Mr.Webster never indulged in personal attacks, but at the same time he was too haughty a man ever to engage in an exchange of compliments in debate.

He never was in the habit of saying pleasant things to his opponents in the Senate merely as a matter of agreeable courtesy.

In this direction, as in its opposite, he usually maintained a cold silence.

But on the 7th of March he elaborately complimented Calhoun, and went out of his way to flatter Virginia and Mr.Mason personally.

This struck close observers with surprise, but it was the real purpose of the speech which went home to the people of the North.