Phenix Gazette

If there is any true comparison, as regards vehemence and passion, between a living American and British orator, it lies between Mr. Clay and Mr. Brougham. Mr. Clay is the only public man in this country living that possesses these properties in such a degree as to rank him in the first order of speakers, while, if there is any proper parallel for Mr. Webster, in a British orator, it is to be found in Mr. Burke. Mr. Webster, like Mr. Burke, is an eminent instance of the range as well as depth of his views of society, and the true nature of its complicated relations.

Now Lord Brougham is scarcely ever lifted above the feelings and views of the partizan in his orations. This gives his harangues point and piquancy, while Mr. Webster can scarcely ever shuffle off the conviction that he is addressing feelings which ought to be permanent and universal. It is always found, therefore, that public speakers like Mr. Webster and Mr. Burke are too philosophical to be effective, as far as general conviction and immediate political action are concerned, while their orations possess that character, that what they lose in present power they gain in future reputation. Mr. Burke's speeches are now consulted as the consecrated repositories of the maxims of a comprehensive wisdom, and Mr. Webster's orations will go down to posterity recommended by the same high flavor of philosophy; while we doubt whether Lord Brougham's will be perused hereafter with any other relish than that which looks for enjoyment in the party triumphs of the scene and the hour.

—Southern Pat.