CLAY, HENRY

(1777-1852), Amer. statesman; entered legal profe ion, in 1803 elected to Kentucky legislature, and in 1806 to U.S. Senate. In 1811 he was elected to U.S. House of Represersatives, and served as Speaker several times; helped to urge on the war with Britain of 1812. From 1808 onwards he was a pioneer of Protection. His great idea was the maintenance of the Union, and this led him to try to mediate in the slavery uestion, so that he was mistrusted by slaveholders and abolitionists alike..He made unsucce ful attempts to be Pres. of the U.S. He won renown as a magnificent orator. two-edged broadsword.