The national destiny of his country in regard to other nations was his theme; to give to the glittering declaration of Canning, that he would "call in the new world to redress the balance of the old," a deep and real significance was his object.
The speech touched Mr.Clay to the quick.

He supported Mr.Webster's resolution with all the ardor of his generous nature, and supplemented it by another against the interference of Spain in South America.

A stormy debate followed, vivified by the flings and taunts of John Randolph, but the unwillingness to take action was so great that Mr.Webster did not press his resolution to a vote.

He had at the outset looked for a practical result from his resolution, and had desired the appointment of Mr.Everett as commissioner, a plan in which he had been encouraged by Mr.Calhoun, who had given him to understand that the Executive regarded the Greek mission with favor.

Before he delivered his speech he became aware that Calhoun had misled him, that Mr.Adams, the Secretary of State, considered Everett too much of a partisan, and that the administration was wholly averse to any action in the premises.