The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1875-09-10

speech against the removal Of the deposits,
delivered i'll 1884, bears marks of higher
r! -dcgree of finish and greater polish i'll its
language than most of his efforts show. 1t
is, however less forcible and vehement than
some ofAsSs;
MN.>cLAY's oRAToRy.
Entirely diferoift~from any one of these
speakers was Henry Clay. When in the
meridian of his powers his voice was per.
.haps unequalled Both IN the richness and
melody of its fine tenor aud IN the grandeur
Of it's deep bass, it seemed capable of IA
definite modulatiou aud expansion Per
haps the nearest approach to it in excellence
and compass that | can recall was that of
Gentry, of Tennessee. But even his voice,
remarkably musical and varied in its tones,
was scarcely equal to MIR. Clay in compass,
was not 50 emphatic, aud could not strike
with so much force, nor Was it capable of
so great expansion in its dnep orgnr tones.
Though Mr. Clay was very tall; and usually
stood very erect. he never seemed stiff, as
Mr.. Calhoun often appeared. His gestures
were abundant, easy, appropriate, very i,u-
presslvc, and yet always graceful as we'll as
dignihed lie never strovc as some speak
ers do To make an impression by the exhi.
bition Of bodily force. He was always ami
mated, often impassioucd Whether ne
seemed to DC addressing himself wholly and
earnestly to the presiding officer or threw the
glances Of his bright blue eye over the au.
dicnce, by his animated varied and earnest
tones, and by his graceful, and sometimes
commanding gesticuation, he KEEP, the un.
divided attention OF his hearers He ap-
penred liked champion i'll battle, deliver
ing his blows right aud left, aud enlisted
the feelings of his auditors on his side so
completely that they seemed to regard it as
their right, and were ready to shout over
each success won. Mr.. Clay was perhaps
least fecitous when he attempted to utter
merely handsome things, and to make poeti-
Cal quotations. He did not use well such
prettincsscs as Sargent S. Preutiss would
Gull from poets and uovelsts, aud with them
entertain an audience, without ever producing
deep impression On it. MIR. Clay appeared
tc the greatest advantage when repelline
personal attacks or when discussing topics
! directly connected with the honor, the safo-
| ty, or the liberties Of the country. His
| high sense Of personal honor, his dauntless
, courage, aud at times naughty daring wiki
his great pablic spiritaud ardent patriotisv,,
/, VIC n,,t tho nosso.s;o,. tr .kese powers aonc
rc..,...l..b,o' ns they were, hat made ain thc
greatest parliamentary man in the world
! He was a good fighter and could take care
of himself in every kind of debate. That
he was at times as great an actor os Lord
Chatham himself will be evident to one ubc
merely reads his eloquent aud patriotic
peal to Mr.. Van Buren, in 1884 to use his
influence with President jackson 70 induce
him to restore the deposits, or, at y later pn-
riod. his description Of the interview be-
: fweon tie Democratic senators and John
! Tyler. Those men whom he could not drive
| by force he often won by his unrivalled tact
and address. He, however, lost nothing ID
the estimation of The country by the occa
sional exercise of these powers; for his per-
! feet frankness, high courage and public
spirit relieved him from all ccnsure. Such
means, when nsed ut times to secure great
and honorable objects, were viewed merely
as we do the efforts of skilful horseman,
who to manage q fiery steed, is equally
ready to use the spur or to coax the animal
No man cgerbxed who was more prompt to
rcpel all that was not alike honest, houor-
able aud manly. M
The session closed on the 4th of March,
and owing to the pressure of Congressional
business had not seen Mr.. Clay for many
days. Such was his health that it seemed
doubtful if ho would again return to Wash.
ington. The Senate was detained BY some
Executive business, aud was for while Sit
ting with open doors during the considera-
ton of IA contested election case. Not be-
ing willing to leave without seeing Nr. Clay,
/ walked in, aud after the usual salutation,
said to him, II called last evening to see
you, but you were out" 'I am very sor.
ry." he replied, mentioning where he had
been; "conie this evening. But no." said
he, seeming to ,recoliect suddenly, II am to
dine with Sic Henry Bulwsr; but ycsr.,5',
come aud see me tomorrow evening" "Egpf
! replied, 81 leave in the morning j onls
called tc bid you farewell. shall be a can
didate Tor reelection, but you know thst
politics are uncertain aud we may not meet
again. ] wish you to know that, though
have of late opposed some of your meas
ures, the greater part of my lifo has been
devoted to the effort 10 make you President,
A wonderful change Instantly came ovsrhis
countenanoe. 1t seemed rs if that remark
called up to his mind the images of thous-
ands Of friends who had lab0red so long, so
ardently and SO vainly for his promotion.
The tears fell ou his flushed checks, he GOV.
cred his eyes with his hapds for moment,
suddenly recovered himself, and taking me
by both hands, said, ia subdued voice, II
know it, my dear fellow, and am very CRATE,
ful for IT, s,s
This disappointment was equally shared
by Webster and Calhoun. They all, how
ever, had the good fortune to die while th<it
great intellects were still in their meridian
splendor, "before decay 4 cffacing fingers"
had robbed them of u single element Of
strength or grandeur. Mr.. Calhoun's last
speech ranks among his best efforts. Whoa
it was impressively read by Mr.. Mason II