The greater part of it is taken up with argument and statement, and is very quiet in tone.

But the famous passage beginning "peaceable secession," which came straight from the heart, and the peroration also, have the glowing eloquence which shone with so much splendor all through the reply to Hayne.

The speech can be readily analyzed.

With extreme calmness of language Mr.Webster discussed the whole history of slavery in ancient and modern times, and under the Constitution of the United States.

His attitude is so judicial and historical, that if it is clear he disapproved of the system, it is not equally evident that he condemned it.