DANIEL WEBSTER SPARKS CONTROVERSY ON MARCH 7TH
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) If you are a noted statesman giving a controversial speech on March 7th, what better to name it than "the 7th of March speech?"
On March 7, 1850, Massachusetts Senator Daniel Webster, speaking on the floor of the United States Senate, said...
"Let us enjoy the fresh air of Liberty and Union...preserve the Constitution and the harmony and peace of all who...live under it."
Mr. Webster received high praise in New England, although Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote...
"For decency's sake (he should) shut his lips for once and forever. The word 'liberty' in the mouth of Mr. Webster sounds like the word 'love' in the mouth of a courtesan*."
The speech was criticized in the North because of the Senator's support of the Compromise of 1850 which included the Fugitive Slave Act which made it a crime to assist runaway slaves.
*Courtesan is a prostitute, especially one whose clients are wealthy & upper class.
SOURCE
"Speech Costs Senator His Seat, March 7, 1850," United States Senate, www.senate.gov/
Webster later resigned his Senate seat and became Secretary of State.
