Why was this statement important in establishing Webster’s intent to make a great compromise? He wanted to make sure he was defending the North.

He wanted to make sure everyone knew he was a senator.

He wanted to show that he was speaking for the benefit of the entire US, not just the North.
I wish to speak to-day, not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a Northern man, but as an American, and a member of the Senate of the United States.

–Daniel Webster,
1830