to avoid complications with England; and as to the
settlement of the disputed northwestern boundary,
too, his voice was for arbitration and peace. He
spoke on a resolution concerning the American
claims against Mexico, counseling moderation and
justice, and censuring the administration for its
bullying attitude. He supported a bill against
dueling in the District of Columbia. He opposed
the reduction of the price of public lands according
to a graduated scale, as well as the preëmption
right of settlers, adhering to his old notion that
the public lands should be sold at public auction,
and be treated as a source of public revenue. But
also another and greater question called him forth
again, the overshadowing importance of which only
gradually dawned upon his mind.

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