As a statesman, he was full of resources, fertile in expedients.

But he lacked the truest form of conservatism, and more than once in his career carried partisan contests beyond the point of safety.

His participation in the repeal of the Missouri Compromise is an illustration, all the more pertinent and impressive because his own judgment was against the measure, and he allowed himself to be controlled by the fear that another might usurp the place in Southern regard so long held by himself.

In parliamentary discussion it is not easy to overstate the power of Mr.Douglas.
Indeed, it would be difficult to name his superior.

He did not attain the dignity of Webster's stately style.