He then with great power dealt with the various points summarized by Mr.Atkinson, and concluded with a detailed and learned examination of the various clauses of the bill, which finally passed by a small majority and became law.
In 1828 came another tariff bill, so bad and so extreme in many respects that it was called the "bill of abominations." It originated in the agitation of the woollen manufacturers which had started the year before, and for this bill Mr.Webster spoke and voted.

He changed his ground on this important question absolutely and entirely, and made no pretence of doing anything else.

The speech which he made on this occasion is a celebrated one, but it is so solely on account of the startling change of position which it announced.

Mr.Webster has been attacked and defended for his action at this time with great zeal, and all the constitutional and economic arguments for and against protection are continually brought forward in this connection.

From the tone of the discussion, it is to be feared that many of those who are interested in the question have not taken the trouble to read what he said.