The argument and the conclusion were alike irresistible, but Mr.Webster showed, in handling his subject, not only the variety, richness, and force which he had displayed in the Senate, but the capacity of presenting it in a way thoroughly adapted to the popular mind, and yet, at the same time, of preserving the impressive tone of a dignified statesman, without any degeneration into mere stump oratory.

This wonderful series of speeches produced the greatest possible effect.

They were heard by thousands and read by tens of thousands.

They fell, of course, upon willing ears.

The people, smarting under bankruptcy, poverty, and business depression, were wild for a change; but nothing did so much to swell the volume of public resentment against the policy of the ruling party as these speeches of Mr.
Webster, which gave character and form to the whole movement.