‘The Presidential Sweepstakes of 1844’ shows the runners and riders for the US elections that year, in which Democrat candidate James K. Polk defeated Whig Party candidate Henry Clay. Clay is the horse to the top left, ridden by jockey Daniel Webster; Polk is next, followed by Martin Van Buren, John C. Calhoun, Richard M. Johnson and John Tyler. Webster’s own Presidential run in 1848 ended in disappointment. Click here for more. Webster’s stirring defence of free speech would find little favour today. Free speech is considered dangerous to society, allowing prejudice and ignorance to flourish. And yet, in a culture of free speech prejudice and ignorance are inexcusable vices, since the truth is always at hand; whereas under a culture of censorship, prejudice and ignorance (of the right kind) are taught as patriotic virtues.
Part 1 of 2
IMPORTANT as I deem it, to discuss on all proper occasions, the policy of the measures at present pursued, it is still more important to maintain the right of such discussion, in its full and just extent. Sentiments lately sprung up, and now growing fashionable, make it necessary to be explicit on this point. The more I perceive a disposition to check the freedom of inquiry by extravagant and unconstitutional pretences, the firmer shall be the tone, in which I shall assert, and the freer the manner, in which I shall exercise it. It is the ancient and undoubted prerogative of this people to canvass* public measures, and the merits of public men. It is a ‘home-bred right’; a fireside privilege. It hath ever been enjoyed in every house, cottage, and cabin in the nation. It is not to be drawn into the controversy. It is as undoubted as the right of breathing the air, or walking on the earth.
* Canvass here means ‘discuss, debate’.
Précis
When James Madison’s USA cracked down on criticism of the War of 1812, Congressman Daniel Webster rose in the House to say that even before the merits of the war could be debated, the issue of free speech must be settled. The people had an inalienable right to criticise politicians and their policies, that he would defend without fail. (58 / 60 words)
Part Two
The Daniel Webster Memorial in Scott Circle, Washington DC, erected in 1898. Webster’s commitment to free speech was put to the test throughout his career by his position on slavery. “The slavery of the South” he declared in 1830 “has always been regarded as a matter of domestic policy, left with the States themselves, and with which the Federal government had nothing to do. Certainly, Sir, I am, and ever have been, of that opinion. The gentleman, indeed, argues that slavery, in the abstract, is no evil. Most assuredly I need not say I differ with him, altogether and most widely, on that point. I regard domestic slavery as one of the greatest evils, both moral and political.” As Margaret Thatcher said, standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by the traffic from both sides.
BELONGING to private life as a right, it belongs to public life as a duty; and it is the last duty, which those, whose representative I am, shall find me to abandon. Aiming at all times to be courteous and temperate in its use, except when the right itself shall be questioned, I shall then carry it to its extent. I shall place myself on the extreme boundary of my rights, and bid defiance to any arm, that would move me from my ground. This high constitutional privilege I shall defend and exercise within this house, and without this house, and in all places, in time of war, in time of peace, and at all times. Living, I shall assert it; dying, I shall assert it; and should I leave no other inheritance to my children, by the blessing of God, I will still leave them the inheritance of free principles, and the example of a manly, independent, and conscientious discharge of them.
Précis
Webster declared it was his duty to defend free speech, in times of war as much as in times of peace. Though he wished to be courteous always, he would nevertheless not let courtesy stand in the way of leaving to his children the priceless legacy of a commitment to liberty as an ideal, and as a daily practice. (59 / 60 words)
