This was the only possible and the only wise policy, but that it involved them in some contradictions in that winter of excitement and confusion is beyond doubt.

History will judge the men and events of 1860 according to the circumstances of the time, but nothing that happened then has any bearing on Mr.Webster's conduct.

He must be judged according to the circumstances of 1850, and the first and most obvious fact is, that he was not fighting merely to gain time and obtain control of the general government.

The crisis was grave and serious in the extreme, but neither war nor secession were imminent or immediate, nor did Mr.Webster ever assert that they were.

He thought war and secession might come, and it was against this possibility and probability that he sought to provide.