In doing so, I have been
governed by the motives which have governed me in all the stages of the
agitation of the slavery question since its commencement. I have exerted
myself, during the whole period, to arrest it, with the intention of
saving the Union, if it could be done; and if it could not, to save
the section where it has pleased Providence to cast my lot, and which I
sincerely believe has justice and the Constitution on its side. Having
faithfully done my duty to the best of my ability, both to the Union and
my section, throughout this agitation, I shall have the consolation, let
what will come, that I am free from all responsibility.
[Illustration: Daniel Webster]
DANIEL WEBSTER,
OF MASSACHUSETTS. (BORN, 1782, DIED, 1852.)
ON THE CONSTITUTION AND THE UNION;
SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES, MARCH 7, 1850.
MR. PRESIDENT:
I wish to speak to-day, not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a northern
man, but as an American, and a member of the Senate of the United
States.
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