Daniel Webster (1782–1852)

“He taught the people how to reason, and the statesmen how to speak.” — Edward Everett.

Selected Writings

The American System of Government

We have accomplished what philosophy has only dreamed, and theory has proposed.
We govern a great nation spread over a vast extent of territory, by means of local institutions for local purposes and general institutions for general purposes.
Wherever I find a race of men whose general sentiment is that government is made for man, and not man for government, there I shall find prosperity and happiness.

The Monroe Doctrine
April 14, 1826

We mean by our policy of neutrality that the great objects of national pursuit with us are connected with peace. We covet no provinces; we desire no conquests; we entertain no ambitious projects of aggrandizement by war.
Our political system has, for its basis, popular governments, restrained by written constitutions; and universal education, by which the capacity of the people for self-government is increased and sustained.

The Character of Washington
Centennial Address, February 22, 1832

One of the most striking things ever said of him is that “he changed mankind’s ideas of political greatness.”
To commanding talents and to success, the common elements of such greatness, he added a disregard of self, a spotlessness of motive, and a ready submission to every public and private duty.
His fame is as durable as his principles, as lasting as truth and virtue themselves. While others, raised by accident or party, pass away, Washington’s fame stands like the rock which neither storms nor time can move.

Address to the Ladies of Richmond
October 5, 1840

We admire the artist who presents the mimic man upon the canvas, and the sculptor who carves his image in marble; but how much greater is the vocation of mothers, who work upon mind and spirit, whose impressions last forever.

Reception at Boston
September 30, 1842

Every settlement of national differences between Christian states by fair negotiation, without resort to arms, is a new proof of the benign influence of the Christian faith.

The Landing at Plymouth
December 22, 1843

Let us hold fast the great truth that no government is respectable which is not just; that, without public faith and sacred honor, no mere forms or machinery of laws can give dignity to political society.

Speech at Marshfield
September 1, 1848

At this moment, there is no object upon earth so much attracting the gaze of the intelligent nations as this great republic. They see us as that star of empire which, half a century ago, was seen moving westward.
May they see it as a mild and brilliant orb enlightening mankind, and not as a meteor of fire and blood, terrifying the nations.

For the Constitution and the Union
March 7, 1850

Secession! Peaceable secession! Sir, your eyes and mine are never destined to see that miracle.
The dismemberment of this vast country without convulsion! The breaking up of the fountains of the great deep without ruffling the surface! He who expects to see these States quit their places and fly off without convulsion may as well look next to see the heavenly bodies rush from their spheres and jostle against each other in the realms of space without causing the wreck of the universe.