The government which was then established might have degenerated into a confederation little stronger than its predecessor.

But the Constitution did its work better, and converted a confederacy into a nation.

Mr.Webster set forth the national conception of the Union.

He expressed what many men were vaguely thinking and believing, and the principles which he made clear and definite went on broadening and deepening until, thirty years afterwards, they had a force sufficient to sustain the North and enable her to triumph in the terrible struggle which resulted in the preservation of national life.

When Mr.Webster showed that practical nullification was revolution, he had answered completely the South Carolinian doctrine, for revolution is not susceptible of constitutional argument.