We have before alluded to Mr. Clay’s indomitable adhesion to principle, that no party or selfish consideration could induce him for a moment to swerve from it. This led him to act for the good of his whole country, and _never to act_, while a member of her councils, unless an occasion when that was at stake arose. We have searched long, but in vain, for evidence to the contrary. We have examined, with great care, his public character, as spread out upon the records of the nation, and solemnly declare our belief, that none, either expressed or implied, exists. If, in relation to his public career, we were asked, ‘what is its most prominent characteristic?’ we should unhesitatingly reply, _purity of motive_. We believe, in reference to this, that he stands on a moral eminence, high enough to command a view of the globe. So prominent does this appear, the more it is examined, the conviction cannot be resisted, that, in all his public action, of which his country was the object, his desire to act right was stronger than that of life itself. Says one of his personal friends, ‘on one occasion he did me the honor to send for and consult with me, in reference to a step he was about to take. After stating what he proposed, I suggested, whether there would not be danger in it, whether such a course would not injure his own prospects, as well as those of the whig party in general.’ His reply was, ‘I did not send for you to ask what might be the effects of the proposed movement on my prospects, BUT WHETHER IT IS RIGHT; _I would rather be right than be president_.’ A noble sentiment! and would it were more common among politicians.
The compromise act was intended to expire in 1842, to which time it provided for a gradual reduction of duties, when twenty per centum should be the rate until otherwise regulated by law.
Soon after the adjournment of congress, accompanied by a portion of his family, Mr. Clay took a long-contemplated tour to the eastern cities. This gave the people an opportunity of beholding the great and successful champion of their rights, and in many instances of tendering to him their thanks. His whole route was like the movement of some mighty conqueror――almost one unbroken triumphal procession. He was taken into the arms of popular favor, as soon as he stepped from the threshold of his dwelling, and hardly suffered to alight, until they had returned him thither.[1] He was escorted into all the principal places through which he passed, with the highest possible respect. At New York, every demonstration of gratitude and rejoicing welcomed him. An immense throng of gentlemen on horseback, escorted him to his lodgings. The governor’s room in the city hall, was appropriated to his use, and was crowded by a constant succession of ♦visitors. All parties seemed to vie with each other in devising and presenting the most fitting testimonials of regard. Through the eastern states, his reception was marked with every token of esteem; their inhabitants rose up from their occupations, almost like one person, to do him homage. For a season, their spindles, shuttles, and manufacturing establishments, ceased operation, in honor of the presence of their defender. Arrived at Boston, whose population had been anticipating and preparing for his arrival, the enthusiasm which had been swelling and increasing and accompanying his progress, was given back from Faneuil hall and Bunker hill, in echoes that reverberated to the remotest parts of the country. The young men of that city presented him a pair of superb silver pitchers, weighing one hundred and fifty ounces; committees waited on and addressed him; and invitations to public festivals on his account were numerous. On his return, after visiting Troy and Albany, his reception at New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other places, was, if possible, more enthusiastic than it was when he passed through them on his way east. He was released from the ‘bondage’ of the people’s favor, in season for him to renew his efforts in vindicating their privileges and their liberties.