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Show 268 TilE LIDERTY DELL. right, then, to demand even of those who think best of 1\lr. Webster, that they, with us, record their protest against this his most serious treason to the cause of liberty and progress. Mr. Webster once pointed to the character of Washington as sufficient proof of tho excellence of American institutions. It is this view of his own career that is saddest of all. As Washington in 1776, so Webster in 1850, were each the natural result of tho institutions of their day. Our State taught him to barter justice for expediency : taught him that it was allowable to sacrifice one rnco to the prosperity of another. Our Church taught him to make religion a. stalking·l10rse for ambiti~n. Our party politics tempted him, bur· dencd with great abilities, some character, awkward recollections, and the possibility of future fame, to throw off every high thought, nnd the cause that did most nobly become him, run a race with men, who, unknown yesterday nod to be forgotten tomorrow, could dare any depth of meanness to reach DANU:L WEIJSTEJL 269 their ends. The heaviest brain God lent this age sunk beneath the lesson, nnd he died brokcnhcnrtcd. Accursed be the institutions of which such is the natural product! " His voice of wisdom and power, which was at home among us, has penetrated whcre,·cr there was an oppressor to be rebuked, or n victim to be cheered. Everywhere it has brought hope to the struggling and the down-trodden, and confusion to the wrong-doer.'' These words n young mnn had the hardihood to utter in Fancuil Hall, which echoed so lately to the grounded muskets of men watching, while Sims lay in the chained Court House, lest, moved by such n sight, some should be unable to obey )fr. Webster, and .. conquer their prejudices! " These words n young man, reputed to possess the common feelings of humanity, had the heartless effrontery to utter in the presence of men who still trembled for the safety of father and mother,' wife and child, because of n public sentiment which 23• |