It is
now the law of the land, and as such we are bound to regard it.
Resistance and insurrection form no part of our creed. The
disciples of Washington are neither tyrants in power nor rebels
out. If we are taxed to carry on this war we shall disregard
certain distinguished examples and shall pay. If our personal
services are required we shall yield them to the precise extent of
our constitutional liability. At the same time the world may be
assured that we know our rights and shall exercise them. We shall
express our opinions on this, as on every measure of the
government,--I trust without passion, I am certain without fear. By
the exercise of our constitutional right of suffrage, by the
peaceable remedy of election, we shall seek to restore wisdom to
our councils, and peace to our country."
This was a sensible and patriotic opposition. It represented the views of
the moderate Federalists, and traced the lines which Mr. Webster
consistently followed during the first years of his public life.
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