Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-09-18
From The Richmond Wing.
MR. CLAY


bitter and uncompr0mising denunciators, are
acknowledging the strong evidence ofhis puri-
~, with frankness honorable 10 themselves
We do not hesitate TO say, mat with The IN
pledged and the candid public, this speech will
be conclusive TO establish Mr.. Clay's innocence.
The dinner was given, as was said by one OF
itslopponents, by the bone and sinew OF Green
brer. The Member of Congress for the Dis
trict threw cold water upon it, and another
Member of Congress from Virginia kindly vo-
lunteered negative advice, all however to no Ell
feet.
Mr., CLAY'S ADDRESS,
Dslirssd at the Public Dinner green TO HIM on the SOth
ill., By The citizens of Leaoisburg, and ITS ricinity
REPORTED FOR THE
The following sentiment being given, as The
9TH regular Toast
Our distinguished Guest, HENRy CLAY, the statesman
crater patriot and phlanhropis his splendid talents
shed ustre on his native state, his eloquence is
ment to his country
MIR Clay rose and addressed the company in
speech which occupied nearly an hour in the
delivery, OF which we can only attempt-an i'm
perfect sketch. fe said that he had never be-
fore felt so intensely the want of those powers
ofeloouence which had been just enormously
his plain and unaffected language be might be
allowed, without violating any established u
sage which prevails here, to express his CRATE
full sensibiiity excited by the sentiment with
which he had been honored, and for the kind
and respectful 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 in
all vicissitudes TO cherish, the greatest respect
and affection; respected 10 be treated with ac-
customed courtesy anS; private hospitality. But
! did not anticipate that l-shouid be the object
of such public, distinguished, and cordial ma
nifestations OF regard In Offering you the poor
and inadequate return ofmy warm and respect
ful thanks, / pray you TO believe that shall
treasure up these testimonies among the most
gratifying "reminiscences ofmy life The pub
lie service which have rendered my country,
your too favorable opinion OF which has prompt
ed YOU 10 exhibit these demonstrations of your
esteem, has fallen far below the measure OF use
fulness which should have been happy to have
filed. | claim for it only, the merit OF pure and
patriotic intention. Such as it has been, have
not always been fortunate enough to give salts
faction TO every section, and TO all the great IN
teresls of'our country. When an attempt was
made to impose upon new State, about TO be
admitted into the Union; restrictions lncomPa-
tible, as thought, with her co-equa, sovereign
power, Twas charged in the North with oelng
too partial TO the South, and as being friendly
to that unfortunate condition OF slavery, OF the
evils of which none are more sensible than
am. At another period, when believed that
the industryof this country required some pro-
lection against the selfish & contracted legisla-
ton of foreign powers, and to constitute II a
certain and safe source OF supply, IN all exigen-
cies, the charge against me was transposed, and
was converted into foe OF Southern, and an
infatuated friend Of Northern and Western M
terests. There were not wanting persons, IN
every section of the Union, in another stage OF
our history. to accuse me with rashly contrlbu-
ting to the support of war, the only alterna-
tiveleft 10 our honor by The persevering inJus-
tice Of foreign nation These contradictory
charges and perverted views, gave me no con-
Germ. because | was confident that time and
truth would prevail over all misconceptions,
and because they did not impeach my public
integrity. But confess was not prepared TO
exnect the aspersions which, have experienced
ON account of a more recent discharge OF pub
lie dutv. NV situation on the occasion to which
] refer. was most peculiar aud extraordinary;
unlike that of any other American citizen. One
of the three candidates for the Presidency, pre-
sented to the choice of the House of Represen-
tatiyes. was out Of the question, for notorious
reasons. now admitted by all. Limited as the
competition was 20 the other two, had to
choose between Statesman long experienced
at home and abroad in numerous civil situa-
tons, and Soldier-brave, gallant and sue
cessful-but a mere soldier--who, although he
also had filed several civil Offices, had quickly
resigned them all, frankly acknowledging, In
some instances, his incompetency TO discharge
their duties. 1t has been said that had some
) differences with the present Chief Magistrate