New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1872-01-21
Henry Clay and Rufus ChOatc.

The Senate during Tyler's administra-
toni was the most able and brilliant body
of statesmen, jurlsts and publicists that
was ever seen in this country. And yet the
majority was dominated by Mr.. Clay as
thoroughly and utterly as Bonaparte COM
represented by Isaac c. Bates and Rufus
Choate. They were both very able and ac-
complished men. Mr.. Choate was one of
most superb orators of the age; and as a
ready, felicitous and effective debater, he
was without a superior in Congress. He
had that rare combination Of attributes,
convincing, memorable logic, and the richest
and most vivid imagination. The happy
union of extraordinary qualities make the
truly great man in the Senate and the
forum. He was elected as the successor of
Mr.. Webster when that gentleman was ap
pointed Secretary of State. He was the
intimate, confidential friend of the great
New England statesman, and was regarded
as his peculiar advocate and champion in
the Senate.
When the bank bill was under discussion
Mr.. Choate offered an amendment which
was resisted by Mr.. Clay. Mr.. ChOate was
disposed to insist upon it, and as an argu-
ment in support of his proposition, indis-
creetly intimated that some modification
might be necessary to secure the support of
the President. This imprudenU suggestion
aroused the jealousy and indignation of Mr.
Clay. Springing to his feet with flashing
eyes, in tones OF thunder he denounced Mr.
Choate for attempting to coerce the Senate
by threats of the displeasure of the Execu-
tive. The scene was one of great excite
ment, The bearing of Mr.. Clay was naughty
imperious and overbearing. and his Ian
guage was correspondingy severe. Mr..
Choate fairly quailed under his vehement
dennnciatian. Mr.. Clay appealed to the
pride and independence of Senators, and in
CURED whether the threatened interpOsition
OF the Executive to defeat the just eXpecta-
tons of the people was to be tolerated by Il
coordinate branch of the government
The vivacity of the assault was too much
for Mr.. Choate, more especially as he felt
that he had committed himself bv his un-
toward intimation. He was confused and
embarrassed, endeavored to qualify what
he had said, and finally avelred that he had
no authority for the suggestion, and only
expressed his individual opinion, based on
the circumstances of the case. But MIR.
Clay, percelving the dilemma in which he
had placed Mr.. ChOate, and evidently under
the Impression that he was hitting MIR.
Webster through his next friend, pressed
his advantage harshly. if not anonymously,
and read him severe lecture III magis-
terial and dictatorial tone. The feeling of
the Senate was clearly in favor OF Mr.
Choate, although it was seen that he had
made a great mistake in the mode of sus-
tanning the amendment. He was so rebuked
and overawed. and the superiority of Mr.
Clay in the controversy was so manifest,
that the friends of Mr.. Webster were much
mortified at the result. On the following
day Mr.. Choate made a spirited and manly
explanation, vindcating himself complete
ly; but it had the appearance of an after
thought. and the effect was far less than if
he had spoken promptly in his own ustih-
cation.
Few men were capable of coping with