New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-12-15
MR.. WEBSTERS SPEECHES.

THE SUPPRESSION OF ANTI-sLAvERY PASSAGES
CARD FROM MIR. CURTIS.
To the EdttOr OF The Tribune.
SIR: In a notice of the first volume Of my
life of Mr. Webster contained in your paper Of this
date It is asserted fact that Mr. Webster directed
Mr. Everett "tO expunge from the new edition OF his
speeches all the things lie had ever said against
Slavery" II were TO allow this statement to pass I'M
contradicted would be inferred justly either that 1t is
true or that there foundation for it, should
thus apparently give silent assent to charge tha1
Mr. Webster so far he could do it, by suppressing MS
pube uterances on the subject referred to- attempted
TO fay not only his history but the history OF inc
country can surely therefore, rely upon your cahuor
TO allow me- in your own columns to deny this state
ment.
In the first place. it is scarcely possible that such o
recton could have been given without my having heard
of il at the time since; for had means OF knowing aV
the time all the wishes expressed by Mr. webster con-
corning the new edition Of his works, and possess,
among the papers Of the literary executors, oetlieu
lists of the speeches and other writings which MI "ep
ster desired TO have included in his works. assureyo
that never heard of any such direction having peeh
given- nor did l hear, until now that there hau
ever been even a rlEOr that it had been given nave
every reason 10 believe and as think, 10 Hhoo lha'
the only direction given by Mr. webster 10 MI
Everett was TO leave out, so far as might oe
consistent with historical truth ana accuracy III
passages in which ne had made severe renecuohs upon
political opponents which might be regarded as personal
He had great unwillngness 10 perpetuate the uhkhu
persoDa feelings that spring in the COLLISIONS OF pom
tics and on this point he very earnest and empnac
in tine wishes which he expressed 10 MI. L'eIStt VI
uh there is abundant proof in my possession But as
10 subjects of public interest public dlscussOn nave
every reason TO that both he and Mr. EveIeI ue
,nd the NE w edition al his works to be as full and com
plete collection OF all his public uterances as sS oe
practicable emitting nothing that cOuId DC IesaLu ".
Webster ever desired to sun any FAIR criticism thI couiu
be made upon any portion of his public career A..
In the second Mace the best proof that such dec
, vas ever iyen IA TO be found in the fact that Mr.
Everetts edition OF his works does contain an to vs.
things he had ever said against slavery, uoTn ~ h
Obliged TO any who VIII point out TO me slhge pun
lie uterance OF Mr.. Webster concerning the lnheIenV
wrong of Slavery moral, social and pOltchl eNs
or the folly Of giving further extension tnan II hau u
the original compromises of the CONSTITUTION Ih
not contained the authorized edition OF MS W0hs
From his early and scOchng denunclhtOns OF the slave
Trade in the Plymouth Discourse uS2O); down tnIougn
persistent resistance to that measure uhtl IL was foI
| summated by public compact between the Shi'eu
| acts of Congress down through all the dis:
| cussions relating TO Slavery in the District OF
Columia-wheuever and wherever Nj. webster had Oc-
casion 10 touch the subject whatever he said or wrote
publicly that Impressive, powerful or In any degree
anihorZed edition OF his works. / do not know Of q
single exception 10 this statement In your view al h
sstent That matter of opinion into when IL Is no
for me 10 enter But hope you VIII do nm ana an
! who, however hunhly may be said IN any degree 10
represent him. the justice to admit that neither ne nor
any else has desired TO withhold from lnose
entertain your OF his character OF conduct any III
formation, fact utterance that Is important 10 JusI
determination OF the questions whether lie was sut OF
wrong in 1880 whether he was governed by the mo
| tives that have been imputed 10 him $780,, a.,
BE assured, Sir that Mr.. Webster would have dis-
daned the writer Of his life dlSdans to seek Tor any
he ever said in regard 10 slavery OF any thing else
am, respectfully. your obedie1t servant, c,-,r,s
Ner York, Dec. Ii. 1862