Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-11-11
From The Democratic Press.
MR.. CLAY.

IRON fhe democratic Press.
Mr.. CLAY.
Among the calumnies which the opposition to
the administration of the general government
have most industriousIy circulated, is the
charge that the appointment of Mr.. Clay to the
Cabinet was the consequence Of a corrupt bar
gain, between Mr.. Adams and him, by which
his support and that of his friends was securrd
in the House Of Representatives, upon the Pres
idential election. In Pennsylvania it is said
this char ge has made a deep impression, and its
verify has been sometimes admitted, by a few
Of our citizens, although 1t has never been sup
ported by a title of proof, and although the
source from which it originally came Was one
least entitled to consideration, or to credit.
How could it have been believed? The only
reasons that ha We ever been assigned for its
support are the tact that Mr.. Clay, is the Secre.
tary ofState; and that he and his friends while
the question of the Presidency was before the
people, were opposed to the election of Mr.. Adj
ams.-Does this authorize the charge! That
Mr.. Clay at Il period long anterior to that in
which his vote and the votes of his political &
personal friends in the House, couG be known
10 have the Importance they afterwards OBJ
tanned, declared, that should the question for his
decision be one 6staUeen Mr.. .Adams, and General
Jackson, he ,Uouid support the former, is in full
proof. He made a declaration ofthese views.&
intentions to one of his friends in Kentucky in
November 1924, DR.. Drake, before he left his
house in order TO repair to Congress. Alet,er
from the gentleman referred to, in which this
fact is stated, is before the public. This cir
cumstance, alone, is abundant evidence, if evil
dence can be required, to repel an imputation Of
SO foul a character, against a man Of high honor
and exalted patriotism.
But is there not in the act Itself, abundant e.
violence OF its purity, and OF its separation from
personal considerations, and interested objects?
The principles Of Mr.. Adams as manifested
during the whole of his political life-the poll
cy he was known 10 favor and advocate, his
high and reverential regard Of paramount au-
thority for the civil Institutions Of the country,
and his strong and declared anxiety to promote
and cultivate the domestic resources OF the
nation, and by internal improvements to be &C
complished, By national means, to unite the west
and the east, and TO open the Atlantic markets
to the country beyond the Ohio, by canals and
roads, were all in accordance with the proclaim.
ed sentiments and the dearest objects of Mr..
Claws life who in these immense and fertile
regions but has always looked to his patriot
ism and his talented exertions 70 promote and
maintain these their great interests; and who
of the inhabitants OF the western states, that
has not in the warm aspirations OF his heart
for their attainment, associated with them the
name of Henry C2ayS Could such a man, such a
patriot, and such a statesman, hesitate between
the W distinguished persons!-Cculd he
a, once forfeit all the pledges OF his lite * tram
pie upon all the high regards he had SO dearly
earned, s. vote for a military chisfain, knoOn to
his country only By his achievements an battle, and
bu his refaSol to retain every ciU'I employment Uhich
the ~uirfuous 6uf mistaken gratitude Of his teAoD-
citizens ha d assigned TO him.
But in order to the formation and execution
of the imputed corrupt bargain. Mr.. Adams too
must have been corrupt. 1t requires two to
make an agreement, and he who gives as well
as he who receives the wages OF inlqulty, is
equally guilty. A life Of spotless integrity, the
possession Of a character unsullied even by the
murmurs Of malice, are the irresistible evil
dence of the falsehood, as well as OF the folly
of such imputations upon the fair and bright
fame of the President. Did the vindication OF
Mr.. Clay require this auxiliary aid, it could be
safely appealed 10.
But why should the acceptance OF the high
est post in the Cabinet by Mr.. Clay, be asorl5-
ed TO any other cause than that which were the
true and legitimate inducements to call upon
his distinguished, his acknowledged, and his
exercised talents, TO contribute to the support
of a policy, and the execution of measures,
which the whole course of his life and his pub
lie services, had shown he was the friend and
advocate! Was not the west entitled 10. a re-
preventative in the executive councils! Had not
his highly appreciated and laborlous services
in the most numerous branch OF the national
government for a long length OF years given
him a general and a particular acquaintance
with the wants and interests OF every part OF
the country? Were not his services as a states
man, which represented US at Client, faithful,
able, and patriotic? Had not his views in rela-
ton to the Republics Of South America, IN
which he was the Pioneer OF the present OPT,
mons OF the nation, aud multitudes OF acts oil
his political life shown him possessed OF the
most acute political sagacity? With these qua
liHca,ions, with these opinions in his favor a
mons all his coun,rymen, a firm and undevlat-
ing republican, was not Mr.. Clay entitled to the
station of Secretary Of STATE. without barterins
for it his honor, his principles, and his anne
Who without a blush could impute to such a
man an act of which such a man co"a no, 0e
guiAy:2 What man of honor, OF virtue ana o.