Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1824-05-27

I
Ia Europe the leading distinction OF
Mr. Clay arises from deep rooted con-
viction. that he stood foremost among
the American plenipotentlaries at the
treaty of Client. Since the era OF the
revolution, there has been no period
more hazardous, or more doubtful, than
that of the commencement of these ne
sociations in our history. The losses
which merica las sustained-the en-
barrassed state of her finances, the UNI
paralleled position assumed by the most
violent of the Federal party, subse-
quently developed at the Hartford con-
yention-t the pride Of Britain flushed by
the triumphant termination of her war
in Europe-the exorbitance of her de-
mands on America. all contributed TO
render this an epoch from which our
proves should rise or fall; an epoch
wherein the pivot of oar fate was turn
ing. Skill was required to exhibit to
England, that the vigof OF our county
was unsubdued, dexterity was required
to elude the proposition of the British
government, and frmness, intlexibe
tirmness, to resist every demand winch
should compromise a title of A nerican
rights and glory. Through Europe,
especially throughout England, the I'M
preston has been deep and general that
that skill, dexterity, and infiexlble hrm-
ness, we're more conspicuous III Mr..
Clay, than in any other of tive commits
sioners, and without disparaghg talents,
the zeal and patriotism of the rest, which
we cheerfully acknowledge, that he,
more than any other, bafiied the bland
and meek advances Of Lord Gambler,
the chicanery and political craft OF
Goulburn, now secretary of Ireland,
and the legal bubbles and forensic &C
quirements of DIR. Adams, of Doctors
Commons. The details and discoveries
of the few last months, brought to light
in consequence of the contest between
John @. Adams and Jonathan Russell,
most decidedly evinee that the conyic-
ton and belief were Just. Whilst others
of the American diplotnatists would
have yielded the passage Of the Mlssis-
sippi TO Britain, he made resolute
stand against this proposal Of Britain,
and the yielding dispositions of his col
leagues Thereby, he forever excluded
the British influence from the adjoin-
ing Indian tribes--prevented the in
trigues Of Britain il the valley of the
Mississippi, and caused the fur trade to
continue in our possession, under such
circumstances as must tend to procure
, the increase Of that valuable portion of
our commerce. Some idea of its ini~
portance may be formed from the fact,
that il yields revenue superior to the
whole OF our Mediterranean trade, and
however extraordinary this may APP
pear to some, we refer to the official
| documents as con6rlnatory of our state
! ment.
The eyes of Europe were intent on
the negotiations OF Client, and whilst
the superiority of the American dipo-
matists over the English was recognized,
Henry Clay was recognized as the sdpe-
rior Of his associates
Subsequent transactions tended to
add to the fame of Mr. Clay in Europe.
Every liberal through the continent, felt
interested in the struggles of the South
American Republic for liberty and M
dependence. The cruel bondage under
which they had groaned and the mighty
results which their emancipation would
produce on the world, inspired the
warmest sympathy. This sympathy was
heightened by the fact OF the convoca-
ton of the chiefs of the holy alliance at
Aix-ia- Chapelle, where it was known
that the self-sainted despots were prepa-
ring measures to check the emanation
of that freedom which they so cordially
hate, whilst it was impossible to foresee
the issue of that congress. About the
same period, news reached Europe OF
the first propositions Of Henry Clay TO
acknowledge their independence!--His
exertions in then behalf, have endeared
him to every European patriot, whilst
they have exhibited to the despot, should
he become President, "what manner of
man he ISL with whom they will have to
deal.
But the consequences of his exertions
regarding foreign nations do not end
here. Congenial as are tie feelings of
the sister Republics with those of the
United States-the emsncipated Repub-
lies see in Henry Clay, the most promi-
nent object OF their gratitude. They
have declared in their senates and re-
nresentat;ye assemblies; they have con-