American watchman and Delaware advertiser., 1826-09-22
lfR. CLaYS SPEECH.

our readers 20 the address male by Mr Gay, al
the dinner given to him at the WhHe ouphu,
Springs, which repels, with great ds'inctness ana
force, tine uugenerous and unioundrd attacks which
have been made upon his reputation oy disappoin
ted party. There is not an expression 10 the whole
speech more true, than the remark, that, had he re
fused the Office OF Secretary OF State he would still
have been accused, by the very same party, oil lend
ing a corrupt aid 10 elevate President under HON
he would not accept Office Alter calm peru
sal OF this speech, our readers will readily believe
the statement that it was received with acclamations
by the whole of the company present. 1 he mode
ration of its temper, the dignihed simplicity of its
style and the power with which it arrays the ready
language OF truth against studied misrepresentation
merited the applause which followed 1t and WILL
doubtless, commend it TO the appreciation OF ell re
Hectng men whose judgments are not clouded by
party vapours, and whose minds are unsecured by
disappointment. .Nat. Jourhat'
When MIR. CLAy's health was proposed,
He said that he had never before ielt so Intense
ly the want Of those powers OF eloquence which had
been Just enormously ascribed to him. He hoped
however, that in his plain and unaffected language
he might be allowed, without violating any establish
ed usage which prevails here to express his CRATE
ful sensbility, excited by the sentiment with which
he had been honoured, and for the kind and respect
ful consideration OF him manifested on the occasion
which has brought Us together. In passing through
my native state, towards which have ever borne,
and shall continue, all vicssludes, to CHERISH the
greatest respect and affection, expected TO be treat
cd with its accustomed courtesy and private hospi
tality. But did not anticipate that should be the
object OF such public, distinguished and cordial ma
niicstations OF regard. In offering you the poor
and inadequate return OF my warm and respectful
thanks pray you TO believe that shall treasure up
these testimonies among the most gratifying remn
lscences OF my life. The public service which
have rendered my country, your too favorable opln
ion Of which has prompted you 10 exhibit these de
inonstrations oil your esteem, has fallen lar below
the measure Of usefulness which should have been
happy to have filled. claim Tor it only the humble
merit of pure and patriotic intention. Such as it has
been, have not always been fortunate enough to
give satisfaction to every section and to all the great
interests oil our Country.
When an attempt was made to impose upon
new State, about TO be admitted into the Union, re
sriciions incompatible, a. thought with her co
quail sovereign power, was charged in the North
with Icing too partial to the South, and as being
friendly 10 that unfortunate condition OF Slavery ol
the evils of hich none are more sensible than am
At another period, when believed that the in
dustty Of this country required some protection
against the selfish and contracted legislation OF for
eign powers, and 10 constitute certain and safe
OF supply in all eSigencies, the charge against
Be transposed, and was converted into foe Of
SOulnefni anu an infatuated UlenC oil NOrtneTD and
Western interests,
There we're no, wanting persons, in every section
OF the Union, in another stage oil history to ac
cuse me with rashly contributing to the support Of
war the only slternaive lett TO our honour by The
persevering inlus,ice Of foreign nation These
contradictory charges and perverted views gave me
no concern because was confident tina: time and
truth would prevail all misconceptions and
because they did not impeach my public integrity
Inf potp tpI ,I,a
persions which have experienced on account OF a
more recent discharge of public duty. My situa
ton on the occasion TO which refer most pc III.
liar and extraordinary, uoke that OF any other
American citizen. One oi the three candidates foi
the Presidency presented to the choice OF the House
OF Representatives,, out Of the question: for no
aoious reasons, now admitted by all Limited as the
competition was 10 the 0! her two, | had to choose
between Statesman long experienced at home and
abroad IN numerous civil situations, and a soldier,
brave gallant and successful, but mere soldier,
who, although he also had filled several civil Offices,
had quickly resigned them all frankly acknowledge
ing IN some instances, hi. incompeency to discharge
their duties
II has been said that had some differences with
The presen, Chief Magistrate az Ghen,. 1t is true
that we did not agree on one Of the many important
questions which arose during the negotiations in hat
city, but the difference equally applied present
minister at London and 10 the lainented Bayard,
Between whom and myself, although We belonged 10
opposite political parties, there existed warm
friendship 10 the hour OF his death. |, was not oil
nature to prevent our cooperation together in the
public serVce as is demonstrated by the Convention
ut London, subsequently negotiated by Messrs
Adams, Gallalin and myself II was difference o
opinion on point of expediency, and did not relate
TO any Constitutional or fundamental principle. But
with respect TO the conduct Of The distinguished
Cnzen OF Tennessee, l had soemnly expressed
under The highest obligations, opinions which whc
ther right or wrong, were sincerely and honestly
entertained and are still held. These opinion.
related 10 military exerciar Of nnuer helsx ed IN b.