Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-02-09

Henry Clay and Rufus Chsats.
Suggestions of the Past" in the Galaxy.
The Senate during Tyler's ad-
ministration) was the most able and
brilliant body of statesmen, jurists
and publicists that was ever seen in
this country. And yet the majority
was dominated by Mr.. Clay as
thoroughly and utterly as Bona
partc commanded his marshals.-
Massachusetts, was represented by
Isaac G. Bates and Rufus Choate.
They were both very able and sc-
complished men. Mr.. Choate was
one Of the most superb orators of
the age; and as ready, felicitous
and effective debater, he was with
out a superior in Congress. He
had that rare combination of attri-
butes, convincing, inexorable logic,
and the richest and most vivid i'm
agination. The happy union Of ex-
traordinary qualities makes the
truly great man in the Senate and
the forum. He was elected as the
successor of Mr.. Webster, when
that gentleman was appointed Sec
retary of State. He was the init
mate, confidential friend of the
great New England statesman, and
was regarded as his peculiar cham
pion and advocate in the Senate
When the Bank bill was under dis
cussion, 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,
indiscreetly intimated that some
modification might be necessary to
insure the approval of the Presi-
dent. This impudent suggestion
aroused the jealousy and indigna-
ton of Mr.. Clay. Springing to his
feet with flashing eyes, in tones of
thunder he denounced Mr.. Choate
for attempting to coercc the Senate
by threats of the displeasure OF the
Executive. The scene was one of
great excitement, The bearing Of
Mr.. Clay was naughty, imperious
and overbearing, and his language
was correspondingly severe. Mr..
Choate fairly quailed under his ve-
hement denunciation. Mr.. Clay ap-
pealed to the pride and independ-
ence Of Senators, and inquired
whether the threatened interposi-
ton of the Executive to defeat the
just expectations of the people was
to be tolerated by coordinate
branch of the Government.
The vivacity of the assault was
too much for Mr.. Choate, more es-
pecially as he felt that he had COM
mitted himself by his untoward
intimation. He. was confused and
embarrassed, endeavored to qualify
what he had said, and finally aver
red that he had no authority for the
suggestion, and only expressed his
individual opinion, based on the
circumstances of the case. But
Mr.. Clay, perceiving the dilemma
in which he had placed Mr.. Choate,
and evidently under the impression
that he was hitting Mr.. Webster
through his next friend, pressed his
advantage harshly if not ungener-
ously, and read him a severe lecture
in a magisterial 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 sustaining 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
spirited and manly explanation,
vindicating himself completely
but it had the appearance Of an at.
terthought and the effect was far
less than if he had spoken promptly
in his own justification.
Few men were capable of coping
with Mr.. Clay in controversial
discussion. HIS resources were all
at command. And he spoke as
forcibly on the spur Of the moment
as after the most careful prepara-
ton. Mr.. Choate had all the ad-
vantages of superior genius and
reasoning faculties, as well as most
perfect intellectual training, and
vet he was overborne and 'humilia-
ted by the greater moral and physi-