In 1848 he might still hope to be President through a Whig nomination.

In 1852 he knew that, even if he lived, there would never be another chance.

He gave vent to his disappointment, put no constraint upon himself, prophesied the downfall of his party, and advised his friends to vote for Franklin Pierce.

It was perfectly logical, after advocating the compromise measures, to advise giving the government into the hands of a party controlled by the South.

Mr.Webster would have been entirely reasonable in taking such a course before the Baltimore convention.