Details
WEBSTER, Daniel (1782 - 1852), Senator, orator. Autograph letter signed ("Danl Webster") to Mr. Hallett, Washington, 2 May 1834. 3½ pp., 4to. Fine condition.
WEBSTER ON A THIRD TERM FOR ANDREW JACKSON: "HIS POPULARITY IS EFFECTUALLY SHAKEN." A candid letter reflecting the continuing dissension in Congress following bitter wrangling over Jackson's refusal to recharter the second Bank of the U.S. The President's high-handed moves brought together the Senate's "Great Triumvirate" of John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay and Webster, who helped enact the historic resolution of 27 March censuring Jackson for exercising "authority and power not conferred by the Constitution and laws." Here, two months after the rancorous vote, Webster denies a remark attributed to him, declaring "...I have never said we were in a state of Revolution," but "In the excited state of public feelings, it is to be expected that ill-considered & rude expressions will escape from individuals, & from the Press. These are not to be commended. The Revolution which the Country needs, is no more than the change of opinion & changes of public measures." In fact, he adds, "a thorough awaking of the People is necessary to prevent Party from conferring all substantial power on its chief [President Jackson], in order to sustain itself, & continue to possess the government." As to Jackson's seeking an unprecedented third term, Webster delicately observes that the idea "deserves much reflection," though he believes even Jackson's "friends will not dare propose it. If we are not altogether mistaken, his popularity, great as it has been, is effectually shaken." Then Webster reflects on what he sees as Jackson's fundamental problem: "The President, however good his intentions may be, sees but one side, & hears but one story...& nothing is heard patiently which is meant to dissuade him, from that purpose. A decided demonstration of public opinion...can alone induce him to halt in it."
WEBSTER ON A THIRD TERM FOR ANDREW JACKSON: "HIS POPULARITY IS EFFECTUALLY SHAKEN." A candid letter reflecting the continuing dissension in Congress following bitter wrangling over Jackson's refusal to recharter the second Bank of the U.S. The President's high-handed moves brought together the Senate's "Great Triumvirate" of John C. Calhoun, Henry Clay and Webster, who helped enact the historic resolution of 27 March censuring Jackson for exercising "authority and power not conferred by the Constitution and laws." Here, two months after the rancorous vote, Webster denies a remark attributed to him, declaring "...I have never said we were in a state of Revolution," but "In the excited state of public feelings, it is to be expected that ill-considered & rude expressions will escape from individuals, & from the Press. These are not to be commended. The Revolution which the Country needs, is no more than the change of opinion & changes of public measures." In fact, he adds, "a thorough awaking of the People is necessary to prevent Party from conferring all substantial power on its chief [President Jackson], in order to sustain itself, & continue to possess the government." As to Jackson's seeking an unprecedented third term, Webster delicately observes that the idea "deserves much reflection," though he believes even Jackson's "friends will not dare propose it. If we are not altogether mistaken, his popularity, great as it has been, is effectually shaken." Then Webster reflects on what he sees as Jackson's fundamental problem: "The President, however good his intentions may be, sees but one side, & hears but one story...& nothing is heard patiently which is meant to dissuade him, from that purpose. A decided demonstration of public opinion...can alone induce him to halt in it."