Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-06-19
From the Lynehburg rirg'nian June $.
MD CI.AY Ma 1.


lation 70 the late Presidential election. In this,
and few subsequent numbers, we shall endeav-
or TO redeem that pledge. We shall not be de-
TERED from our purpose by the imposing front
assumed by the aW ashmgton Telegraph" (the
organ of the recently matured opposltion 10 tne
administrator If the editor OF that paper
with the license Of all the scurrii,y of which
he is so competent master, and win all MS
talents. (and we acknowledge him to be superb
or to us in both Of these respects,) can answer
US TO the satisfaction OF any reasonable or can
did mind, we shall De disposed hereafter 10
place but little reliance on the soundness Oh our
Judgment, and to admit that we are oeset win
the most unconquerable preJadices. we ere
aware that but few persons are capable OF I'M
posing a proper restraint on their ieehhSs,
when they become warmly excited IN FAVOR Oh
one individual, or ardently enlisted against an
other. We fave ourselves been compelled 10
confess by the force Of circumstances, the err
nervousness OF opinions we had formed on sud-
den impulse Of feeling, and which we had de-
Tended with all the zeal that honest conviction
inspires. Our opinion in relation 10 Mr. Clay's
conduct, however, has not been hastily made up
nor have we expressed conviction OF his IN
tegriiy, without supplying ourselves with such
reasons as we cannot but think will prove sa-
tisfaciory to all who are not influenced by NOR
tilted ambition and pride; by uncomfortable ha-
tired either to Mr. Clay or TO MIR. Adams; or by
a misan,hropic spirit which vents itself on all
within its reach, but more particularly on those
who have attained an eminent station in the
public council,-We shall not, in this No.
(which we intend as merely introductory de-
scend to the specific proofs we design TO bring
forward in support Of the position we have TAX
en-. We shall reserve them for future occa-
sions, But, as the "Washington Telegraph"
has declared its determination OF replying to
our Defence, and as it is probable that the De-
fence and the Reply will be published in both
papers, we deem it fair and just that we should
furnish our adversary with The points we in
tend to make, tlfat he may search the records
for contradictory or rebutting evidence, and find
it, if he can. We shall pursue this course,
notwithstanding the dogmatical and presump-
tuous tone of the "Telegraph" would warrant
less righteousness. Satisfied Of the reasons OF
its conduct-,hat it was merely designed as
threat to deter US from the prosecution OF our
duty, under the idea that the metropolitan sit
uation of that paper, and the consequent rePu-
tation of lis editor, would throw US and our ar
gument into the shade,-we shall not make its
own unfarness rule Of our conduct, but shall
the rather endeavour TO profit by it, and hold
up different example for its future observance.
lst We shall argue, that Mr. Clay was bound
to support Mr.. Adams, even if The right Of in
siruciion be admitted to have any bearing on
the case
end We shall contend, that, in case Of the e.
lection of President devolving on the House Of
De- thof hodv ind
al composing it, acts in an original, and not in
delegated capacity, and that consequently in
st,uctions are conslitutionally nullifed.
3d. We shall contend that, even admitting the
representative is bound to obey the instructions
of his constituents in relation to Presidential
election, Mr.. Clay did not lay himself open to
censure, because his constituents were silent up
on the subject, if we except the meeting OF the
people Of Clarke county, by which he was d.
Iected to exercise his own discretion
4th That the subsequent conduct Of his con-
stituents, in clcctng Judge Clark, who has
proved to be friend of the administration, as
the successor of Mr.. Clay in Congress, in oppo-
sition to warm Jacksonian, the election evi-
IDENTITY turning on this point, is evidence conclu-
sive that the vote of Mr.. Clay was in accord
ance with the wishes of his constituents
5th That Mr. CLAWS acceptance of the Of
fee of Secretary Of Slate, does not imply COR
ruption, but evidently the contrary.
9Th. That he would have been more liable to
have been charged with dishonesty, and with
much more reason, if he had not accepted it.
9TH. That personal considerations compelled
Mr. Clay to support Mr. Adams, with whom
he was. on terms Of intimate friendship, rather
than General Jackson, with whom he had been
for number Of years in open hostility
8th That the conduct Of General Jackson's
friends, superadded to the preceding consider
alton, was such as would have subjected Mr..
Clay to deserved execration if he had sacrificed
every feeling dear TO man Of the least sensibi-
lity, by voting for an individual who had open
ly endeavored, both personally and by proxy,
to wound his reputation and his interest This
head of our subject will lead US to the review
Of some matters connected with the Seminole
campaign
9th. That Mr.. Clay's opinions in relation TO
all the great concerns of the country, in many
Of which we are in conflict with hinl) have
been expressed with fearlessnesS and advocat-
ed with zeal which ought to secure him Gre
dit for honesty and independence, and screen
him from the charge Of corruption, however
circumstances might initiate against him.
10Th. That Mr.. Clay's duty to his country
his regard for the permanently Of its institu-
fions--his natural solici,ude for its reputation,
abroad, as well as its interests at home-a re-
putation, not won by blood and carnage, but by