Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1852-11-04

] :
had commented with severity on the politi-
cal course of the New England States, and
| had laid down in rather an authoritative man
ner those views OF the constitution usually
known as the doctrines of qualification"
| Mr.. Webster was accordingly called upon
to defend himself from the insinuations of
the distinguished senator from South Carroll
ma, TO vindicate New England, and to point
out the falacies of notification. To accom-
plish these objects, he employed all the re-
sources of the most skilful rhetoric, polished
sarcasm, and acute argument The records
of modern eloquence contain nothing of SUI
perior force and beauty. The second
speech of Mr.. Webster in this debate may
be regarded as the greatest effort of this con-
sumate orator. Shaping his public course
by principle, and not by the blind impulse
of party, Mr.. Webster, though opposed to
the administration of Gen. jackson, gave it
cordial support in its measures for the de-
fence Of the Union in 1929. The doc
trines of the Presidents proclamation
against the theories of South Carolina, were
mainly adopted from Mr.. Webster's
speeches, and he was the chief dependence
Of the administration upon the floor Of Con-
gress. When, however, the financial sys-
TEN of Gen Jackson was brought forward
and fully developed, it was strcnouslv op-
posed by Mr.. Webster. He foretold the
with accuracy the explosion in the spring Of
1887, and contributed materially TO rally the
public opinion Of the country alike against
the first phase of the new financial system,
which was that of an almost boundless ex-
pansion Of paper currency, issuing from the
State banks. and against the opposite ex-
treme which was adopted as a substitute,
that of an exclusive use OF specie in all pay
ments TO or by the government. Mr.. Web
stcr maintained with great force of argument
and variety Of illustration, the superior con-
; venience of the financial system which had
been adopted in the infancy of the govern
ment. with the approval Of every admins
tration. from that down, viz: that of mixed
currency of specie and convertible paper,
kept within safe bounds by the law requir-
ing all payments to be made in specie or its
equivalent, and regulated by national in
stitution acting as a check upon the State
! banks. The clear and forcible manner in
in which these principles were incuated by
Mr.. Webster contributed materially to the
: downfall of Mr.. Van Burens administra-
ton.
t In 1899, Mr.. Webster made short visit
to Europe. His time was principally pass
ed in England, but he devoted few weeks
Il TO the continent. His fame had proceeded
him to the old world, and he was received
i with the attention due TO his character anC
talents at the French and English courts
and in the highest circles Of both countries
u On the accession of General Harrison TO the
= Presidency. Mr.. Webster was placed at the
head of his Cabinet, as Secretary of State
= His administration Of the department during
e the two years he remained in it was sig
t. nalized by the most distinguished success
Il The United States was at that time involved
: in long standing controversy with Grea
u Britain, on the subject OF the north-easter,
Il boundary Of Maine. To this has been ad
Il ded the difficult questions arising out Of tn
: detention of American vessels by Britisl
= cruisers on the coast of Africa. Still NOR
e recently, the affair of NJ Leod, III n. York
1t had threatened an immediate rupture be
c tween the two governments. The CORES
c pondence between the United States Min
% lister, in London, in lS4l, Mr.. Stevenson
: and the British Secretary of State for For
l. eign Affairs Lord Palmerston, was of a
y uncompromising character.
At A Other causes of mutual irritation existed
IA which the limits of this sketch do not per
IL nit us TO enumerate. Shorty after the ac
"a cesson of Gen. Harrison, the Melbourn
II administration was overturned in England
rs and Sir Robert Peel returned to power
ie This contemporary change of government i
-, q, a..
III ment of the long standing difficulties. Nh
u Webster, after coming into the DepartmeI
= of State, intimated to the British Ministe
s. that the Government of the United State
is was convinced of the impossibility of settlin
p the boundary-line by adhering TO the cours
OF hitherto pursued-that of topograp phcal e1
I'll plorations, with view to the literal execr
lie ton of the treaty of l7S3-but was pre-
5 pared to adopt a conventional line, on III
basis of mutual gain and concession, if sue
ht a line could be agreed upon. The ne
at Ministry taking the advantage Of this owe
n ture, Immediately determined TO send Lor
st Ashburton, as a special envoy to the Unite
nd States, to negotiate upon this and the oth'
N, subjects in controversy. Massachusetts al
W, Maine were invited to take part by the
p commissioners in the negotiation; and
nd August 8, lS42, the treaty of Washingto
of was ratified by the Senate. BY this treat
he the boundary dispute, which had lasted fi'
ch years, was happily adjusted, An amicab
as and efficient arrangement was made +,
to, oint action in the suppression of the slaN
- trade, and an agreement entered into for
er mutual extradition of tugives from iustic
nd The other subjects of discussion at III
rs. period, between Great Britain and the Ur
ss- ted States, with the exception of the Or
IL gon boundary, were happily disposed Of
Dr. the correspondence accompanying the tire
ms ty. The terms of this important trea
lc- were equally honorable and satisfactory
all both parties.
sb- Mr. Tyler's cabinet was broken up
,n- 1912, but Mr.. Webster remained in off
me till the spring of lS43, being desirous
ice pntting some other matters connected wi
-. o,,r coro;crY ralot;ons in n rrosnavnu fro