[THERE are few, if any, among the numerous addresses with
which Mr. Clay has favored the country, on the policy of the
government, and the true interests of the people, which more
richly deserve careful consideration, than the following speech,
delivered at the mechanics collation, in the Apollonian garden,
on the third of August, 1830. It embraces almost every exciting
topic of the time, including the American system, recharter of
the U. S. Bank, and nullification.
The eighth toast――‘Our valued guest――It is his highest eulogium,
that the name of Henry Clay is inseparably associated with the
best interests of the country, as their assertor and advocate.’
When the enthusiastic cheering, which followed the reading of
this toast, had subsided, Mr. Clay rose and addressed the
company as follows.]