Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1872-03-28
Henry Clay and Rufus
Choate.

mlnlstratlon) was the most able
and brilliant body of statesmen,
jurisis, and publicists ever seen
in this country. And yet the ma
jority was dominated by Mr..
Clay as thoroughly and utterly as
Bonaparte commanded his mar
shaIs. Massachusetts was repre-
,ented by Isaac c. Bates and Ru-
fus Chnate. They were both
very able and accomplished men.
Mr.. Choate was one of the most
supt rb orators of the age; and, us
a ready. fe'icitous, and effective
debater, he was without a superi-
or i'll Congress. He had.that rare
combination of attributes, convin-
cling, memorable logic, and the
richest and most vivid magma
zion. The happy union Of extra
ordinary 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
Secretary of State. He was an
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 Of
i' red an amendment which was
resisted by Mr.. Clay. Mr., Choate
was disposed to insist upon it,
and, as an argument in support of
bis proposition, indiscreetly init
mated that some modification
NIGH bp necessary to insure the
approval of the President. This
imprudent 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 at
tempting to coerce the Senate by
threats of the displeasure of the
Executive The bearing of Mr..
Clay was naughty, imperious, and
overbearing. and his language was
correspondingIy severe. Mr..
Choate fairly quailed under his
vehement denunciation. Dir. Clay
appealed TO the pride and indie
prudence 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 co.ordi-
nate branch of the government.
The vivacitv of the assault was
too much for Mr. Choate, more es-
prcially as he felt that be had COM
mitted himself by his untoward in
timation. He was confused and
embarrassed, endeavored TOP DUAL.
ify what he had said, and finally
averred that he had no authority
for the suggestion, and only ex-
pressed his opinion, based on the
circumstances of the case. But
Mr.. Clay, perceiving the dilemma
i'll which he had placed Mr.. Choate,
ard evidently under the impress
sion that he was hitting Mr.. Web
ster through his next friend, press
ed his advantage harshly if not
ungenerously, and read him a Sc
we're lecture in a magisterial and
dictatorial tone. The feeling of
the Senate was clearly in favor
of Mr.. Choate, although it was
s ZEN that he had made a great
mistake in the mode of sustaining
the amendment. He was so re-
huked and overawed, and the su.
eriority of Mr.. Clay in the con-
troversy was so manifest, that the
friends of MIR Webster were much
mortified at the result. On the
fpIIowing day Mr.. Choate made a
spirited and manly explanation,
vidicating himself completely !;
hut it had the appearance of an
afterthought, and the effect was
far less than if he had spoken
promptly in his own justification.
Few men were capable of cop
ing with Mr. Clay in controver-
sial discussion. His resources
were all at command, and be
spoke as forcibly on the spur of
the moment as alter the most care
ful preparation. Mr.. Choate had
I'll the advantages of superior gen.
ius and reasoning faculties, as
well as more perfect intellectual
training, and yet he was overborne
and humiiated by the greater
moral and physical vigor of bis
antagonist.
A Chicago actor who was ad-
dict, d to the use of the flowing