382 DANIEL WEBSTER 



speech gave its author a European reputation. It 

 was translated into almost all the languages of 

 Europe, from Gibraltar to the Volga, and called forth 

 much lively comment. 



The other great speech, delivered in April, 1824, 

 was what is commonly called Mr. Webster's "free 

 trade speech." A bill had been introduced for revis- 

 ing the tariff in such a way as to extend the operation 

 of the protective system. In this speech Mr. Web- 

 ster found fault with the phrase " American policy," as 

 applied by Mr. Clay to the system of high protective 

 duties. " If names are thought necessary," said Mr. 

 Webster, " it would be well enough, one would think, 

 that the name should be in some measure descriptive 

 of the thing; and since Mr. Speaker denominates the 

 policy which he recommends a 'new policy in this 

 country ' ; since he speaks of the present measure as a 

 new era in our legislation ; since he professes to invite 

 us to depart from our accustomed course, to instruct 

 ourselves by the wisdom of others, and to adopt the 

 policy of the most distinguished foreign states, one 

 is a little curious to know with what propriety of 

 speech this imitation of other nations is denominated 

 an ' American policy,' while, on the contrary, a prefer- 

 ence for our own established system, as it now actually 

 exists and always has existed, is called a 'foreign 

 policy.' This favourite American policy is what 

 America has never tried ; and this odious foreign 

 policy is what, as we are told, foreign states have never 

 pursued. Sir, that is the truest American policy 

 which shall most usefully employ American capital 

 and American labour." After this exordium, Mr. Web- 

 ster went on to give a masterly exposition of some of 



