obscure the great purposes for which the Constitution was established?

I hopefully look forward to the reaction which will establish the fact
that our sun is yet in the ascendant--that the cloud which has covered
our political prospect is but a mist of the morning--that we are again
to be amicably divided in opinion upon measures of expediency, upon
questions of relative interest, upon discussions as to the rights of
the States, and the powers of the federal government,--such discussion
as is commemorated in this historical picture [pointing to the
painting.] There your own great Statesman, Webster, addresses his
argument to our brightest luminary, the incorruptible Calhoun, who
leans over to catch the accents of eloquence that fall from his lips.
[Loud applause.]

They differed as Statesmen and philosophers; they railed not, warred
not against each other; they stood to each other in the relation of
affection and regard. And never did I see Mr. Webster so agitated,
never did I hear his voice so falter, as when he delivered his eulogy
on John C. Calhoun. [Applause.]

But allusion was made to my own connection with your favorite departed
Statesman. I will only say on this occasion, that very early in the
commencement of my congressional life, Mr. Webster was arraigned for
an offence which affected him most deeply. He was no accountant; all
knew that there was but little of mercantile exactness in his habits.
He was arraigned on a pecuniary charge--the misapplication of what is
known as the secret service fund; and I was one of the committee that
had to investigate the charge. I endeavored to do justice, to examine
the evidence with a view to ascertain the truth. As an American I
hoped he would come out without stain or smoke upon his garments. But