Clay's desire for the rapid development of America led him to become a "protectionist," and the leader of the so-called "American system," as opposed to Free Trade or the Foreign System. He believed that only as we encourage our own manufactures can we become a powerful nation, paying high wages, shutting out the products of the cheap labor of Europe, increasing our home market, and becoming independent of the foreign market. Clay's speeches were read the country over, and won him thousands of followers. Like others in public life, he now and then gave offence to his constituents. He had voted for a bill to increase the pay of members of Congress from six dollars a day to a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year. To the farmers of Kentucky this amount seemed far too great. He one day met an old hunter who had always voted for him, but was now determined to vote against a man so extravagant in his ideas! "My friend," said Clay, "have you a good rifle?" "Yes." "Did it ever flash?" "Yes; but only once." "What did you do with the rifle when it flashed?--throw it away?" "No; I picked the flint, tried again, and brought down the game." "Have I ever flashed, except upon the compensation bill?" "No." "Well, will you throw me away?" "No, Mr. Clay; I will pick the flint and try you again." Mr. Clay was returned to Congress, and voted for the repeal of the fifteen hundred dollar salary. The subject which was to surpass all other subjects in interest, and well-nigh destroy the Union, was coming into prominence--slavery. Henry Clay, from a boy, when George Wythe, the Virginia chancellor, freed his slaves, had looked upon human bondage as a curse. He used to say, "If I could be instrumental in eradicating this deepest stain from the character of our country, and removing all cause of reproach on account of it, by foreign nations; if I could only be instrumental in ridding of this foul blot that revered State that gave me birth, or that not less beloved State which kindly adopted me as her son, I would not exchange the proud satisfaction which I should enjoy for the honor of all the triumphs ever decreed to the most successful conqueror. * * * * *