The accusation was in fact absurd, and but few years had elapsed since Mr.Webster and New England had been assailed by Mr.McDuffie for desiring to build up the West at the expense of the South by the policy of internal improvements.

It was not difficult, therefore, to show the groundlessness of this new attack, but Mr.Webster did it with consummate art and great force, shattering Hayne's elaborate argument to pieces and treading it under foot.

Mr.Webster only alluded incidentally to the tariff agitation in South Carolina, but the crushing nature of the reply inflamed and mortified Mr.Hayne, who, on the following day, insisted on Mr.
Webster's presence, and spoke for the second time at great length.

He made a bitter attack upon New England, upon Mr.Webster personally, and upon the character and patriotism of Massachusetts.

He then made a full exposition of the doctrine of nullification, giving free expression of the views and principles entertained by his master and leader, who presided over the discussion.