Mr.Webster concluded that the way to save the Union and the Constitution, and to achieve the success which he desired, was to go with the heaviest battalions.

He therefore espoused the Southern side, for the compromise was in the Southern interest, and smote the anti-slavery movement with all his strength.

He reasoned correctly that peace could come only by administering a severe check to one of the two contending parties.

He erred in attempting to arrest the one which all modern history showed was irresistible.

It is no doubt true, as appears by his cabinet opinion recently printed, that he stood ready to meet the first overt act on the part of the South with force.