In 1821 the Greek revolution broke out.  The people of that classic land, after enduring ages of the most brutal and humiliating oppression from the Turks, nobly resolved to break the chains of the Ottoman power, or perish in the attempt.  The war was long, and sanguinary, but finally resulted in the emancipation of Greece, and the establishment of its independence as a nation.

The inhabitants of the United States could not witness such a struggle with indifference.  A spirit of sympathy ran like electricity throughout the land.  Public meetings were held in nearly every populous town in the Union, in which resolutions, encouraging the Greeks in their struggle, were passed, and contributions taken up to aid them.  Money, clothing, provisions, arms, were collected in immense quantities and shipped to Greece.  In churches, colleges, academies and schools—­at the theatres, museums, and other places of amusement and public resort—­aid was freely and generously given in behalf of the struggling patriots.  Many citizens of the United States, when the first blast of the trumpet of liberty rang along the Ionian seas, and through the Peloponnesus, sped across the ocean, and, throwing themselves into the midst of the Grecian hosts, contended heroically for their emancipation.  Among these volunteers, was Col.  J. P. Miller, of Vermont, who not only gallantly fought in the battles of Greece, but was greatly serviceable in conveying supplies from the United States to that struggling people.

The deep sympathy which prevailed in every section of the Union, was soon felt in Congress.  Many public men were anxious that the Government should take some important and decisive step, even to hostilities, in behalf of Greece.  Eloquent speeches were delivered in the House of Representatives on the exciting topic.  Mr. Clay electrified the country with his stirring appeals in behalf of the land in which was established the first republic on earth.  Mr. Webster submitted the following resolution to the House of Representatives:—­

“Resolved, That provision ought to be made by law, for defraying the expense incident to the appointment of an Agent, or Commissioner, to Greece, whenever the President shall deem it expedient to make such appointment.”

In support of this resolution, Mr. Webster made a most eloquent speech, of which the following is the conclusion:—­

“Mr. Chairman—­There are some things which, to be well done, must be promptly done.  If we even determine to do the thing that is now proposed, we may do it too late Sir, I am not of those who are for withholding aid when it is most urgently needed, and when the stress is past, and the aid no longer necessary, overwhelming the sufferers with caresses.  I will not stand by and see my fellow-man drowning, without stretching out a hand to help him, till he has, by his own efforts and presence of mind, reached the shore in safety, and then encumber him with aid.