Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-04-15
The PRESIDENCY.
From the Chilltcothe (0dlo} Supporter.
HENRY CLAY.

1t is highly gratifying to those who
have given their support to this gentle
man, under a firm conviction of his
superior merits, to perceive that in pro-
portion as the presidential election
draws near, his prospects assume daily
brighter aspect In this state, the
prejudices which some worthy citizens
originally entertained against him, are
gradually but steadily wearing away
Ills talents, political integrity, and emf
nent services, are every where cheer
fully acknowledged; and it does not
now appear probable that Ticket will
be framed in opposition to him.-Ken-
lucky, Illinois. and louisiana, will like
wise give him an unanimous vote.--In
Missouri, he is the universal favoriie;
and he has large majority of Indiana
in his iavor.-From New York, the
happiest results may be anticipated.
The electoral bill, after stormy debate,
has been postponed in the Senate, I'M
til the first Monday in November next
The electors must, therefore, be APP
pointed by the Legislature; and as Mr..
Clay has more friends in that body
than 9ny one of the other candidates, it
is very probable he will receive the
entire vote of that powerful state. In
Virginia, the indications are equally
favorable. It's well known, that ma
jority of the Legislature of that great
state lately expressed opinions favora-
BILE to the election of Mr. CRAWFORD,
and that an electoral Ticket has been
framed in order to support the prsten-
sions Of this gentlemen. 1t was then
believed that no other Ticket would be
offered; but at a convention composed
of those members of the legislature
who had not attended the first meeting,
held in the city of Richmond on the
9th of the present month, IL was resolv-
ed to run Mr. CLAY in opposition to the
candidate previously nominated: An
electoral Ticket, composed OF some of
the most respectable citizens Of Vir-
ginia, was therefore framed, and direc-'
ted to be published, together with an
address to the people of the state, which,
after giving the reasons of the meeting
for their preference, concludes as fol-
lows: 1.-Two measures only of all his
political life, have even been objected
70 in Virginia support of the bill
Tor Internal Improvements. and that for
the increase Of the Tariff Both are
questions Of difficulty, and concerning
which, there is much diversity Of opin-
ion throughout the United States.-A
great majority Of Congress think both
measures correct; and that ought, at
least, to produce some hesitation, be-
70 the individual who supports them
is condemned to displeasure. For
ourselves, we can never be brought to
blame Representative of the peopls
for declaring his opinions honestly upon
the floor Of Congress; especially when
these opinions coincide with the senti-
ments of his immediate constituents,
who consider it as his duty to maintain
them. On the contrary, his fidelity in
that respect, is pledge for bis intsgii-
ty, ifentrusted with the affairs Of the
nation. But, those measures be an
objection to MIR. Clay, his competitors
are involved in the denunciation; for
they are known to approve of both
systems; and the only difference is,
that Mr.. Clay, according to the frank
ness ofhis character, openly avows it,
but his rivals choose that it should be
disclosed by their friends. One word
more, and we confide the subject to
your elaboration. Mr.. Clay has been
at all times an undertaking Republican.
Born with innate hatred to arbitrary
government, and instructed, BY Chan
cellor Wvthe, in the science "ffree in
stitutions, he cordially coalesced with
the Republican party of 1898, whose
principles were congenial to bis own,
and from which he has never, under
any pretext, departed. At no period
has he ever been parleying with his
conscience, or approving the admin
istration which preceded the triumph of
Repub'icanism. Faithful to his own
party, he has never belonged to any
other; nor countenanced the proceed
ings of his political adversaries. Such
are the circumstances which, in our
opinion, place Henry Clay upon pre-
eminent ground; and, therefore, we
venture to recommend him to you ais