That Mr.Webster was, in a certain sense, inconsistent is beyond doubt, but consistency is the bugbear of small minds, as well as a mark of strong characters, while its reverse is often the proof of wisdom.
On the other hand, it may be fairly argued that, holding as he did that the whole thing was purely a business question to be decided according to circumstances, his course, in view of the policy adopted by the government, was at bottom perfectly consistent.

As to the want of deep conviction, Mr.
Webster's vote on this question proves nothing.

He believed in free trade as an abstract general principle, and there is no reason to suppose that he ever abandoned his belief on this point.

But he had too clear a mind ever to be run away with by the extreme vagaries of the Manchester school.

He knew that there was no morality, no immutable right and wrong, in an impost or a free list.