Speaking of the notoriety Mr. Quincy had gained by attempting to impeach Mr. Jefferson a few years previous, he said, ‘the final vote stood one for, and one hundred and seventeen against the proposition!’ (of impeachment.) ‘The same historic page that transmitted to posterity the virtue and the glory of Henry the Great of France, for their admiration and example, has preserved the infamous name of the frantic assassin of that excellent monarch.’ Mr. Clay vindicated most ably the character of that exalted patriot, from the foul aspersions thus attempted to be cast upon it; after which, he alluded to the vacillating course pursued by those opposed to the administration party, in the following language. ‘The course of that opposition by which the administration of the government has been unremittingly impeded for the last twelve years, is singular, and I believe unexampled in the history of any country. The administration has not been forgetful of its solemn obligations. No art has been left unessayed, no experiment promising a favorable result left untried, to maintain the peaceful relations of the country. When some six or seven years ago, the affairs of the nation assumed a threatening aspect, a partial non-importation was adopted. As they grew more alarming an embargo was imposed. It would have accomplished its purport, but it was sacrificed on the altar of conciliation. Vain and fruitless attempt to propitiate! Then came along the non-intercourse, and a general non-importation followed in the train. In the mean time, any indications of a return to the public law and the path of justice on the part of either belligerent, are seized upon with avidity by the administration. The arrangement with Mr. Erskine is concluded. It is first applauded, and then censured by the opposition. No matter with what unfeigned sincerity, with what real effort the administration cultivates peace, the opposition insist that it alone is culpable for every breach that is made between the two countries. Restriction after restriction has been tried. Negotiation has been resorted to until further negotiation would have been disgraceful. Whilst these peaceful experiments are undergoing a trial, what is the conduct of the opposition? They are the champions of war――the proud, the spirited, the sole repository of the nation’s honor――the men of exclusive vigor and energy. The administration, on the contrary, is weak, feeble, and pusillanimous――incapable of being kicked into a war. The maxim, ‘not a cent for tribute, millions for defence,’ is loudly proclaimed. The opposition is tired, sick, disgusted with negotiation. They want to draw the sword and avenge the nation’s wrongs. When, however, foreign nations, perhaps emboldened by the very opposition here made, refuse to listen to the amicable appeals, which have been repeated and reiterated by the administration, to their justice and their interests――when, in fact, war with one of them