perhaps life, of no inconsiderable portion of the people. Under these circumstances, he did not hesitate as to the course he ought to pursue. It seemed as though he had, some time previous, cast his solicitous eyes over the whole ground; that he had foreseen while in embryo the dark elements of faction and resistance, and nullification, and foresaw that they would commingle, and ferment, and finally originate just such an emergency, as that which reared its horrid front before him. Something like _compromise_ had suggested itself to him, some weeks previous, while spending a season of leisure with a relative in Philadelphia. He then gave the subject considerable consideration, and digested a plan suited to the extremity, which he knew would, sooner or later, arrive. _It had come_, bringing in its train, remote though they might be, consequences which no patriot, no well-wisher to his country, could contemplate, without standing aghast. To avert these, Mr. Clay deemed it not only desirable, but highly obligatory upon those who were the recipients of the blessings of freedom. Having completed his remedial plan, he spread it before the senate on the eleventh of February, 1833, in the form of a _compromise_ bill. This was the result of mature deliberation and much consultation, both with the friends and enemies of protection. He thought it expedient to ascertain, not only the manner of its reception, but of its operation. Many of those whom he consulted did not approve of his plan. Among these was Mr. Webster. With him Mr. Clay discussed the provisions thoroughly, and though partially convinced of its utility, he did not yield it his entire confidence. Mr. Webster’s opinion, carrying with it great weight, tended to gather a pretty formidable opposition around him at the north, while nullification at the south contributed its share. Mr. Clay, therefore, found it necessary to advance with great caution; to survey carefully every inch of ground he intended to occupy, previous to setting foot upon it. Never, perhaps, was a bill brought before congress under such peculiar circumstances, or when greater talent and skill were needed. The south was willing to be conciliated, but somewhat inclined to dictate terms. A hair-breadth deviation from the line which her predilection designated, might prove fatal to his scheme, and cause the gathering storm to pour its desolating strength upon the land. As far as practicable, Mr. Clay ascertained the feelings of this section in relation to it, and had several interviews with Mr. Calhoun, and other influential members from the south. The proclamation of the president had temporarily diverted their enmity from the system of protection, towards him. To the summary and stern manner in which general Jackson proposed, and even seemed anxious, to settle existing difficulties, there was a great and growing repugnance at the north, and which operated favorably in disposing the south to embrace any