has grown old in battling bravely in the dusty arena where polities ascend the tripod, transformed into a Sibyl unromantic to the last degree. Mr. Randolph, in a strain of most scorching irony, in debate indulged in some personal taunts towards Mr. Clay, commiserating his ignorance and limited education, to whom Mr. Clay replied by saying, "Sir, the gentleman from Virginia was pleased to say, that in one point, at least, he coincided with me-in an humble estimate of my grammatical and philological acquirements. I know my deficiences. I was born to no proud patrimonial estate from my father. I inherited only infancy, ignorance, and indigence; I feel my defects; but so far as my situation in early life is concerned, I may without presumption say, they are more my misfortune than my fault. But, however I deplore my inability to furnish to the gentleman a better specimen of powers of verbal criticism, I will venture to say my regret is not greater than the disappointment of this committee, as to the strength of his argument." This retort is highly honorable to its author, inasmuch as it is at once courteous, caustic, and true. He is the architect of his own fortunes, and however numerous may be his defects, his undoubted excellences would do honor to the most favored man. Mr. Clay's eloquence is pre-eminently that of exalted statesmanship, exercising which in diffusing light and liberty throughout the world, he rejoices, as does the brave in his "keen, flashing sword, and his strong arm's swift swoop." Strongly imbued with the sentiment of country, among all our public men many think him the most American. This is undoubtedly his highest merit. Abounding little in learned quotation, classical erudition, or literary decoration, he is studded all over with the richest vestiges of patriotic genius, "racy of the - soil." He is eminently the orator of humanity; less logical and less elevated than one or two of his compeers, but more insinuating, more potent on our hearts as we listen, the warm and invincible master of the sympathies. He has measured weapons with the mightiest, and proved himself equal to any arm. Once, in particular, in defending a favorite bill, he had to encounter much and strong opposition, at the head of which stood Daniel Webster. The collision of these eloquent and intellectual giants, is said to have been inconceivably grand. Says a gentleman who witnessed it, "the eloquence of Mr. Webster was the majestic roar of a strong and steady blast, pealing through the forest; but that of Mr. Clay was the tone of a god-like instrument, sometimes visited by an angel touch, and swept anon by all the fury of the raging elements." Mr. Clay, aware that he was contending for the very vitality of his country, had nerved himself up to one of his mightiest efforts, one which would demolish every opposing obstacle, and plant his foot in complete triumph on the ruins of the strongest holds of his assailants. He turned aside every weapon directed against his system. and entirely disarmed all opposition. We know that this great statesman of the West is bold and indomitable; perhaps he has too ardently aspired after both power and popularity, but in the main it must be confessed that he has made his personal ambition sub servient to purposes the most magnanimous and grand. In debating talent he has been but very rarely equalled. In moral enthusiasm, practically employed in political and forensic warfare, he has never been excelled. A fiery splendor flows naturally from his ardent heart, and as it spreads over listening multitudes, the effect upon all who catch his tones, or comprehend his words is prodigious. The whole nation listens, and the millions everywhere who speak our vernacular, with thrilled bosoms attest the potency of his genial style. Others can reason dryly, or declaim vapidly, but it has been his peculiar prerogative more than once to raise the spirit of America far beyond the height to which any other hero has carried it, imbuing all classes with the firmest and most impassioned patriotism. "Thou raised'st thy voice, and the people, awaking, Beheld the foul source of corruption display'd; And, loyal stupidity quickly forsaking, They found themselves plunder'd, oppress'd, and betray'd; Then, loud as the storm in its fury out-rushing, The shouts of the thousands for freedom arose; And liberty only shall soothe them to hushing, CHAPTER IV. JOHN C. CALHOUN, THE METAPHYSICIAN. CONSIDERED in respect to his natural ability, acquired talents, past career, and present position, one of the most interesting and historical characters of our land, is John Caldwell Calhoun. He was born in Abbeville District, South Carolina, March 18th, 1782. His grandfather emigrated with his family from Ireland, and settled, in 1733, in Pennsylvania. His father was then six years old. At a subsequent period, the family removed to Western Virginia; but upon Braddock's defeat, the settlement was broken up, and, in 1756, they went to South Carolina. John C. was the third son in a family of five children. "Both parents were exemplary for piety and virtue. The father was a hardy and enterprising pioneer; but unlike most of that class, he placed a high value upon education. Though he was entirely self-taught, and lived the greater part of his life on the frontier, surrounded by danger, he made himself an excellent English scholar, and an accurate and skillful surveyor, which profession he long followed. He was the first member ever elected |