Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-09-15
MIR. CLAY,S ADDRESS

REPORTED FOR WING.
ihe following sentiment being given as the 9Th re-
gu!ar Toast
Our distinguished Guest, HENRY CLAY the statesman
orator. patriot aud phan thop his splendid talents shed
his county
Mr.. CLAY rose and addressed the company in speech
"ich occupied nearly an hour in line delivery, .cl
we can only attempt imperfect sketch He said
lhat he lad never before felt intensely the want of
those powers OF eloqucnce which had been Just GRO
neousy ascribed 10 him. He hoped. however that in his
pam anu unaffected language he might be allowed wi
out violating any established usage which prevails here
10 express his grateful scnsiby excited by the scnt
ment with which he had been honoured and for the
KIND and respectful consideration of him manifested ON
the occasion which has brought together. In passing
through my native State, towards which have ever
oorne and shall contInue in all vicissituLcs 10 cherish
tie greatest respect and affection; expected &c be
treated with IFS accustomed courtesy and pri, al luspi
taity' Bot did not anticipate that should be the
oojcct OF such public distinguished, and cordial mani
ieStatohS OF regard In Offering you the poor ana in.
adequate return of my and respectful thanks |
pray you TO believe that snail treasure up these te,ti-
monies among The most gratifying "Reminiscences Of nv
lie. me public service which have rendered my
country your too favourable opiron of " iiich has
promted you 80 exhibit these lions of your
esteem, has lien far beo'y the measure Of usefulness
vi ich should have been happy have filed. lcIan
FOR only, the humble merit of pure and patriotic in
tcntion Such ii has been, have no, ALWAYS beer,
fortunate enough TO give satisfaction every section
ana 10 all the great interests of our country. hen an
1'te'Pt WAS Hfaue 10 impose upon State, about
be admitted INTO the Union, restrictions incompatible as
thought, with her co equal, sovereign pow err was
charged IN the North with being pa rtia TO the South
and being friendly that unfortunate condition oc
slavery OF the evils OF winch, more sensible
than ann AT another period, when believed, that
NE industry OF Tins country required protection
against te selfish and contracted legislation of foreign
powers AMI To constitute ii certain and safe suufce
{: supply, in all cXigcncics The charge against me vas
ttansposed, and was cried Il foe OF Southern
and an infatuated friend OF Northern and Western IN
feress There were BOT wanting persons in every sec
t'on OF The Union, III another stage OF history TO
accuse with asy CONT ibuiing 10 Tie support Of =
war; lie only alternative lett 10 honour by The per-
severlng injustice of a foreign nation These contra
dCroy charges and perverted views, gave me no con-
cern, because was confident that time and truth would
prevail over all misconceptions and because they did
not imPeachrny public integrity. But confess was not
prepared 10 expect the aspeTsIons which have eXpc
Tienccd on account OF recent discharge of pn
Iic duty. My situation on the occasion TO which re-
ter was most peculiar and extraordinary unlike that
~ any other American Citizen One OF the three can
ddates for The Presidency presented to the choice of
lie House Of Representatives cu Of the question
i1r DotorIHus reasons, now admitted by all. Limited
as the competition the other two had TO choose
oeweeD Statesman long experienced al home and
abroad in numerous civil situations, and Soldier
brave, gallant and sUccessful-but mere soIier-,yb
although he also had filled several civil Offices had
quickly resigned them all, frankly acknowledging in
instances, his ncompetency TO discharge their
ties. 1t has been said that had some differences with
the present Chief Magistrate at Client. 1t is true
iaGt questions which during the negotiations
ut that city, but the difference equally applied 10
present Minister at London, and TO the lamcntc cd
Bayard, between whom and myself, although We be-
Ionged TO opposite political parties, there existed warm
friendship 10 the hour of bis death II was not of
itature 10 prevent operation in the public SER
cc, as is demonstrated By the Convention at London
subsequently negotiated by Messrs. Adams, Gallatin
aud myself 1t was difference of opinion Oh a poin
"f eXpedency, and did not relate any constitutions
orfundamcna principle. But with respect 10 the con
drct of tue distinguished citizen Of Tennessee hat
splemUIy expressed under tic highest obligations OPT
mons, which, whether right wrong, were sincereI,
and honestly entertained, and are beh. These OPT
Mons related TO military Xercise of power believed
he arbitrary and unconstitutional should have lust
w subjected myself 10 tue grOssest inconsistency If
had given bin my suffrage thought if lie were elect
cd, tie Sword aud the Constitution, bad companions
would be brought too near together, could not nav
foyeseen that fully justified as have been BY ihos
very constituents, in virtue Of whose authntitv OK
0rcd the right of free suffrage, should pevcrthele,
be charged with breach of duty and corruption, b
strangers to them standing in other relation to Their
;c coniederacy IL in vain, that these revers hav
been called upon for their proofs have been defed,
again invited, 10 enter upon any mode Of fair
tIatIOn and TRIAL Shrinking from every impartial
animation, they with increased zeal in i
popa alton Of calunny, under the hope of SUPP lyu
Ivy tie frequency and bodness of asseveration III
War OF ruth, aud The deficiency of eyidepce--ur