The conclusion of this
speech is not far from the level of Mr. Webster's best work. It is too long
for quotation, but a few sentences will show its quality:--
"Give up your futile projects of invasion. Extinguish the fires
that blaze on your inland frontier. Establish perfect safety and
defence there by adequate force. Let every man that sleeps on your
soil sleep in security. Stop the blood that flows from the veins of
unarmed yeomanry and women and children. Give to the living time to
bury and lament their dead in the quietness of private sorrow.
Having performed this work of beneficence and mercy on your inland
border, turn, and look with the eye of justice and compassion on
your vast population along the coast. Unclench the iron grasp of
your embargo. Take measures for that end before another sun
sets.... Let it no longer be said that not one ship of force, built
by your hands, yet floats upon the ocean.... If then the war must
be continued, go to the ocean. If you are seriously contending for
maritime rights, go to the theatre where alone those rights can be
defended.
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