JEFFERSON DAVIS.
Jefferson Davis (b. June 3, 1808; d. December 6, 1889) stood for the cause of the South against the Union, as it took concrete political form in the shape of the Confederacy, of which he became the only President. Though, perhaps, lacking the ability of such leaders as Calhoun and Stephens, he was a conscientious and persistent advocate of the doctrines which culminated in war, and as chief executive ruled with energy and firmness.
Henry Clay (b. April 12, 1777; d. July 29, 1852) was a born orator and natural party leader. In statesmanship he was intensely patriotic and always able, being highly informed and skillful in debate. He came to stand as the champion of those doctrines which the Whig party supported, such as protection to home industries, internal improvements, and reciprocity. Upon the question of slavery which agitated Congress during most of his career he generally assumed an attitude of compromise, and fathered so many measures of a pacifying nature that he was called “the great pacificator.”
Daniel Webster (b. January 18, 1782; d. October 24, 1852) typifies the gigantic and imposing in New England intellect and physique. As early as 1820 he stood at the very head of American orators, a fame soon to be followed in the ranks of law and statesmanship. At first he opposed the doctrine of protection, but subsequently gave his support to Henry Clay’s “American policy.” In the United States Senate, he won the titles of “expounder of the Constitution” and “supporter and defender of the Union,” by his masterly denunciations of the doctrine of nullification.
James Monroe (b. April 28, 1758; d. July 4, 1831) reached the presidency twice, once in 1817, and again in 1820. His last administration was characterized as “the era of good feeling,” during which new States were admitted, Florida was acquired, the Louisiana boundary defined, slavery prohibited north of certain lines, and many provoking controversies with England were settled. In 1823 he signalized his administration by promulgating the now famous “Monroe Doctrine,” which was a warning to Europe that monarchical governments would not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of either North or South America.
WILLIAM E. GLADSTONE.
John Quincy Adams (b. July 11, 1767; d. February 23, 1848) typed the Federalism of the early part of the nineteenth century, and won the highest place in scholarly statesmanship. In diplomacy he filled many prominent and difficult positions at home and abroad. As sixth President of the United States, he was opposed by a majority in Congress, and consequently failed to distinguish his administration. He was the forerunner of those sentiments which culminated in organized opposition to the doctrine of human slavery.
John C. Calhoun (b. March 18, 1782; d. March 31, 1850) was twice Vice-President of the United States, and as Senator became the leading exponent of the doctrine of States’ rights and nullification of federal tariff laws. He ranked with Clay and Webster as a debater and constitutional expounder, and the three were known as “the Great Trio.” In him the pro-slavery cause found its subtlest, ablest, and most logical defender. With a fully stored mind of highly metaphysical turn, a fearlessness and persistency that were matchless, and a character above reproach, he greatly endeared himself in the South, and his writings are held in high esteem by men of his school of politics.