The quote i have chosen from this speech was :
"Now, Sir, upon the general nature and influence of slavery there exists a wide difference of opinion between the northern portion of this country and the southern. It is said on the one side, that, although not the subject of any injunction or direct prohibition in the New Testament, slavery is a wrong; that it is founded merely in the right of the strongest; and that is an oppression, like unjust wars, like all those conflicts by which a powerful nation subjects a weaker to its will; and that, in its nature, whatever may be said of it in the modifications which have taken place, it is not according to the meek spirit of the Gospel. It is not "kindly affectioned"; it does not "seek another's, and not its own"; it does not "let the oppressed go free"."
Webster has pointed out the indifference between the North and South about slavery. Listing the views of the North on slavery. He however did not ask the South to abolish slavery but rather the North to embrace the fact that the South had it, to be content with them allowing slavery. I feel that Webster just didn't suggest that the northern's support slavery but almost mocked those who did not.
I feel the South however reveled in Webster speech, after all why wouldn't they? He supported them. He unconsciously gave them the right to keep using slaves as a tool to their economy, to support it , without reaping the benefits. The North however, at least i believe, was frustrated for many reasons. Some may have believed it was morally wrong, while others may of thought slavery to just be, inefficient for the South's progression.
This speech makes me question possible influences Webster had. Whether it was beneficial or not towards slavery, i personally think it was another set back.
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