The Southerners, especially the extremists and the nullifiers, were always more ready than any one else to strain the powers of the central government to the last point, and use them most tyrannically and illegally in their own interest and in that of their pet institution.  The session of 1836 furnished a striking example of this characteristic quality.  Mr. Calhoun at that time introduced his monstrous bill to control the United States mails in the interests of slavery, by authorizing postmasters to seize and suppress all anti-slavery documents.  Against this measure Mr. Webster spoke and voted, resting his opposition on general grounds, and sustaining it by a strong and effective argument.  In the following year, on his way to the North, after the inauguration of Mr. Van Buren, a great public reception was given to him in New York, and on that occasion he made the speech in Niblo’s Garden, where he defined the Whig principles, arraigned so powerfully the policy of Jackson, and laid the foundation for the triumphs of the Harrison campaign.  In the course of that speech he referred to Texas, and strongly expressed his belief that it should remain independent and should not be annexed.  This led him to touch upon slavery.  He said:—­

“I frankly avow my entire unwillingness to do anything that shall extend the slavery of the African race on this continent, or add other slave-holding States to the Union.  When I say that I regard slavery in itself as a great moral, social, and political evil, I only use the language which has been adopted by distinguished men, themselves citizens of slave-holding States.  I shall do nothing, therefore, to favor or encourage its further extension.  We have slavery already amongst us.  The Constitution found it in the Union, it recognized it, and gave it solemn guaranties.  To the full extent of the guaranties we are all bound in honor, in justice, and by the Constitution....  But when we come to speak of admitting new States, the subject assumes an entirely different aspect....  In my opinion, the people of the United States will not consent to bring into the Union a new, vastly extensive, and slave-holding country, large enough for half a dozen or a dozen States.  In my opinion, they ought not to consent to it....  On the general question of slavery a great portion of the community is already strongly excited.  The subject has not only attracted attention as a question of politics, but it has struck a far deeper-toned chord.  It has arrested the religious feeling of the country; it has taken strong hold on the consciences of men.  He is a rash man, indeed, and little conversant with human nature, and especially has he a very erroneous estimate of the character of the people of this country, who supposes that a feeling of this kind is to be trifled with or despised.  It will assuredly cause itself to be respected.  It may be reasoned with, it may be made willing—­I believe it is entirely willing—­to fulfil all