Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-13
MIR. CLAY's spEECH Ar LOUISVILLE

AT the dinner lately given TO Mr. Clay, at Lou
;svle, in Kentucky, after the toast had been gwen
complimentary TO the Guest
Mr. Clay rose, he said, with the most lively and
grateful sensibiiity, to make his respectful acknow
Judgements tor the flaiterng sentiment just drank.
Such sentiment however unmerited lie ielt 1t 10
be, expressed on such an occasion any where,
would have afforded him high qualification. But
own, said he, that, uttered here, with so much
cordially, at the present period, by so numerous
an assembly, comprehending so much worth, in
telligence and respecahility, it gives me nexpres-
sble satisfaction. Ii is not necessary that
should affect ignorance OF the generous allusion,
in one oi the topics OF the toast L have no sell
feproachcs account of my agency, on the occa-
sion which has excited the prejudice 10 which you
kindly refer. The question submitted to my judy
ment was one, Tie decision OF WHICH did not de-
pend upon the possession of military attaInnents,
however great and splendid they might be, but on
that Of qualifications for civil administration. OF
the two gentlemen, between whom tie competi-
,;on chiefly existed, never could have doubted,
and do not now doubt, to the choice which it
became ne to make. If we had been called upon,
IN a season Of war, to designate General TO con-
duct armies 10 victory and slo.y and had Sc
selected the distinguished citizen of Tennessee, in
preference his late rival, would 1t not have been
most unreasonable in any OF the partzans OF the
Iatterto have ass;ied Us with reproach and abuse!
Whilst | claimed and exercised the right to bestow
nv vote for any constituents and Tor my country,
according TO tine best lights with which | was Ia
yored | equally recognized similar light IN eve
~ other member Of the House oil Representatives,
4 have accused no man, have called III qestion
the motives of no laan, for differing in opinion
with me- But Weld TO in purity OF purpose,
or ia honesty OF pursuit after the public good In
A country, and under Institutions like ours, where
the elective franchise is happily so greatly eX-
tended and j. consequently 50 often exer;ed, there
ought TO be- liuual liberation, lihcra!iiy, and for
1,.arance The pregaleace OF contrary spirit, of
a spirit Of crninaion Remuneration, and abuse, IN
consequence OF difference ot opinion as to the
fitness and competency OF candies Tor public sta
1iens, would produce the most mschevous effects
II would peal taaliy disturb our social harmony at
home aad impair public character abroad
iVhy should have been selected, because pre-
lerred one .eeinent citizen to another as at' 0tJec
0. condemnation and abuse On s'ibSequc" oc-
casion unsuccessful candidate, IL ihe exercise
Of his incone,liLie privilege to form his own JUDI
znent ard express his opinion, though proper
70 interpose has negaiiyeupon the nomination win
which he Pre-. dent the chic executive organ
OF the Union, honored me- DOub less his vote
was the result of full conviction tnat the fres-
dent was mistaken in supposi,g me capable oil rem
deriag him the requisite assistance IN his admins
tration. The illusrIo1s Senator aud do lot dis
agree at all on that subject for he could not have
that which ma e formed myself Add | never
have do not now, and never shall complain OF The
advice which he gave the President in that in
stance.
But will turn from this esotsm, which pray
you, gentlemen, 10 pardon, In consideration OF the
Injustice OF my assailan,s. Ia making up my judy
ment ia the House OF Representatives, could moi
forget the exalted condition of my country. /
could not conceal from myself that she Is the great
S. seward of the Human Family, invested ith
the most interesting trust that everwas confded 10
the discretion of nation. The principal, II not
the exclusive depository OF regulated and establish
cd lberi, the eyes and the hopes OF the friends OF
free liberal institutions, hom all quarters OF
Che Universe are anxousy cast upon her. 1t is
not sac short lived race VINO nov fill the busy scenes
around us-it is not the present generation that is
alone concerned as 10 The manner in which we
shall fulfil the high duties OF that important
trust 70 our posterIty, in the countless num-
be- VINO destined 10 succeed us, the new states
Jus. springing into existence ia South and North
America, aud who are now copying our ilstitu-
tons, all Europe, al Cnfistendon, are deeply in
terested and may be materially affected by tie Wis
dom or Indiscretion winch shah mark the luihI-
1nent OF that Stewardship.
The House of Representatives was called upon,
1t appeared to me TO weigh well the responsibility
OF It's lofty position, 10 look before aud behind US,
and to cleva,e itself TO the contempt alton Of the
great relations IN winch we stand 10 every part O
the world. And il was required, by the highest
OF ali human Obligations, to abstain from the eXhi-
biuon Of inconsderate and hazardous examples to
those who are disposed to. bo1or us, by following
in our footsteps. With these views q repeat
that quarrel win no man for entertaining ohers,)
| could not and did not, believe that Il was ny di-
~ TO bestow my suffrage gentenSn, who
came recommended 10 my choice, 10y piitary quail
ifcauoDs chiefly, II not exclusively For thai ex-
f,( ms iuI~utpnf Al ta4 bfeu
ferred by citizens Of other states, against ne, OF Vi
oladng my obligations 20 the district which lately
had The honor 10 represent There have been