Upon these resolutions, absurd in character and barbarous in principle, Mr.Webster did not even vote.

There is a strange contrast here between the splendid denunciation of the Plymouth oration and this utter lack of opinion, upon resolutions designed to create a sentiment favorable to the protection of slave-ships engaged in the domestic traffic.

Soon afterwards, when Mr.Webster was Secretary of State, he advanced much the same doctrine in the discussion of the Creole case, and his letter was approved by Calhoun.

There may be merit in the legal argument, but the character of the cargo, which it was sought to protect, put it beyond the reach of law.

We have no need to go farther than the Plymouth oration to find the true character of the trade in human beings as carried on upon the high seas.
After leaving the cabinet, and resuming his law practice, Mr.Webster, of course, continued to watch with attention the progress of events.