But when noble feeling and a gifted tongue sufficed for the occasion, how grandly sometimes he acquitted himself in those brilliant years, when, descending from the Speaker’s lofty seat, he held the House and the crowded galleries spellbound by his magnificent oratory!  His speech of 1818, for example, favoring the recognition of the South American republics, was almost as wise as it was eloquent; for, although the provinces of South America are still far from being what we could wish them to be, yet it is certain that no single step of progress was possible for them until their connection with Spain was severed.  Cuba, today, proves Mr. Clay’s position.  The amiable and intelligent Creoles of that beautiful island are nearly ready for the abolition of slavery and for regulated freedom; but they lie languishing under the hated incubus of Spanish rule, and dare not risk a war of independence, outnumbered as they are by untamed or half-tamed Africans.  Mr. Clay’s speeches in behalf of the young republics of South America were read by Bolivar at the head of his troops, and justly rendered his name dear to the struggling patriots.  He had a clear conviction, like his master, Thomas Jefferson, that the interests of the United States lie chiefly in America, not Europe; and it was a favorite dream of his to see the Western Continent occupied by flourishing republics, independent, but closely allied,—­a genuine Holy Alliance.

The supreme effort of Mr. Clay’s Congressional life was in connection with the Missouri Compromise of 1821.  He did not originate the plan of compromise, but it was certainly his influence and tact which caused the plan to prevail.  Fortunately, he had been absent from Congress during some of the earlier attempts to admit Missouri; and thus he arrived in Washington in January, 1821, calm, uncommitted, and welcome to both parties.  Fierce debate had wrought up the minds of members to that point where useful discussion ceases to be possible.  Almost every man had given personal offence and taken personal offence; the two sides seemed reduced to the most hopeless incompatibility; and the affair was at a dead lock.  No matter what the subject of debate, Missouri was sure, in some way, to get involved in it; and the mere mention of the name was like a spark upon loose gunpowder.  In February, for example, the House had to go through the ceremony of counting the votes for President of the United States,—­a mere ceremony, since Mr. Monroe had been re-elected almost unanimously, and the votes of Missouri were of no importance.  The tellers, to avoid giving cause of contention, announced that Mr. Monroe had received two hundred and thirty-one votes, including those of Missouri, and two hundred and twenty-eight if they were excluded.  At this announcement members sprang to their feet, and such a scene of confusion arose that no man could make himself heard.  After a long struggle with the riot, the Speaker declared the House adjourned.