pass such a law, as to
prev ent recurrence off similar dilemma. 10
the meantime, Lord Ashburton was instructed
TO make the proper apology, and thus the af-
fair was settled.
The subject OF impressment next came up
The note addressed by Mr.. Webster to Lord
Ashburton, on that occasion, is thought, by
competent judges, to have been one of the most
powerful papers ever drawn by an American
statesman. The reply of Lord Ashburton was
understood to be an acquiescence in the Amer
ican doctrine, and it has put an end to the
question forever. 1t may be doubted whether,
n future, the British Government will ever
undertake to man its navy by means of inn
pressment even from its own ships, or among
its own sailors CHANGING to be on land. 1t is
certain. that any attempt to take British sea,
nea from American vessels, will produce in.
staA,aneous war.
The Oregon controversy was not included
in the general settlement. because it presented
SO many difficulties that the negotiators were
fearful that any attempt to settle it, m light ex-
pose all their labors, thus far, to the risk Of
rejection. 1t was, therefore, laid over for fu-
tsre adjustment.
So ended the treaty of Washington, which
was ratified BY both parties, to the confrover-
sizes involved. with little difficulty. Mr.. Web
ster conducted other negotiations of great deli
sacy. One of these related to the affairs of
Mexico, and was carried On with NJ. de Boca-
negra. the Mexican Minister. 1t throws great
Light on the early stages of our controversy
with the Mexican Republic, and among the
papers alluded to, were those with regard to
tae Santa Fe prisoners, and those relating to
10 the capture Of Monterey by Commodore
Jones.
He also held correspondence with the
- A.nief MI -
"Amistad,' the result of which proved clearly
the hypocrisy of Spain in her pretended desire
10 suppress the slave trade.
Mr.. Webster, about this time, had an inter,
ssting correspondence with Messrs. Richards
and Haalilio, agents Of the Sandwich Islands,
which was followed by the recognition of their
independence. This was made known to tbs
British Government, which was thus led to
acknowledge their neutrality. In the mean
time, the British Admiral on the station had
taken possession of them, but this was not
known in London until after the recognition.
The protectorate, therefore. which would have
been assumed in the Mosquito fashion, az the
French had just assumed that of Tahiti. WAS
out OF the question.
Another correspondence was held with the
portuguese Minister, in reference to the duties
On Portuguese wines, and report, of great
aad increasing importance, was made by him.
R2lative TO the Sound duties and the ZolI We.
fien.
The last official paper of MIR. Webster, AZ
Secretary Of State, was that conveying in
st'ao'ions to Mr.. Gushing, as Commissioner
to China. He had been more instrumental
'aaa any one else, in establishing, with that
country, those relations, which, even then do.
sHable, have grown to be of the last imnor-
tanee. In 1S43, he resigned.
The party TO which Mr.. Webster was ~.
saehed' were Sehemently dissatisfied with
h'n ior remaining in the Cabinet, after The
aet'sg President had turned his back unon
shose who put him into office. We COMES.
mat We ourselves, assailed him az bitterly az
an! others, and now that the rage of party ba.
o'ed away, we take pleasure in saving. with
entire injustice. He remained onlv unit, b.
aad finished his work. No official services.
Inc short period he was in Office being cons;a.
efed. were ever more valuable. Gen. Ha,r;.
soA 'oand Inc country on the eve of war with
great Britain. In two years. Mr.. Wehs,sr
ses'ied dlihcultes of fifty years standing and
completely restored the good unders,andna
between The two countries, wi,hou, the ..o.:
NC Ola single principle, or even a po;n, =,
nosof. NO man that ever lived could h.s"
.one more no man. now living. couId h.vs
done a. much. ~'"'o nave
y. me H'h of June, 1s4s, Mr.. webs,s, a..
ave'ee TIE speech upon the completion Of , Us.
Banker Hill Monument, as be had d.,;... .s
na' spon laying the corner. stone, eiph,.sa
years before La Faye,,e being present.
D.sns the remainder Of Mr.. Tylsr's term
II. "sostsf remained in private life. end..'
vs'iAg y an active correspondence, to s,,,v