which he had exhibited in 1820 and was
again to display in 1850, he had succeeded in getting his tariff bill
carried rapidly through the House, in order to obviate the objection that
all money bills must originate in the lower branch. The House bill passed
the Senate, Mr. Webster voting against it, and became law. There was no
further need of the Force Bill. Clay, Calhoun, even the daring Jackson
ultimately, were very glad to accept the easy escape offered by a
compromise. South Carolina had in reality prevailed, although Mr. Clay had
saved protection in a modified form. Her threats of nullification had
brought the United States government to terms, and the doctrines of Calhoun
went home to the people of the South with the glory of substantial victory
about them, to breed and foster separatism and secession, and prepare the
way for armed conflict with the nobler spirit of nationality which Mr.
Webster had roused in the North.

Speaking of Mr. Webster at this period, Mr. Benton says:--

"He was the colossal figure on the political stage during that
eventful time, and his labors, splendid in their day, survive for
the benefit of distant posterity."... "It was a splendid era in his
life, both for his intellect and his patriotism. No longer the
advocate of classes or interests, he appeared as the great
defender of the Union, of the Constitution, of the country, and of
the administration to which he was opposed. Released from the bonds
of party and the narrow confines of class and corporation advocacy,
his colossal intellect expanded to its full proportions in the
field of patriotism, luminous with the fires of genius, and
commanding the homage not of party but of country. His magnificent
harangues touched Jackson in his deepest-seated and ruling feeling,
love of country, and brought forth the response which always came
from him when the country was in peril and a defender presented
himself. He threw out the right hand of fellowship, treated Mr.
Webster with marked distinction, commended him with public praise,
and placed him on the roll of patriots. And the public mind took
the belief that they were to act together in future, and that a
cabinet appointment or a high mission would be the reward of his
patriotic service. It was a crisis in the life of Mr. Webster. He
stood in public opposition to Mr. Clay and Mr. Calhoun.