CLAY in other respects, I must take the opportunity of saying that for skill, for science, for strategy, for bold and daring fighting, for chivalry of individuals and of masses, that portion of the Mexican War which was conducted by the gal- lant Scott, as chief commander, stands unrivaled either by the deeds of Cortes himself or by those of any other commander in ancient or modern times. Our prosperity is unbounded. Nay, Mr. Presi- dent, I sometimes fear that it is the very wanton- ness of our prosperity that leads us to these threatening ills of the moment — that restless- ness and these erratic schemes throughout the whole country, some of which have even found their way into legislative halls. We want, I fear, the chastising wand of heaven to bring us back to a sense of the immeasurable bene- fits and blessings which have been bestowed upon us by providence. At this moment, with the exception of here and there a particular de- partment in the manufacturing business of the country, all are prosperous and happy — both the rich and the poor. Our nation has grown to a magnitude in power and in greatness to com- mand the respect, if it does not call for the apprehensions, of all the powers of the earth with which we can come into contact. Sir, do I depict with colors too lively the prosperity which has resulted to us from the operation of the Constitution under which we live? Have I exaggerated in any degree? IX-7 97
