Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-10-10
From the Western Virginian.l
MR.. CLAWS DINNER.

The Richmond Enquirer, as was expected,
has not suffered the unexpected compliment
which Mr.. CLAY received from the citizens OF
Lewisburg, to pass of without severe and an
cry commentary The deep-rooted and public
ly avowed hostility of its editors 10 the adn1i-
nstration, afforded a sure pledge, that any pub
lie manifestations of confidence and regard to its
most distinguished member, would not fail to
excite their Indignation: and we have before US,
in their remarks, happy illustration OF the ex-
IRENE lengths to which disappointed pride and
the vindictive feelings of party, will carry men
Of otherwise pure and honorable minds Had
these demonstrations of respect and approba-
ton come from any other quarter, they would
still have been vexatious and annoying; but that
portion Of the respectable and enlightened CT
tizens of "this large commonwealth. '-a tn
Brute9-ofthe Geld dominion" should be found
Glowing down to the golden calf and worship
ping it," was calculated to excite feeling, not
OF vexation merely, but of modification and a.
Iarm We are not, therefore, surprised that the
Editors of the Enquirer, when they found MIR
Clay "letting himself loose on his native land"
* with arguments the mos: irresistible, and an
appeal the most powerful TO the justice of his
country, repellng the foul imputatons which
had been cast on his character, and vindicating
the motives and conduct of the Administration
in the eyes of the world, should have felt their
fears somewhat awakened, and TO guard against
the wide spreading effect of this eloquent and
convincing defence, should have found it neces-
sary 10 revive the hackneyed and worn out
charges Of "bargain and corruption"
MIR. Clay has ''cleared his skirts" not Of vot
ing, but of the sin, moral and political, OF voting
for Mr.. Adams; but there has not yet been ex-
hibited the slightest shadow ofevidence to prove
that che took extraordinary pains to secure for
him the votes of Others" or that he"made MIR.
Adams President of these States" But if ne
Can clear himself of all these charges--and 1t is
not easy 10 perceive that there is any thing very
criminal in them--the Enquirer still assures US
that She will in vain attempt the task of clear
ing himself from the charge of accepting the
first office within the Gift Of Mr.. A :" True, he
cannot acquit himself The fact is admitted
Mr.. CLAY did accept the first office within the
gift of Mr.. A.; but what follows? Does "the
face of the record" show any thing criminal
Where is the guilt, the improperly, OF his &C
cepting the office? Mr. Madison and Mr. Mon
roe might as well attempt to clear themselves of
such charges, and they doubtless aciA, when any
thing criminal is involved in them.
But Mr.. Clay was not obliged to become his
Secretary; and had he consulted Mr.. Richie
upon the proprie,y of accepting Mr.. Adams's
offer, he would have been furnished with the
following unanswerable reasons, couched in the
most courteous language, which he would have
been instructed to address to the PRESIDENT
"Sir, have voted for you because you were a
less euIthanGeneral Jackson; but | did not think
uou fitted for the Presidency, and therefore,
will not give you the evidence that think so,
by becoming your Secretary. AS little, Sir, am
disposed to attach any suspicion 10 my own
character, by accepting from your hands the
fruits of an Office which placed there. What
ever may have passed between US, am not
your enemy. If you act well, owe it to my
country to support you. If not, will not bind
myself to support you, by holding this Office at
your hands,"
And is it indeed come 10 this? Are the people
of these S. so infatuated, so blind to their own
interests, so little acquainted with the merit
that resides amongst them, that public Agent
acting as their umpire to settle the conflicting
claims to the first office in the government, OF
the three individuals who have received the
highest marks of their confidence and esteem,
is indeed limited to choice ofevils! and that
on whomsoever he bestows his vote, it must fall
on one who is not fitted for the high and dis
tinguished trust? If this be just representa-
ton, correct anc faithful picture Of our condi-