the arguments which, after years of discussion, converted that feeling into a fixed opinion, and made it strong enough to carry the North through four years of civil war.  But in his final speech in this debate Mr. Webster came back to his original ground, and said, in conclusion, “Shall we have a general government?  Shall we continue the union of States under a government instead of a league?  This vital and all-important question the people will decide.”  The vital question went to the great popular jury, and they cast aside all historical premises and deductions, all legal subtleties and refinements, and gave their verdict on the existing facts.  The world knows what that verdict was, and will never forget that it was largely due to the splendid eloquence of Daniel Webster when he defended the cause of nationality against the slave-holding separatists of South Carolina.

While this great debate was in progress, and Mr. Webster and the faithful adherents of Jackson were pushing the “Force Bill” to a vote, Mr. Clay was making every effort to carry the compromise tariff.  In spite of his exertions, the Force Bill passed on February 20, but close behind came the tariff, which Mr. Webster opposed, on its final passage, in a vigorous speech.  There is no need to enter into his economical objections, but he made his strongest stand against the policy of sacrificing great interests to soothe South Carolina.  Mr. Clay replied, but did not then press a vote, for, with that dexterous management which he had exhibited in 1820 and was again to display in 1850, he had succeeded in getting his tariff bill carried rapidly through the House, in order to obviate the objection that all money bills must originate in the lower branch.  The House bill passed the Senate, Mr. Webster voting against it, and became law.  There was no further need of the Force Bill.  Clay, Calhoun, even the daring Jackson ultimately, were very glad to accept the easy escape offered by a compromise.  South Carolina had in reality prevailed, although Mr. Clay had saved protection in a modified form.  Her threats of nullification had brought the United States government to terms, and the doctrines of Calhoun went home to the people of the South with the glory of substantial victory about them, to breed and foster separatism and secession, and prepare the way for armed conflict with the nobler spirit of nationality which Mr. Webster had roused in the North.

Speaking of Mr. Webster at this period, Mr. Benton says:—­

“He was the colossal figure on the political stage during that eventful time, and his labors, splendid in their day, survive for the benefit of distant posterity."...  “It was a splendid era in his life, both for his intellect and his patriotism.  No longer the advocate of classes or interests, he appeared as the great defender of the Union, of the Constitution, of the country, and of the administration to which he was opposed.  Released from the bonds of