Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-11-29
MISCELLANY.
From Dcnton's Thirty Years' View.
SECRET HISTORY OF THE "COM.
PROMISE" OF 1898.

SECRET HISTORY OF THE s'COM-
PROMISES" OF 1898.
Mr.. Calhoun and Mr.. Clay were early, and
long rival aspiranis for the Presidency, and an
iagonistic leaders in opposite political systems
and the coalition between them in 1888 was on
ly hollow truce (embiuered by the humilia-
tions to which Mr.. Calhoun was subjected in
the protective features of the "Compromise'')
aud only kept alive for few years by their
mutual interest with respect to General Jack
son and Mr.. Van Bure1. 4 rupture was lore
seen by every observer and in a few years it
took place, and in open Senate. and in a way
to give the key to the secret motives which led
to that Compromise. 1t became a question be-
tween them which had the upper hand OF the
olher-in their own language--which was mas
ter Of the oiher--on that occasion. Mr. Cal
houn declared iha, he had Mr. Clay down
had him on his back-was his master. Mr..
Clay retorted: lie my master! Iwould not
own him for the meanest OF my slaves OF
course, there were calls to order about that
time but the question Of mastery, and the
causes which produced the passage of the act,
were still points Of conlestaiion between them,
and came up for alteration in other iorps.
Mr.. Calhoun claimed controlling influence for
the military attitude of South Carolla, and its
iniimidaiing effect upon the federal government.
Mr. Clay ridiculed this idea ofinlimidation, and
said the little boys that muster in the streets
with their tiny wooden swords had as well pre-
tend to ierrify the grand army of Bonaparte {;
and afterwards said he would tell how it hap
pened, which was thus His friend from Del
l. 7. \ 4
day-these South Carolinians act very badly,
but they are good fellows, aud it is pity to let
Jackson hang them. This was aher Mr.. Clay
had brought in his bill, and while it fingered
without the least apparent chance Of passing
paralyzed by the vehement opposition Of the
manufactures; and he urged Mr. Clay to take
a new move with his bll--to get it referred to
a committeeman by them got into shape in
which it could pass. Mr., Clay did so-had
the reference made-and committee appointed
suitable for the measure-some of strong will,
and earnest for the bill, and some Of gentle tenn
permanent, inclined To easy measure on hard oc-
casions. They were, Messrs. Clay, Calhoun,
. Clayton, Dallas, Grundy, Riyes.
This was the movemeai, and the inducing cause
on one side now for the cause on the other
Mr. Ietcher, Representative from Kentucky,
was the first 10 conceive an idea Of some Com
promise. to release South Carolina from her po-
siton and communicated it ia MIR Clay, who
received it a, first coolly and doubtfully. Aiier.
wards, beginning to entertain the idea, he men
toned it 10 Mr.. Webster, who repulsed II en-.
tirely, saying--"lt would be yielding great prn
cples to faction and that the time had come
] al Of Al ifuf md hf
.. government" After that he was no more con
suited. Mr.. Clay drew up hls bill, and sen
it 10 Mr. Calhoun through Mr.. Letcher-he anC
Mr.. Calhoun not being on speaking TERMS
He objected decidedly to parts Of the bill and
said if Mr. Clay knew his reasons, he certainly
would yield the objectionable parts. Mr. Lelch
; er undertook to arrange an interview ;-whicl
was efIected-io take place in Mr. Clay's room
The meeting was cold, distant and evil Mr.
Clay rose, bowed 10 his visitor, and asked hin
to take seat. Mr.. Letcher, TO relieve the
embarrassment, Immediately opened the busi
ness of the interview which ended withou
results. Mr.. Clay remained inhexible, sayinl
that if he gave up the parts of the bill objecte'
to, it could not be passed and that it woul'
he better TO give il up al once. 10 the mean
T. time Mr.. Letcher had seen the President an'
sounded him on the subject Of the Compromise
=. the President answered, he would have no nc
: eotiation, and would execute the laws. Thi
{ was told by MI. Letcher to Mr. McDuiie, TO g
n Mr. Calhoun. Soon aiier, Mr.. Leicher ioun
!, himself required to make direct communica
X tion to Mr.. Calhoun. Mr. Josiah S. Johnson
y Senator from Louisiana, came IN his room /
the night, after he had gone TO bed-and in
V formed him of what he had just learnt ;-whic
was, that General Jacksnn would admit Of n
further delay, and was determined to take a
once a decided course with Mr. Gallon
l. ian arrest and trial for high treason being M
I, ders,ood.) Mr. Johnson deemed II Of the nj
most moment that Mr. Calhoun should be instant
OF ly warned Of his Danger; and urged Mr. Letch
lo er to 90 and apprise him. He went-foun
p Nh Calhoun in bed-was admitted to him--ir
/ formed him, "lle was evidently disturbed
= Mr. Leicher and Mr.. Clay we're in constar
II communication with Mr. Clayton.
After the committee had been appointed, NJ
80 Clayton assembled the manufacturers, for will
\, out their consent nothing could be done an
- in the meeting with them it was resolved
H. pass the bill, provided the Southern Senator
I'D including the nulihers, should vote both for II
amendments which should be proposed and f
= the passage of the bill iiself-lhe amendmen
=. being the same afterwards offered in the Sena
're by Mr. Clay, and especially the home yaluatic
y. feature. When these amendments, thus agree
be upon by the friends of the tariff, were propose
Al in the committee, they were voted down; al