The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1899-01-07
The Great Debate Between
Webster and Hayne.
Yi3Yi9Yi2I9Yi9Si39t8 Dyi9yis
BY REUBEN HAINES.

some reason tue ulScusslon vi tne heSolu-
ton was not resumed until the following
Wednesday, when its adoption was bitterly
opposed by several Western Senators. 1t
was taken up again on Monday, the 18th OF
January, 1880, when Mr.. Benton spoke
about two hours against the Resolution
Mr. Holmes made a brief reply on the 10Th
Other members had something 20 say about
it, Then Robert Y. Hayne, a Senator from
South Carolina, commenced speech which
occupied the rest of the day. Mr.. Webster
was a silent spectator and took no interest
in the debate. 1t did not interest HIM in
the least for the discussions up to this time
seemed a pontless affair." and no one ap-
peared to know what all the fuss was about.
Mr.. Webster was then engaged in the argu-
ment Of an important case in the United
States Supreme Court. The case was John
Jacob Aston at the suit of Carver's Lsssee,
reported in 4th Peters, Page l. On the
adjournment Of the Court, Tuesday, Janu-
airy 10Th, 1880, he returned to the Senate
Chamber from the Supreme Court room
just as Mr. Hayne arose to speak. Perhaps
the entrance of Mr.. Webster from the SUI
preme Court room may have melted MIR.
Hayne to make an attack on the New Eng
land States. He accused them of desiring
to impede the growth Of the West in the
interest of protection, and endeavored TO
show the -ympathy which should exist be-
tween the West and the South, which sym
patty should compel them to make COM
mon cause against the tariff. The attack
on New England, made by Mr.. Hayne,
was tinged with bitterness, and had the
effect of arousing Mr.. Webster, who replied
the next day, in what is known as "Web-
ster's first speech on the Foote Resolution"
Before this time he had not uttered sinyle
word on the Foote Resolution. 1t is true
he was in his Senatorial chair and had
heard much of the discussion, but took no
part in the debate. Perhaps he was too
much engrossed in the argument of the case
in the Supreme Court to give the debate
much attention But when Mr.. Hayne,
without any apparent cause attacked New
England, he aroused the "Lion of the
North and he Immediately arose to reply,
but a motion to adjourn the Senate pre-
vailed and Mr.. Webster sat down. The
next day, Mr.. Webster replied to the at
tack in speech known as 'Webster's first
speech on the Foote Resolution" This
speech has been so obscured by the grandeur
and greatness Of his second speech on the
to and but little read. It was entirely
eclipsed by his second speech which is
headed in all the school books "Webster's
reply to Hayne." His first speech on the
Resolution, though one of the most effective
retorts, and one of the strongest pieces of
caustic and Obstructive criticisms ever
by repelling the charge of hostility to the
West by the New England states, aud the
rumor Of the coming debate brought many
people from distant states to hear the dis
oussion. Every one knew that Mr.. Hayne
would reply. Who was Robert Y. Hayne?
lie was Senator from South Carolina.
wards her Governor. A lawyer by prof,s-
sion a fluent speaker, learned, intelligent,
fiery. A Southern gentleman without stain
or blemish. He entered the political field
when just over 81 years OF age. He had
assembled the ladder Of p) itiCal fame with
rapid strides. He was the idol of the
South. They believed him inviDcible.
worthy champion of Southern rights.
While Mr.. Hayne was delivering his first
speech on the Resolution ATr. Bell of New
Hampshire, and Ezekiel +. Chambers OF
Maryland, walked over to Mr.. Webster
and quietly said to him that an immediate
reply was due from him. Mr.. Webster
taken his seat, but gave way to motion
for adjournment. The next morning. We'd
nesday, January goth, 1880, the Foote
Resolution being called up modification
was suggested by Messrs Shrague of Maine,
and Woodbury. of New Hampshire, by add
ing thereto the following clause-"Jr
whether it he expedient to adopt measures
to hasten the sales and extend more rapidly
the surveys of the public lands" Mr..
Web ter then delivered his FIRST speech on
the Resolution. Mr.. Benton followed Mr..
Webster ny a speech over two hours in
length opposing Mr.. Webster's views.
On Thursday, the 2lst Of January, 1890,
the subject came up again. but the debate
had assumed a new phase Personalities
were INDUCED in, discourteses cropped
out. Mr., Chambers expressed the hope
that the Senate would postpone the further
consideration Of the Resolution until the
following Monday, as Mr.. Webster was
then engaged in the argument Of the afore
mentioned cause in the Supreme Court and
could not conveniently be present before
that day. Mr., Webster was in his seat ia
the Senate Chamber at that time. Mr..
ITayne said "He saw the gentleman from
Massachusetts in his seat, and presumed
he could make an arrangement which