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Select Speeches of Daniel Webster, 1817-1845

By Daniel Webster

Summary of Select Speeches of Daniel Webster, 1817-1845

The book is a collection of speeches and writings by Daniel Webster, a prominent American statesman and orator. Throughout the chapters, Webster addresses various topics, including the economy, government, and American labor. He argues for a uniform currency, criticizes the current system of state banks issuing their own notes, and opposes the concept of nullification. Webster also emphasizes the importance of the Constitution as a fundamental law that binds the nation together, rather than a compact between sovereign states. He delivers speeches at Saratoga, discussing the current state of the country and the economy, and criticizing administration policies. Additionally, Webster touches on the topic of American labor, arguing that it is distinct from European labor and should not be compared to it. The book also includes a eulogy on the death of Mr. Justice Story, where Webster praises his character and contributions to the field of law. Overall, the book showcases Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion as an orator and statesman, and provides insight into his thoughts on the important issues of his time.

Chapter Summary of Select Speeches of Daniel Webster, 1817-1845

Defence of the Kennistons

The chapter discusses a speech delivered by Daniel Webster at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country, the economy, and the role of government in regulating currency. He argues that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency and that the current system, which allows state banks to issue their own notes, is flawed. Webster also discusses the concept of nullification, which he strongly opposes, and argues that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but rather a fundamental law that binds the nation together. Additionally, the chapter touches on the topic of American labor, with Webster arguing that the idea of reducing wages to match those in Europe is misguided and would be detrimental to the American economy. The speech is characterized by Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion, and is seen as a testament to his skills as an orator and statesman.

The Dartmouth College Case

The chapter discusses Daniel Webster's speech at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency and that the current system, which allows state banks to issue their own notes, is flawed. Webster also discusses the concept of nullification and argues that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but rather a fundamental law that binds the nation together. Additionally, the chapter touches on the topic of American labor, with Webster arguing that the idea of reducing wages to match those in Europe is misguided and would be detrimental to the American economy. The speech is characterized by Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion, and is seen as a testament to his skills as an orator and statesman.

First Settlement of New England

The chapter discusses Daniel Webster's speech at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that a revolution in public sentiment is underway, driven by a general cause that affects the whole country, and that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency. Webster criticizes the administration's policies, particularly the separation of the government's currency from the people's, and argues that this is not a democratic principle. He also discusses the concept of American labor, arguing that it is distinct from European labor and should not be compared to it. Webster concludes by emphasizing the importance of the government's role in regulating the currency and promoting the interests of the people.

The Bunker Hill Monument

The chapter discusses a speech delivered by Daniel Webster at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency and that the current system, which allows state banks to issue their own notes, is flawed. Webster also discusses the concept of nullification, which he strongly opposes, and argues that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but rather a fundamental law that binds the nation together. Additionally, the chapter touches on the topic of American labor, with Webster arguing that the idea of reducing wages to match those in Europe is misguided and would be detrimental to the American economy. The speech is characterized by Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion, and is seen as a testament to his skills as an orator and statesman.

The Reply to Hayne

The chapter discusses Daniel Webster's speech at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that a revolution in public sentiment is underway, driven by a general cause that affects the whole country, and that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency. Webster criticizes the administration's policies, particularly the separation of the government's currency from the people's, and argues that this is not a democratic principle. He also discusses the concept of American labor, arguing that it is distinct from European labor and should not be compared to it. Webster concludes by emphasizing the importance of the government's role in regulating the currency and promoting the interests of the people.

The Murder of Captain Joseph White

The chapter discusses a speech delivered by Daniel Webster at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency and that the current system, which allows state banks to issue their own notes, is flawed. Webster also discusses the concept of nullification, which he strongly opposes, and argues that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but rather a fundamental law that binds the nation together. Additionally, the chapter touches on the topic of American labor, with Webster arguing that the idea of reducing wages to match those in Europe is misguided and would be detrimental to the American economy. The speech is characterized by Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion, and is seen as a testament to his skills as an orator and statesman.

The Constitution Not a Compact Between Sovereign States

The chapter discusses Daniel Webster's speech in response to the gentleman from South Carolina, who had introduced resolutions declaring the Constitution to be a compact between sovereign states. Webster argues that the Constitution is not a compact, but a fundamental law that binds the nation together. He contends that the idea of nullification and secession is based on a flawed understanding of the Constitution and that it would lead to chaos and anarchy. Webster also discusses the history of the Constitution and the intentions of its framers, highlighting the importance of the Union and the need for a strong central government. He emphasizes that the Constitution is a government proper, founded on the adoption of the people, and that it creates direct relations between itself and individuals. Webster concludes by maintaining that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but a supreme law that binds the nation together, and that any attempt to nullify or secede from it would be a violation of the Constitution and a threat to the Union.

Speech at Saratoga

The chapter discusses a speech delivered by Daniel Webster at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency and that the current system, which allows state banks to issue their own notes, is flawed. Webster also discusses the concept of nullification, which he strongly opposes, and argues that the Constitution is not a compact between sovereign states, but rather a fundamental law that binds the nation together. Additionally, the chapter touches on the topic of American labor, with Webster arguing that the idea of reducing wages to match those in Europe is misguided and would be detrimental to the American economy. The speech is characterized by Webster's eloquence, logic, and passion, and is seen as a testament to his skills as an orator and statesman.

Mr. Justice Story

The chapter discusses Daniel Webster's speech at Saratoga, where he addresses the current state of the country and the economy. He argues that a revolution in public sentiment is underway, driven by a general cause that affects the whole country, and that the government has a duty to provide a uniform currency. Webster criticizes the administration's policies, particularly the separation of the government's currency from the people's, and argues that this is not a democratic principle. He also discusses the concept of American labor, arguing that it is distinct from European labor and should not be compared to it. Additionally, Webster delivers a eulogy on the death of Mr. Justice Story, praising his character, attainments, and contributions to the field of law. Webster highlights Story's role in explaining and defending American institutions, his work on the Constitution, and his influence on the development of American law.