From the tone of the discussion, it is to be
feared that many of those who are interested in the question have not
taken the trouble to read what he said. The speech of 1828 is by no means
equal in any way to its predecessors in the same field. It is brief and
simple to the last degree. It has not a shred of constitutional argument,
nor does it enter at all into a discussion of general principles. It makes
but one point, and treats that point with great force as the only one to be
made under the circumstances, and thereby presents the single and
sufficient reason for its author's vote. A few lines from the speech give
the marrow of the whole matter. Mr. Webster said:--
"New England, sir, has not been a leader in this policy. On the
contrary, she held back herself and tried to hold others back from
it, from the adoption of the Constitution to 1824. Up to 1824 she
was accused of sinister and selfish designs, _because she
discountenanced the progress of this policy_.... Under this angry
denunciation against her the act of 1824 passed.
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